Too young for daycare?

[Helena1993]

My baby will be starting daycare at 1 year. Is that too young?

Too young for what? Loads of babies start childcare at that age and much younger if their parents need to work.

I've been told that I'm neglecting her if I put her into childcare this early... But I think it would benefit her tremendously just to meet other kids and try loads of different activities that I can't provide at home..

The nursery my DS went to took children from as young as 6 weeks. My DS went when he was 8 months due to our work commitments. There isn't an age which is 'too young'. It's all circumstantial.

Ds1 started at 18 months. Ds2 started at 6 months and DD1 started at 11 months. we have no close family by so Nursery was our only option so I could work. Is it for mixing with other kids or do you can work?

Both. I'll also go back to work

Who exactly is telling you it’s too young? 1 is the age most children with working parents start, lots will start earlier.

My DD started at 10.5 months and still goes to her childminder at nearly 3.

She loves it. She is such a clever, socialable little girl and I have no doubts that being in the childminder setting helped her.

Thanks everyone. That's very reassuring.

My son started nursery at 10 months. For younger children they will be in the baby room so it’s not as overwhelming.

those that say you’re neglecting your child? Are they willing to pay the cost of your wages?

The majority of kids start at that age or earlier as that's the maximum length maternity leave tends to last. The most kids are absolutely fine with it.

When I had my eldest, UK maternity leave was 14 weeks.

Loads of us went back to work before a year was up.

Our DC are fine

My baby started at 11 weeks. Not full time though. It worked out fine and he has a lovely bond with his caregivers.
Don’t let others guilt trip you. As long as you are happy with the environment and people he/she is left with, then go for it!

My middle DS started at 5 1/2 months. There was no option as I had to go back to work due to our finances. It was OK but I did worry with him being so small.

I feel very guilty even though I went there today and saw all the happy toddlers running around. They can give my baby so much that I can't...

Mine went at four and five months pt to nursery. It wasn't for their benefit but mine, so I could have a break and get back to work.
They're now 20 and 17 and perfectly unscathed.
And my pension looks great.

I've been told that I'm neglecting her if I put her into childcare this early

Who told you this?

1 is the standard age as maternity leave comes to an end. My daughter started at 1 and (apart from the many nursery bugs she picked up) has totally thrived there. I felt all sorts when it came to putting her in childcare for my return to work but honestly it's been bloody amazing for her. She totally loves it there.

In my opinion, it's better they start at that age rather than later on - they just take it in their stride (or mine did).

Ignore the people guilt tripping you. I've been back at work full time since our baby was 7 months - she settled totally fine, no issues and continues to go happily each day. It's tough to start with for you and be prepared for a lot of sickness bugs the first few months, but it does get better. Good luck.

Both mine started at that age! DD1 started school in September with no tears whatsoever! She's been so used to spending time with others, and I wonder if being at nursery from 11 months helped. It has always made her more confident with others for sure!

My little girl started crèche at 6 months and I have no regrets. She is 20 months old now. She has adapted very well to it. I breastfeed so I was a little worried about her not being able to nap without falling asleep on the boob, but after a few days they had her napping fine. Some people have old fashioned views that a mother should stay at home to look after their kids, but I think it's great for their development. They mix with other children, learn how to share and interact, and the staff's sole job is to look after your child so I think my little girl gets more attention than she would at home with me running around trying to clean and all the rest of it. You're not doing anything wrong.

... saw all the happy toddlers running around. They can give my baby so much that I can't...

What can they give your baby that you can't? Obviously it's fine to put her in nursery if you need to work/ need some time to yourself, but they don't really do anything you can't replicate at home or at toddler groups or just going out and about.

But, no of course you aren't neglecting her if you use child care!

Nursery for a one year old won’t offer your baby more than you can and they don’t need socialising at that age. It’s different for older toddlers. But if you have to or want to work then your baby will be fine.

Unless other people are offering to stop their own paid work and look after her for you their opinion doesn’t count.

My twins started at 20 weeks full time with a childminder. As the main earner I didn't have the luxury of extended maternity leave - they are happy well adjusted and hitting all their milestones and more

I think nursery definitely offers more to my baby than I can day in day out. There is no way I can entertain my baby for X amount of hours a day. I just cannot do it. At nursery, they play with her, do lots of tummy time which she seems to hate with me, she is socialised with other babies. It's good for them.