One day or two for 14 month old in daycare

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?

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?

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

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.

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!

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

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

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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

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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.

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. :hug:

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

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

I'll go against the grain and say go with one day, and don't feel like settling in is an issue. It's really not that big a deal, one day vs two days. If you're happy to take it gradually, starting with one hour, then three, then maybe more depending how long she lasts, then it is most likely she will settle in.
From my experience, I've found that it's how parents and staff handle the first few weeks that affects how they settle, far more than how many days they are in for.

I'm due to start my 12 month old DD in daycare next week, as I'm going back to PT uni in a couple of weeks.
I can fit all of my subjects on the one day that she is in care... but it will be a long day for her.
The daycare recommended I put her in for 2 days (they actually have a 2 days minimum) but I just can't bear to put her in for another day, so they have agreed to let her attend the 1 day per week for now.
Who knows how this will go, and maybe in a few weeks I'll be ringing up to book that 2nd day... but I just thought I'd share with you that I know how you are feeling!
Hope all goes well and she settles in really easily.
:hug:

Thanks Ambah, wishing you all the best too.

[QUOTE=Spring Angel;1652271]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.

Totally agree Spring.

Snuggle - It is so true that a child settles best if the parents and carers handle the situation with care. The daycare I use is very good and I thoroughly trust their abilities.