To ask at what age you put your child in nursery?

[chuckb4ss]

Was it part time or full time, and did you feel it was beneficial for your child?

I've read that research shows babies should be with their primary caregiver for the first few years in order to create a secure, healthy attachment, but I simply cannot last that long!

2.5yrs. They love it.

5 months. Full time. I only got 6 months mat leave back then. She was always really happy there and they did so much stuff I would never have thought to do at home.

12.5 months, 9-5pm, 5 days per week.

She's been there for three weeks now and she absolutely loves it!

Started settling at 5.5 and full time from 6 months

A baby friend she met then is still a friend age 7!

About 15 months she started going two mornings a week. It’s a good amount of time I think - I needed the mental break and she got a good amount of stimulation, without being away for too long and without the cost being astronomical. I plan to increase it to more time when she’s three.

12 months. Two full days a week.

I don’t believe that the right time to send a child to nursery can be completely identified by research. I think there’s a lot that goes into it - the child’s personality, the parents needs etc. Any research won’t be relevant to every case. So I guess what I’m saying is I did what was best for me and my family as a whole. That’s all you can do really.

I work in a Nursery, I think the optimum time is 2.5- 3yrs.
Childminders are a better option for younger babies and toddlers in my personal opinion. Lots of factors to consider though- the size of the Nursery. Some are quite small and can offer great quality of care- others are like baby factories. Child's personality, adults and set up all make a difference. Go and visit some- you will get a feel for what is right for you.

2 and a quarter for two mornings. Cried a lot

6 months out due to Covid. Went back and loved it. Now does three days.

Loads of nature stuff, outside pretty much. She really enjoys it

No @SnackSizeRaisin, not defensive at all.
Just not impressed by the goady OP

I do get cross when people try to make parents who work outside the home feel guilty.
Same as I do when people try to make SAHP feel guilty.
We are all in different circumstances and we all have different strengths and skills. We all make different choices.

Why try and make out someone else's circumstances somehow make them a better parent ?

Oh and she’s now three

8 months 3 full days per week as had to return to work and no family local. If anything I think it strengthened my attachment/bond as going back to work was a massive step forward in terms of PND treatment and I felt I had more to give/put into our time on my days off when I had had my days at work.

Yeah put your babies into nursery at 6 months old but then come on here and screech at ppl who leave their 8 year olds home alone for ten minutes to go to the shops All kinds of wrong

2 for playgroup (2hours) or childminder (longer but home based)

3 for nursery school.

I did half days for one child as he was/is very anxious, and I was concerned about raised cortisol levels for him in particular. A lot depends on the temperament of your child.

I don't see the point in having children if you are just going to shove them into nursery FT at 3-6 months.

Only a pre school year at 4- part time ( reception equivalent)
Far too busy having fun and learning to want to use nursery
Mine both started preschool at 3.5 , but my experience is same. I really enjoyed that time I spent with them in those early years. Some hard work, but a lot of fun watching them learn. Those years were very happy ones.

I don't see the point in having children if you are just going to shove them into nursery FT at 3-6 months.

Do you feel the same about working fathers? Can only couples who can afford a sahp procreate?

11 months - part time.

I had to go back to work and he got the best of both worlds.

I don't see the point in having children if you are just going to shove them into nursery FT at 3-6 months.

Do you think they live there and never see their parents again?

10 months for 4 days a week. She loves it.

My DS was 13 months and went 2 full days a week.

My DD will go at the same age for 2 full days. She's 20 weeks.

ILs have them one day. I only work 3 days.

The nursery mine go to had twins from 13 weeks - I felt a little sad for them but they are happy little things and the nursery is amazing so I'm sure they were fine.

7 months , he absolutely loves it , is thriving , has great social interaction, and we have the best bond . I work 3 days per week.

A lot of people have no choice ! Mine will be going at 8 or 9 months - probably 4 days a week! We both need to work - I can’t afford to he the perfect parent who stays home for the right amount of time to give my child the best start according to your research. And tbh i wouldn’t want to either.

DD was 14 months. 3 days a week to start with, up to 4 days at about 20 months due to covid removing the grandparent day. She's 26 months now and seems very happy with the arrangement.

It’s only on Mn where I’ve seen some parents criticising mothers for using nursery for their six month olds. No one seems to mention the fathers. When mine were that age it was the norm so nothing usual. Our DC’s turned into normal children and young adults with the usual healthy relationship with ourselves. How can you keep your career if you don’t use childcare?
Why is it a problem?

@Lovesgood

Yeah put your babies into nursery at 6 months old but then come on here and screech at ppl who leave their 8 year olds home alone for ten minutes to go to the shops All kinds of wrong

How do you know it's the same people doing that? Have you really cross referenced users?

Many people don't have a choice about using childcare- how else do you suggest many of us pay the bills?