I think that 6 months could be a bit early IMO but the 12 month option you mentioned could possibly work - i think having DH and Gran looking after DS would make you feel more comfortable than placing him into CC - plus by 12 months you could be looking forward to going back to work - worst case scenario you go back, try it out and see if you like it - I know not neccesarily the most professional approach but you have to bear in mind that you can't forecast how you're going to feel in 18months - but this way you'll at least have something to fall back on - and the 14weeks paid leave would definitely make it more appealing