To send my baby to nursery?

[SaraJS216]

DD is almost 8 months and due to start nursery for one day a week in February. She initially wasn't due to start until I return to work in April, however due to baby classes not running and being unable to meet other mums and their babies, I have been worried about her spending so much time with just me at home (I'm a single mother). So I thought nursery would be good for her development which I've been feeling anxious about.

My mum and her partner (in their 60's) have DD one night a week at the moment, but have said they won't be willing to do so if she goes to nursery as they feel the risk of her potentially catching and transmitting covid to them is too high, so would only see us outside for walks. They have a great bond with DD and i would feel sad for her and them not having as much contact, but as I said I'm worried about her development potentially being affected by the current situation.

I do understand their feelings, however I'm now torn about what to do. AIBU if I send DD to nursery?

Her development will absolutely not be affecting by being home just with you. It's really only in very recent times that all these baby classes have been in existence. Throughout all of time, babies have mostly just hung out at home with their parents and close family. She'll be absolutely fine. But if you want her to be in nursery so you have a bit of a break, then that's the right thing for you to do. But I would see it as the benefit is for you rather than her at this point. Once they get to about 2, they actually start to play with other children and it's a bit different.

But yes, I think your mum is being very sensible. The risk of her getting ill is not worth it in the short term. I think you have to weigh up whether it's more important to see your mum and have that one night a week or have nursery.