One day or two for 14 month old in daycare

[BekZ]

Hi Ladies,

I put DD name down for daycare and honestly thought that I would have to wait for at least a couple of months but no they called me to say she could start straight away...Of course I am not ready but if I let the spot go I may not have a spot at all.

I have booked her for 2 days (just like I did with DD1 at the same age) but I am worried that this may be too much for her. She is a bit clingy and really is a mummy's girl.

I feel that I need to put her in for at least one day because bubba number 3 will be here in July and I'd rather get her settled and confident with daycare now rather than later. But daycare have advised that I put her in for 2 days so that she gets used to it sooner.

Any thoughts?

[AnyDream]

Can you put her in for two days, but start with two short days (ie start with a 3-4 hour session) then gradually increase the time over several weeks?

[SamiH]

I agree, take the 2 days and you can take the time to build up to full days.

[MantaRay]

I agree about the 2 days. I have have found that kids seem to settle in much more quickly when they go twice a week. When they go 1 day a week it is a long time between day care days for a young child and it's quite hard for them to get into the routine and get used to the new surroundings.

[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