Childcare one day a week

[Violet1988]

I am currently on maternity leave and work part time 2.5 days a week, returning in the middle of January. With husband's shifts there is only one day a week we are not able to cover between us. Would it be really unsettling for our child (will be 13 months) to be left with a childminder just one day a week?

I think so, yes. Most childcare settings that I know of (come across them professionally, so know the t&c's of quite a few!) specify a minimum of 2 days, even if those days aren't full sessions

Thanks for your input, this was my initial thoughts too.

My son's childminder has a couple of children that only attend 1 day a week and they are very happy to attend. I think it depends on the setting, somewhere smaller and more homely they will find it easier to settle, even if it is just 1 day a week.

I've had children one day a week, most are fine, the odd child takes much longer to settle but these are children that would have struggled anyway.

I’ve had a few children who only do one day a week, some settle really quickly and some take longer. The settling in process can be tricky for children who only do one day a week as there are such large gaps between each session. It’s possible though and some children breeze through it, just be prepared that settling in may take a lot longer.

Generally more frequently makes it easier for them to settle.

Could you try to see if work will let you do 3 or 3.5 days? And then lo can have 2 days at childcare? 1 day is really hard to find but I do know someone who found 1 day at nursery a week so could try a nursery.

My DD is now at college but I used to do 2 days per week and she also only went to childminder for one day. The other day she was with a family member.
Started aged 12 months until around age 5 - had no issues at all.

No....I would do more frequent settling in visits then it's no problem. Most settings say no because of finances