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Original poster

Childminder with three under 18 months - good idea?

30 replies

geri32 · 28/02/2026 10:02

There’s a local childminder who seems to have a nice setting and has good reviews. However, if DD went there, she would be one of three under 18 months and it’s giving us a bit of pause for thought, as the CM only has one set of hands and it is such a high intensity age! Should we look elsewhere?

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Original poster
geri32 · 28/02/2026 17:51

user2848502016 · 28/02/2026 10:32

I think 3 under 18m is a lot actually and realistically there are going to be times she won’t be able to attend to all the DC at once.
It’s different in a nursery setting because even though they have a 3:1 ratio there are multiple members of staff in the room and all the babies aren’t going to need the same level of attention all the time

I think this is what I’m leaning towards. Thank you for helping me think about it!

OP posts:
user2848502016 · 28/02/2026 10:32

I think 3 under 18m is a lot actually and realistically there are going to be times she won’t be able to attend to all the DC at once.
It’s different in a nursery setting because even though they have a 3:1 ratio there are multiple members of staff in the room and all the babies aren’t going to need the same level of attention all the time

Throwntothewolves · 28/02/2026 10:12

I think there are rules about what the ratio at various ages is for childminders. When my son was young I think it was six total, with three under 5s at any given time, only one of which could be under 1. So if it's still the same the ratio is fine. Whether you're happy with it is another matter.
Do a bit of research on it, and ask the childminder how they manage scenarios when they have three of that age in their care. A good childminder will happily answer your concerns.

Ultimately if you're not happy you can look elsewhere. Be aware that no matter how many young children a childminder has in their care that could change. Also nursery ratios are unlikely to be any different. If you want one to one care and grandparents etc. are not an option, a nanny is the only viable alternative, but that is expensive.

Original poster
geri32 · 28/02/2026 10:11

Mmm that’s a good point. It would be just the three of them.

OP posts:
PickledElectricity · 28/02/2026 10:05

How many other children are there - how many is she minding in total? At nursery it's a 3:1 ratio so based on that it should be ok. But if there are other children besides the toddlers I wouldn't be happy.

I go to a soft play locally and often see a child minder there with 2 x 2 year olds and she spends most of her time stopping them fighting. Something to think about as they obviously aren't going to be 18 months forever.