Would you put your 20 month old in nursery if you didn’t have or need to?

[Fitnessmum1]

I am eligible for funded hours but don’t need them, my lo has been with me every day and only been left with his aunt about 3 times for a few hours.
I am at home and don’t need childcare but whilst it’s on offer with just a small supplement I could send him a couple days per week.
He does have older siblings and I take him to playgroups.

No.

No. I didn't do childcare with any of mine til I needed it.

Can’t vote because I would vote for home til school if there was no need for childcare.

@CurlewKate school nursery is from 3 is that what you mean?

No, none of mine went to nursery / childminders.

I did. However DH was in the Army so those 6hrs a week was literally the only break I had and I was pregnant. Meant I could go to midwives appointments with DD for example! Then with DD2 it was good to get a little 1-1 time with DD1.

It can be fun for them but its not a necessity for them. It can be a good break for mum though.

How are you eligible for funded hours at 2 years old if you're not working?

No, I wouldn’t at 20 months, but definitely I would from 3, maybe a bit earlier.

Yep, my dh worked away and I was at breaking point at 20 months with a high needs toddler and no sleep.

do what works for you. My youngest went to a childminder at around 8 months because I was working. She wasn’t my first choice but I needed someone in a hurry. She loved him almost as much as I did and he loved going there from the first day. He was spoilt rotten by her, taken out and about.

I get carers for
my great grandmother so I think that qualifies but hoping to do nails self employed soon aswel

I would definitely seriously think about it. It is good socialisation for children and they will have experiences that literally cannot be provided at home by mum. But it would be a wrench when they're so small!

Not if I could provide what they needed at home. Good quality home based care is the best option.

If there are struggles of any kind at home and your child isn't getting the attention/stimulation that they need then nursery is a good option.

Also, if you just need a break sending them to nursery for a few hours a week is fine. They don't need it, but sometimes you do and that's ok.

No, I didn’t and wouldn’t personally. Mine went to preschool at 3 for the 15 hours a week and that was great preparation for starting reception. I wouldn’t have sent them younger than that (unless I was working etc.)

No. I put my 26 month old with a childminder when I returned to full time work, but if I could have stayed at home with him, I would.

20 month olds don't need socialising, assuming they go out and about with you. I wouldn't have mine go at that age unless I really needed to for whatever reason. I would wait till they are 3.

There is literally nothing a childminder/nursery can do that a mother can’t (for a 2 year old). Ridiculous comment.

100% yes. Everyone needs a break - even the baby!

Yes, I absolutely would.

DS did 2 x 2 hour sessions a week at that age, mainly because I was pregnant with DD and totally knackered. I wouldn't have done any longer.

Yes definitely. My DCs are now 17 and 19 and some of their closest friendships now are with those they went to nursery with. They were at nursery, then to the same primary and on to the same secondary.
Nursery is the start for developing deep social relationships and connections imo

I definitely would.

My little one started with a childminder at 21mo. It was a break for me and also a chance for him to be around other children because he rarely was otherwise. He's nearly 3 now and absolutely loves it there. Don't let people on here guilt trip you. If it works for you and your child then that's what matters

What experiences do you think a 20 month old needs that can't be provided at home?

I found that the nursery did a lot more creative and sensory play that I didn't have imagination for. Fir example her first week was just before Halloween, they had chopped up a pumpkin and were looking at the different bits, they used the skin for painting, they had pumpkin soup, they collected leaves...
All stuff I could have done at home, but wouldn't have necessarily thought to (especially the pumpkin). Every week had a different theme.

She enjoyed it. It wasn't necessary but it was fun.i wouldn't have continued if she didn't enjoy it.

No, not until age 3 and then only part time and maybe.

I got a break from my youngest by sending him to a childminder one short day per week from age 1.