Hi,
Bella will be 7 months old when I'll need to go back to work in early Mar 2008. Please send your good news stories of little ones in childcare because my husband & I are really nervous. We've asked a load of questions and the think the centre seems great but do they just tell you what you want to hear??

Worried mum

Hi there,

My husband and I were just as nervous when I first went back to work when bub was 7 months too. We found a great child care near home that so happened to have a spot for her. (I know how lucky!) Anyway, we spoke to her carers and also the director of the centre and read through their policies and procedures. They are run by KU children services.

Anyway on bub's first and second day there was crying when I left her there, but after that she just settled right in. I was with her for the first week to make sure she's okay with the surroundings before returning to work. At 7 months, you're pretty much safe from the separation anxiety issue which kids usually get around 12 months onwards.

Another thing that might help is see how they respond to other kids in the centre? that'll give you a good idea how they do things there and how they'd care for your child.

Good luck!

Regards,

Hi,

I will be having my baby in Feb 07 & will proberly have to put her straight into day care from about 8 weeks old, as we can not afford for me not to be working But as I have a diploma in children's services & have worked as both as a child care worker & a family day carer, i am not so worried. I know what to look for, what questions to ask & genually what sort of feeling I want to get about the day care or FDCarer.

I say go with your gut feeling & ask the centre to be honest & let you know if they think Bella is taking too long to settle in & you can always visit during the day or call as many times as needed to make you feel secure.

Also perhaps you should go for some visits to the centre on the days Bella will attend for about 1hr each time a few weeks before hand. That way Bella will know the staff & chn before starting full-time & settle in easier.

We started 'breaking in' our DD into childcare from seven months. I gradually built up her hours over a month so that at 8 months she was going 4 days a week. To be honest I think I found it harder than she did. I would drop her off and then I would cry in the car. The staff at the centre were extremely supportive of me and her. DD ended up settling in really well and only had one bad day where I had to go and pick her up early.
DD is now 15 months and absolutely loves her carers and loves going to daycare. I think it depends on the personality of your little one and the carers. Some might take longer to settle in than others. It also helps to have complete confidence in the place you are sending her too.

Good luck!

Hi

Both of mine commenced daycare between 4 - 6 weeks of age - very little!

They are now 3 and 5, and they've turned out just fine - so far!

They are a little more social and independant than other children, but this could have been their personalities anyway, and they're positive attributes.

I've really made an effort to get to know the Childcare Staff, I use them as my babysitters, and I now also socialise with some of them. The more involved you are the better, I find.

Good luck.

Rach.

My 2 daughters started daycare when they were both 4 months and they have thrived. Now aged 2.5 and 14 months they are happy, healthy, adventurous little girls who love going to daycare and their life there.

I, like you felt terrible but the centre and it's staff are loving, caring and professional and I had every confidence in them providing quality care for my children.

We have a bit of flexibility with pick up and drop off so 2 days they are there from 9.30 to 5 and 2 days from 8.45 to 5 pm.

Good luck - if you have chosen the right centre I am sure that it will all work out.

EB