What age to start nursery?

[EthanDC]

I'm wondering if sending my unborn son, due in July to nursery even though my DP won't be working.

I have heard it can help them develop in a number of ways.

Please help with your experiences & advice.

Thanks in advance :)

Personally I think nursery for under 18mos should really be for childcare purposes than socialising. They dont play or intereact with each other under that age so whilst they offer a great solution to childcare needs they arent essential in terms of development - the baby will thrive with their parent full time and wont be "behind" peers

Mine only ever started to interact with other kids playing fro. 18mo and tbh playgroups/toddler groups would suit them too.

Up to you how you spend your money but won't really be of benefit for a year or two. How does your do feel about it, would the prefer to spend time with the lo?

They get everything they need from stay and play groups until they get the free hours after their third birthday.

Tbh they probably (wants to avaoid flaming, I used childcare from 8mo with both if mine) get more enrichement from one to one and being taken to random nice places or interesting areas such as rhyme time / museums / crafts / swimming than being in full time nursery as babies.

I think roundabout 3 is a perfect age. Before that it is only for childcare (which is fine). I sent dd1 at 3, dd2 will be starting term before she is3 so she can settle in with her sister there.

Until age 2.5 to 3 they don't 'need' nursery. Time with primary caregiver more important for babies. Plus some drop in playgroups thrown in for good measure.

How much support does your DP have at home? Another angle is that a couple of short sessions at a nursery each week could be a lifesaver for her if you are away for long hours or work away alot and she doesn't have lots of family nearby to help.

My ideal age would be 2.5-3 I think. Though to some extent dependent on child. Whatever age they're interested in socialising at play dates/ toddler groups, then I think it's a real benefit. Also from 2.5ish there will be more options available, particularly shorter session preschool/playgroups.

Actual experiences - we needed childcare. DS wasn't interested in playing with other children till well over 4 despite being at nursery. DD was at a childminder's and was very happy to start preschool at just over 3, very sociable, absolutely loves it. To what extent that was down to personality and to what extent CM gave her a better start I can't say.

We didn't have a choice, I need to go back to work. I am really worried about her, although good advice from the other posters has calmed me down a bit. I just think that whatever works for mum and dad will be good for baby. would i put her in fulltime if i did not need to work? no, but i might put her in a couple of days. The babies I saw in the nursery i finally chose were happy, they were interacting with each other and the staff and it was a lovely calm homely feel. Some of the ones I looked at were a definite no, too busy and noisy. But she is the first, maybe a second could cope with more noise and stuff going on. friend told me her third used to mope about the house when the first two went to school, just needed something else going on!

I have nothing against nurseries. I worked in them for years but I wouldn't use a nursery for a child under 3 unless I had to for childcare
I don't think it does any harm and I've seen some fantastic nurseries, but I believe children don't need nursery until they are 3
Then I do think it is really important for developing confidence, independence and social skills before they go to school