[samoocha1991]

Hi all I'm a mum of 2 and my 4 year old already goes to day care Wednesday & Fridays they are wonderful there and are an excellent set of people. I'm trying to decide whether to send my 4 month old there on a Friday.

I need time to study in the course im doing and cant seem to find it, what's everyone elses thoughts.

Feeling very guilty already

[msro82]

DD started at 4.5 months and was fine :-)

[Milly Molly Mand...]

You need to not worry about what anyone else thinks and go with what you need and want to do (hopefully those two things match)

[her mum]

Depends what you think and what your priorities are I think.

Me personally, I couldn't do it until they're walking as it just seems that then they would be able to have fun as they're no longer at an age that they just want to be held for a good part of the day, which isn't really going to happen at daycare given the number of kids to carers.

I have friends that sent their kids at 8 weeks because they really needed to be able to go back to work.

I don't think it's a decision someone else can make for you.

[bubmakes3]

My DS started one day per week from 6 months. He was fine!

[countrymel]

My nephew was going full time from the age of 6 months. He is now 9 and one of the most delightful, well adjusted little boys you could ever wish to meet.

One day - to allow you to study? Don't feel guilty, feel empowered that you have this option and are able to utilise it to get ahead.

[Mose]

Hey there.

There is a special forum further down the main page where you can find all sorts of interesting threads on the topic of daycare.

In answer to your question, I really think this is an extremely personal decision. For me, I held out until DS was over 12mo - even though both DH and I could see that psychologically I would personally be better off back at work.

If we were ever lucky enough to have number 2, I would probably try and get as close as possible to 12mo again. It made me happy to think he could crawl and pull himself up to see what was on the activity tables, and that for me, outweighed the desire to return to work.

But I have many colleagues who have cheerfully put their children in daycare from 3 or 4 months old, and have no regrets about doing so.

Of course you want your little one to be happy, but part of their happiness is "whole family happiness" - which they may not be getting if you are constantly stressed about your studies.

Also, if they were genuinely too young...the centre would say so. All centres have a minimum age (usually either 6 weeks or 3 months), and that is really the minimum at which the centre says before that they are too young and the centre cannot adequately cater to their needs. Once you have passed your centre's minimum age then it is really a very personal choice of what is best for your whole family.

[Mrs Manager]

4 months is fine, mine started that age with no problems, though I would say that if your budget would strech to 2 days that would actually be kinder as 1 day can make it a bit harder to settle in.

[samoocha1991]

Thanks everyone, I didnt put my first one into daycare untill 2 so will trial if for a month or so and see how it goes can always stop it if its not suiting.

[jibsi]

Hi OP,

I think you have to do whatever you feel comfortable with, ensuring the needs of your family are met.
At the end of the day it really doesn't matter what other people think or do with their families because everyone's situation is different.

Personally I think babies under 12 months are a bit young for daycare, but that is just my opinion, doesn't mean I'm right or wrong. I've been fortunate enough to keep my 2 at home with me until they turn 1 but I realise not everyone can (or wants) to do that.

It also depends on your baby too, some cope better than others with separation.