would you leave 6 month old with lovely childminder/friend who has 2 rough boys?

[Gemzooks]

currently a friend from toddler group picks my son up from nursery and does other ad hoc babysitting. My son loves her and she would be willing I know to look after DC 2 (due March) from 6 months to 1 year, as I am a bit dubious about nursery before then.

However, she has 2 very boisterous sons of 4 and 5. Both go to school for the majority of the day but would be there for part of the afternoon. They are not nasty kids but are just very hyper and rough and I might be concerned about them falling on the baby or throwing something near it. My son is 2 and is fine with them as he just runs around yelling as well when he is with them.

Should I reconsider the nursery (they are very nice but not sure about getting enough attention), or try to find a completely different childminder? or would the existing one be OK (She is very trustworthy, kind and nice)... any advice appreciated!

6MO should be fine, and the 2 boys will be a little older by then too.

Is she a registered CM? You don't say so, but assuming she is, I would be happy to use her for DC2. My ds went to a CM at six-months where there were two older boys - not as old (2 and 3) but still very boisterous around him. It hasn't caused any problems because the CM is alert and aware and can be trusted to make sure the little one never came to any harm - just like you are when marshalling your 2-year-old around the baby I'm sure. My ds is 14 months old now and running around with the other boys so that period of vulnerability was over in no time and without incident. In your case, the risk is probably much lower as the older boys aren't around most of the time. Given all the good qualities you list, I would stick with this CM as someone new would have their own drawbacks and personally I have found nursery staff less attentive than a good CM.

no, not registered. I live in Holland. She's just another mum.. She's Turkish, very hygiene and safety conscious and very kind, patient and reliable, the kind of person you can trust absolutely. My son loves her and she adores him (he is very mellow compared to her 2!). She wouldn't let her boys be rough near the baby or whatever, it's just the risk factor..

we are talking in 8/9mths time or so both boys will be older and even if they are boisterious - sure the CM will be more than capable of telling them to be careful

dont know the rules in holland, but if shes not registeerd,is this legal or is it different in holland?

I have 2 fairly boisterous boys and have managed to get 2 more babies to toddlerhood without incident! I think it will be fine!

thanks all,

have no idea about the legality. It's an informal arrangement. However it might be better to make a more formalised thing to look after the baby 3 days a week, compared to just 1.5 hours nursery pick up for my son 3 times a week (nursery is 5 mins from her house and 5 mins from mine)...

I wouldn't be happy with this.

hmmm i dont think i would be able to stop worrying ! what about when baby is crawling etc ?

not so bad during term time as they would be at school,but what about school holidays ?

would she look after them too ?

I am a childminder with 3 bouncy boys aged 9, 6 and 2. I have found they are very sweet and kind to the little ones I look after and really look out for them. Yes they do have the odd mad moments but it is my job to ensure I meet everyones needs. so the bigger ones need time to run off their energy and the little ones need quiet time and so far it hasn't been a problem at all. My 6 and 9 year olds though are old enough to understand they cannot play rough games in the house. Speak to her about your concerns and see how she intends to manage the situation.

Guide to Dutch childcare system
If you are working and if you use a formal childcare facility, then you are entitled to Childcare Allowance - see here for more info, plus allowance calculator, plus contact details for English speaking staff who can help advise about childcare in the Netherlands.

Note: I don't know about the Dutch system, only how to search Google - so please visit the above sites for info and contact details for finding out more about childcare allowance and Dutch Childcare Act in the Netherlands.

thanks all.

I think I will visit the baby groups at the nursery (it really is a good nursery) to see if it seems ok, and gently look for a nanny for 6 months at the same time...I still have plenty of time cos baby not due till March and not going back to work till 1 October...

I think I would rather the baby in the nursery or with one on one care, all in all..