To put my son in nursery for one day a week? Opinions?

[wednes]

I'm definitely going to put my son in to nursery for one day a week - has anyone else done this and what should I be aware of?

That it’s really hard to find a nursery that offers only one day....

How old? Any why?

I think one day a week can be a bit tricky for the child - not often enough to settle in well. How old is he?

A lot of nurseries won’t do one day a week as it’s harder for the child

Any nursery with the child's interests at heart won't offer just one day. It's not fair on the child. It's to short a time to integrate with other children and get to know the staff, and it's too long between sessions to get used to the environment and being away from family.

Mine went in from 11 months only 1 day.

It may take a little longer for them to settle to be prepared to need a heart of steel if they get upset. After the settling sessions we only did short days to begin with, and we also started when I was still off work so I could intervene if needed.

She was fine for a while but is going through a clingy stage so after afternoon naps is getting upset so having to collect earlier.

Also on that one day her routine is slightly different to what I do at home but doesn't seem to bother her.

I have found her development has been great even just doing the one day and the staff are brilliant. My dd even walks into nursery on her own accord and sits down ready for breakfast.

My nursery has a singing class for an hour on a different day when I'm off which we go to as well and that helps. Also we try to go to stay and play events, or granny goes if I am working which reinforces the positive side of nursery.

I sent DD to nursery for one day a week when she was two. Then upped it to three days a week once she was three and her free hours kicked in. Nursery had no issues with this and said that it was quite common.

Do you want to be a SAHM but have a day off? Childminder perhaps? If you can find one for once a week. It might be less difficult for him to get used to.

My youngest has been going to nursery 1 day a week since he was about 9 months. He’s 2.5 now. He loves his day at nursery.

My daughter goes to nursery one day a week. She loves it and is happy there. No problem at all imo

My daughter used to go every Wednesday from a few months old. It was a godsend for me because I had no family support & she enjoyed it too!

It also exposed her to lots of childhood illnesses which boosted her immune system.

I sent DD to childminder 1 day a week from 13 months. She settled beautifully. As with all childcare, if the setting works for the child that's the key.

My daughter went for one day a week from just under 18mo without issue. She has a couple of friends there now who are the same (although she does 1.5 days with her free hours now). If you can afford it and want to, I don't see why you shouldn't do it.

My DD went to nursery one day a week from 8mths to 3yrs when we increased it to 2 days, then 3 & now 4 days - she starts school in September.
DS is in a different nursery 1 day a week & has been since the beginning of March. It takes longer for them to settle but he's fine now - & we'll increase it probably next year to 2 days.

My twins have gone to nursery for one day a week since they were 18 months. When they are eligible for 30hrs funding they'll go for 3 days but we can't afford any more right now. There was never any mention or concern over the one day only thing - they settled very well and love their mid week treat to see their friends and love / look forward to going.

My DS went one day a week at six months in preparation for me returning to work f/t. He was fine but it was much better when he went more days as they can be a bit unsettled when it’s just one day....especially when they’re young.

Our nursery would only offer a minimum of 4 sessions (so two days, or 4 morning/afternoon sessions) because it is harder for them to settle with fewer sessions. You will have to talk to the nurseries you look at to find out if they offer this.
I wouldn’t personally do it, my daughter struggled settling with 2 days when I was on maternity leave, but it depends on you and your child.

all nurseries I looked at wanted 2 full days min, or 4 mornings.

DD 20 months: I love our nursery, my LO is thriving in hers (2.5days a week). Cried when i left her the first few times then fine. Shes learning to play with toys better and interracial more. Couldnt recommend more

My sons does 3hrs once a week at nursery.. It's all we could afford and what paeditrician and speech and language recommended as bare minimum for him to help with his communication and social needs.

Their are plenty of nurseries that do allow it, there 6 by me that do it. It's classed as morning or afternoon sessions.

Bump for the evening crowd.

Thanks for the interesting responses so far

My daughter has been in nursery 1 day a week since just before she was 2 and is now coming up for 3 and she has a fab time and settled in really well. She does 8-4.30/5 sometimes even 5.30

Personally I wouldn’t do it - it would take too long in between for him to remember what it’s like and you’ll have to deal with that. He’ll never get used to it. Also most places won’t allot just one day.

My son went one day a week and really, really struggled. We were about to switch to a nanny as nursery said it wasnt working but I jiggled things around and he went 5 morning instead and loved it. So it depends on the child but mine liked routine and found acrandom ling day to much. Lots of others dont, obviously.

Both ds1&2 did two afternoons a week. I was a single parent with ds1, and then had some health issues when ds2 was small. It gave me some downtime, plus time with the older child/ren. They enjoyed it, and the nurseries were fine with it. If it works for you and your family, for whatever reason, then give it a try.

1 day = May aswell not bother