Nursery & Grandparent childcare

[lisababyb]

Hi All,

I go back to work FT next week. Granny will be having DS Mon-Fri..

I would really love him to be able to get a little interaction with other children (DS is 7.5 months old). We have a lovely nursery at the end of our street who can offer 2 mornings a week.. but looking at our finances can only afford 1 morning a week 7.30-12.30.

They do the free 15 hours for when he is older, which is good (if government don't change it by then!)

I would like to know if 1 morninng a week would be beneficial....? He loved it when we had a look around.

Thank you all! :)

To be honest, I really wouldn't bother at 7.5 months old. He will be much happier with grandparents. I would not start a child at nursery before 2, and would be happier waiting till close to 3 (depending on child) - they don't really interact with other children until that age - even at 2 they are just doing 'parallel play'. Loving, attentive grandparents are the best possible childcare for a baby.

I did the same when DS was about 18months old.

Mum had him 3 days a week and he went to nursery one morning a week. It only took about 3 weeks for him to settle and get used to it. Nursery did warn me that not all children can settle with just one session a week but he was ok.

If it's a good nursery he should be fine. It will also be good back up if your mum is poorly / unexpectedly busy (they might have the space to allow for the odd extra session).

Looking after a baby full time is very hard going and a huge commitment for someone who isn't a parent or a paid nanny/childminder. I think definitely put him in nursery at least one morning to give your mum (or MIL) a break.

I think 1 morning a week is fairly pointless, it's a long time from one week to the next between visits.

Are there any baby and toddler groups locally that your Mum could take your ds to instead? that way they both get to meet other people and do something different for a few hours :)

It depends on the child. My eldest started once a week at 14 months and loved it after a few weeks, my youngest is 9 months and just starting now. As the previous poster said it will give your mum a break. I would give it a go, you can always change your mind.

I'd say at 7.5 months interaction is minimal, far better would be going to baby/toddler group with granny, and I'm with those who say there is no social point in nursery until they are at least 2 and often 3 - we're hanging on until 3.5 with my ds as I really don't think he's ready. However, the break for granny consideration might be far more important! Looking after a baby full time is a huge commitment for anyone.

Nurseries have sold the 'social stimulation' aspect to parents very cleverly but what's important at this age is a secure attachment figure - did you actually see any babies interacting with each other when you looked around the nursery :)?

I agree, do it to give Granny a break - at 7.5 months, your ds won't get any benefit from it. (and I speak as a nursery user btw - but fully believe one on one care is better for babies up to the age of 3).