Creche's - should we really send our children when they are only one year old or should we keep them with us at home if we can afford it?

[earlylearner]

Maybe someone would advise me if I should send my one year old to a creche. I am not a working Mum but if there are benefits of my child going to a creche at this age, could someone let me know please.

imo I can see no need to send your 1yo to a creche if you don't need to - your children can get all the social interation from yourself, toddler groups, play areas, outings etc.

Not if you don't want to

No particular benefit to the child in childcare at this age - only use it if it benefits you.

nothing wrong with putting baby in creche for an hour while you go for a swim/aerobics class/gym etc, our sports centre has a creche for exactly that and all the babies seem quite contented.

Dont think it is actually beneficial to the baby as in being an improvement on being at home with mummy, but if he/she is happy enough to go and you are happy to have an hours adult time then go for it!

No, there are no benefits unless your home is really very small and/or you are unhappy being with your child all day with no break.

I think it depends on your reasons for putting a baby in a creche. It certainly won't harm the child, but I don't think they gain much from the creche either.

If a baby has a happy Mum, then he/she will benefit.