When to start looking for a nursery?

[Heirhelp]

I am 6 months pregnant and thinking of taking 1 year of maternity leave. When I return to work I would ideally have a good child minder but I need to find the right one. Somebody told me today that if I wanted a nursery I would need to look now. Is this true?

[Heirhelp]

Thanks, I better get started. Does anybody know about when you would start looking for a childminder?

[Micah]

Yes.

I think i started looking after my 20 wk scan, and only then got a place because a new nursery opened.

Sooner the better. Some areas will be fine, but best get it sorted and get on waiting lists.

[CultureSucksDownWords]

It could be if the nursery you'd like is popular and full. I'm less pregnant than you but have already put my DC2 down on the list for the nursery I want to use. My DS1 already attends and I know how long their waiting list is!

But it might not be as bad where you are, it really depends on the demand.

[pregnantgrump]

Yes.

[saggyboobs1]

Depends on your area. Some have 12 month waiting lists. Probably worth starting to look into it.