What age did you put your baby/child into childcare?

There is no normal as what childcare you have access to depends on where you live.

Mine was with a CM 3 days before she was 10 months old for 3 days per week until 3 days before she was 3. She then started nursery as well. I took 4.5 months after birth my DP took the rest. My DP looked after her the other 2 days until she started nursery.

Another friend of mine did similar with her first but sent her child to nursery. One of the child's grandmothers looked after the child 1 day per week, and either her or her husband did the other day.

My son went at 9 months for 3 days a week and my daughter at 8 months for the same. As everyone else has said, there is no 'normal', it was just what felt right for us and our kids. My husband had 4 weeks paternity leave and then took 2 weeks annual leave.

9-10mo (can't remember exactly) 4 days pw.

DD1 benefitted from having loads of other kids around, she saw them walking / talking / eating with cutlery and wanted to do the same. DD2 just watched it all and was the biggest in the baby room for ages because she just sat and watched and never moved!

9 or 10 months with both of mine. Childminder and grandparents with dc1 and 3 days per week nursery with dc2. I like the nursery as dc2 gets a very routine time there and I think that has helped her settle. They also make all their meals so they are all eating the same (and it’s sooo much easier for me!).

DD, nanny share at 9 months. DD, nursery at 11 months.

Husband took no time off at all.

Dc1 - 9 months mat leave, returned part time, GPs did childcare. Started pre school ages 2 progressing from 2 half days, to 2.5 days by the time he was starting school

Dc2 ' 14 months mat leave. GPS did childcare. Preschool at 2, started with 2 days up to 4

My daughter went to a childminder 4 days a week (9-5 on 3 days a week and 9-3 1 day) from 6 months of age. A lot of people made me feel bad with their comments about young she was but she adapted really well and my new job could only wait so long for me.

Husband took 8 weeks (4 weeks paternity, 1 week coincided with when the workplace is closed anyway, and he added on 3 weeks annual leave).

We went back earlier when I had DS1, so he was with a childminder at 6 months, then we moved him to a nursery at 7 months (childminder logistics didn’t suit him or my job), I was back 3 days a week.
DS2 was at nursery 2 days a week from 10 months and also a nanny 2 days.
I took a career break after having DD, but we had a mother’s help.

12 months and 2 days a week.

She'll be fine at 10 months.

From 4 months old 3 days a week.

DS went in at 6 weeks, it was the 1980's and we only had minimum maternity leave, I was a single mum.
He had a lovely childminder who was like family for years and was happy there.

Both mine went for 3 days a week from 6 months old. Mondays they spent with DH's parents and Fridays they spent with me/us. Normally either visiting my parents or going out with NCT friends.

DH and I are self employed so no parental leave as such though since we had December babies they were born at our quietest time of year.

I don't think there is a 'normal'. You just have to work out what's best for your family.

There is no normal, but 12 months 3 days a week

I took 10 months off, DP has two weeks.

We put him in nursery at 2, was with grandparents before that.

Normal is whatever works for you.

Full time in a nursery Mon - Fri, hours between 8am and 6pm, she was 5 months old at the time. I wish I’d had a bit longer at home with her, but she’s nearly 12 now and absolutely has not been adversely affected by it. We have always been very close.

Dad had 2 weeks paternity leave. But there is no ‘normal’. It’s what is right for your family, and what you can financially afford.

Normal is whatever suits your life

My DD went to nursery from 9 months and was very happy and settled there