Baby bonding with childminder....

[Lissalad]

I am due to go back to work at the end of March (baba will be nearly 10 months old) and we plan to leave my baby girl with a childminder for 5 afternoons per week. My Husband gave up his job to look after our first born but he can't do this that this time but he is minding her in the mornings. I am worried that my little girl will create more of a bond with the childminder and I may lose some of that. I know I am being silly but any words of wisdom would be greatly received!!

First of all {{big hug}}. You really don't need to worry about them loving you any less, seriously, mummy and daddy always come first!!! I've had children start as early as 5 weeks old and growing up with us as a big family and they love me and my family very much BUT mummy and daddy are OF COURSE mummy and daddy and nobody can replace that.

I'm not sure I can say much else to make you feel better but please try not to worry

LT x

E started with me at 3 weeks. His mum was a teen parent and had to do her GCSE's.

Yes, we do have a special bond, but Im looked on more as an aunty.

It's Mummy who he wants to marry!!

I love him to bits, but I also love the other kiddies I look after.

You HAVE to create a bond to do this job well, in my opinion.

Don't worry, you will always be number 1.

Sally x x

As a (part-time) cm who is also using a cm for school aged child, and used one for older children from3mths old, I would be more concerned if there wasn't a bond between child and cm. As has been said, cms aren't there to replace mummies and daddies - look on us as an extended family.

My son had been home with me from birth till he started school last Sept and I worried about leaving him too - he loves the break away from me and the 'social life' he gets mixing with the children at cm's house.

I also work in a playgroup and have a fab relationship with most of the children I work with - you have to if you work with children - but their faces light up when parents/ grandparents pick them up at the end of the session

I have looked after lots of little ones and I hope they do bond with me and love me and my family, but they have always known that Mummy and Daddy are special. Don't worry. I really hope your little one does bond with the minder, but you don't need to worry about it. You will always be special.

Hi all, thanks so much for all of your advice, it's greatly appreciated! I know I am being overly sensitive but I guess it's natural! Thanks again!