Childcare advice needed for 11 month old

[bunnybunyip]

Hello
My DS, 11 months, started nursery in October but it doesn't seem to be working out. He is a child who seems to need a lot of attention and he is getting increasingly distressed at nursery and even in the evenings after nursery, won't sleep there so he is always shattered and miserable.
Do you think a childminder is likely to be a better option in this situation? I read they can take up to 6 children with 3 under 5, so is it likely DS will get any more attention?
Thanks

Childminders who work alone are allowed up to 6 children under 8. Under most circumstances 3 of these children can be under 5 and often only one of these can be under 1. Some children do well as there are only a few children and is the same adult every day. I personally find children under 3 seem to do better in smaller environments and as a childminder find the little ones love being with older ones. Maybe visit a few childminders in your local area and have a chat but don't commit to any contracts until you have decided what will fit in with you and your son. Every child is different but as his mother you will know what suits your son best. You may decide to stick with the nursery a while longer or decide to change to using a childminder but it normally feels right when you find the right place for you and your child.

I think a cm is better than nursery imo from what I've seen and heard from other mothers I know. I use a cm and my ds is well rested and so happy in a home environment. You have to find a cm that you really like, though and trust.

Yes, some childminders do take up to 6 children with up to 3 under 5 but, don't forget, that for the majority of the day it will only be the 3 younger children there as the older ones will be at school so yes, your ds will be getting lots of attention! He should also be able to sleep much better -the 3 under 3 I have at the moment all have their own travel cots to use in seperate rooms as and when they need to so get a nice quiet darkened room to sleep in. You may also find that he benefits from having the same adult and children every day so he can form closer relationships and a cm should be better placed to follow your child's own individual routine (within reason bearing in mind the other children she cares for).
I recently took on a child who, like your ds, started at nursery but just wasn't happy there. He was settled within a week, sleeping and eating well and has developed great relationships with both me and the other children. His Mum can't believe the difference.

Well all I would say is that just because someone is registered to take 6 children doesn't mean that they actually do - I can take that many but I wouldn't even contemplate it unless they were all older children.

It does sound like your LO might feel safer in a closer environment, nursery definitely isn't for everyone so go and see a couple of childminders and ask how many kids they look after and what their routines are, I look after a 4m/o and my 17m/o daughter every week day, and three mornings a week I look after a 15m/o as well, but as I said I'm registered to look after 5 kids and obviously my daughter makes it 6.