should DD start nursery?

[sparklesparkle]

DD is 14 months and we're trying for another. We'd planned to start her on nursery soon (as it'd be much easier with work, though we don't absolutely have to) but are wondering whether to or not if we'd then pull her out for a year while I was on mat leave.

I'm not pregnant yet!

Do you think, with a child this age, it would be ok to start nursery, do it for 6 months, and then stop -- or would it just cut the hassle to not send her?

DD has been at nursery since she was 10months. Fantastic. She loves it and has learnt so much already.

Every time they move 'room' it's like going to a new nursery imo, so I wouldn't worry about sending her then stopping personally. If on mat leave, can you afford to still send her a couple of days?

interesting. Do they move room at 2? That would mean I could pull her out just before room move anyway.

Agree purple Dd been there from 10 months totally loves it. So good for her as an only child. Started on just 2 afternoons....now does three days.
Have you looked at any good ones in your area?

I wouldn't pull her out. If you can send her for a couple of mornings a week when you are on maternity leave. If you get pregnant quickly she will be over 2 when you go on maternity leave and that's the time when they gain a lot out of nursery. Pulling her out at the time will make it harder for her to settle when you put her back in again.

ah ok - I had kind of taken for granted that she wouldn't like nursery til over 2 but it sounds like maybe she would

Time of room change varies on nursery and development of child. My dd joined a nursery last year aged 19 months. Most children move 'up' to the next room aged 2, however both I and the nursery manager felt dd would benefit from staying a bit longer in the age 1-2 room, so she is moving up next week aged 2.2. Personally I wouldn't put a child in for a short time, but that is only because mine really loves it, and when we have driven past the building, during the Christmas hols, dd has started excitedly pointing at the nursery, thinking she is going and has been disappointed that she is not. All children (and families) are different though, do what suits your life, but be prepared that once started, there is a possibility your child may not want to stop!

Definately agree last 2 posts. Pulling out may not be a good idea....couldn't imagine having had to pull dd out after 6 months as she loves it so much. We have never needed to send her for childcare. Just wanted her to be with other children.
Good luck

Depends on the child. My dd hated all activities without me until she was nearly 4 and went briefly to preschool- I didn't have to send her so I didn't. Ds was an incredibly social animal and loved any activity with other children whether I was there or not practically from birth and so went to loads of things.

Jut make sure that you either get her well established at nursery well before the new baby, or wait til well after. She mustn't link the two in her head at all.

ah good point curlew -

I wouldn't put her in then out, personally.

Can you look a bit further ahead to when you get funded hours (either at 2 or 3) and how you would use them (5 half days, a couple of full days) and which nurseries would be best then and go from there ?