I think that is really is down to circumstance and individual needs and choices as to when and what age you opt to utilise childcare. And when I mention "individual needs" that is as much about the Mummy as the baby. JMO, but I will be totally honest, and say that I personally NEED a childfree day for my own sanity, without it I would feel as if I would go mad......but thats just me, LOL!

When Olivia was 12 months old I was selected for Jury Duty, and so I ended up placing her in FT childcare for 10 days. For 2 days before my Jury Duty started I spent the 2 days with her at the centre. I still cried my eyes out on the thrid day when I had to leave her, but she thrived in the environment.

As such, when we moved to SA, we chose a new childcare centre for her and she started with 1 day a week, and now does 2 days. Again, when she started at the centre, I spent a whole day there.

As Ambah indicated, most centres adapt a very gentle approach....at our centre, if a baby won't sleep, they pat them or cuddle them for 5 mins, and if that doesn't work, they get the baby back up to play and try again later.

Charlie now also goes 1 day a week. I felt terribly nervous at leaving him the first few times, but now I can see how much he likes it....he throws himself at the toys and books and grins like a clown when we walk through the door.....LOL!

Hope that reassures you!