One day or two for 14 month old in daycare

[sleepless in tas]

When I started DD around the same age I did half days to get her used to it. I went to a few sessions with her and that worked really well as she was very clingy. Now she jumps out of my arms when we arrive at childcare as she can't wait to play!

[visitor1]

DD1 went into care 2 full days (730am-6pm) when she was 5 months old.

I started DD2 on 1 day a week at 8 months old, cos thats all i could get at the time....but they both now go 2 days (930-430).

DD2 was a clingy child and it took her a few months to settle in, but now she loves it

[BekZ]

Thanks Ladies, I was intending on doing 4 hours days to start with so I will do the 2 days and see how she goes.

My SIL has just put some doubt in my mind about putting her in so young. She is dead against childcare and keeps her kids home until prep. She thinks that I'll be placing Loren under too much emotional stress and that I should just learn to cope at home with 3 kids and no help....But on the other side I know myself and I really needed a couple of days off when Loren was a newborn...mother guilt is such a killer

[cocobambino]

Thanks Ladies, I was intending on doing 4 hours days to start with so I will do the 2 days and see how she goes.

My SIL has just put some doubt in my mind about putting her in so young. She is dead against childcare and keeps her kids home until prep. She thinks that I'll be placing Loren under too much emotional stress and that I should just learn to cope at home with 3 kids and no help....But on the other side I know myself and I really needed a couple of days off when Loren was a newborn...mother guilt is such a killer

Your SIL is half right, I dnt think children need day care any more than one day even half a day a week if there is a parent at home, they need their mothers especially at that age.

[AnyDream]

Bekz hun you know in your heart what is right for you and your children. What's right for your sister or anyone else (*rolls eyes*) is not necessarily what's best for you. Having additional resources like childcare can be a really valuable way of ensuring you have the energy and the wherewithal to be the best parent you possibly can be.

[BekZ]

MD - Thanks sweets I know myself and to be truely honest with myself I will need a day or two of respite especially when trying to bf a newborn. In the end I know I'll be a happier and better mummy if DD goes to care for a little bit.

I probably shouldn't have posted that comment re my SIL

[Spring Angel]

BekZ: DS does two days a week at the moment because I work part-time and he loves it. He is talking much more and his ability to play and share with other kids astounds me. A very wise woman told me is is better to have a child in daycare a few days and a present engaged mother than an overtired exhausted mother full-time.

The guilt sucks but I reckon give it a go and see how you both go.

Lv Spring