what is a good age to put a child in daycare???

Answer 1

I am an Infant and Toddler teacher, I get a lot of babies at 6 weeks because their mom has to return to work. It is true the babies sleep a lot but they do get to know us even at an early age. But we begin working with them also and they do not sleep the whole time. Right now I have two 5 months (had them for 3 months) a two month old and 10 month old that I have had since she was 6 weeks. It is so cool watching them grow, develop and roll over. Just be sure to check the daycare and all of their references before you leave your child and visit several times before you leave them. I know it can be scary to leave your baby but their are good daycare workers out there. God Bless and Good Luck

Answer 2

It took me 10 months to get pregnant. You may not have this much control over when you get pregnant. You generally cannot put children into daycare until they are 6 weeks old. Most daycares won't accept them before that age. Pregnancy is easier in winter since you will be super hot. I wish you luck getting pregnant the first month, but that isn't usually the case. I don't know that I would really plan on waiting hoping to get pregnant the first month. Remember if everything is perfect (timing etc) there is a 25% chance of getting pregnant at each cycle, and there is also a 25% chance of miscarriage. Unless your getting IVF I just don't think you'll have that much control over when it happens, but best of luck to you if you decide to try to plan it perfectly! Just don't get upset if it takes you a few months. It should take that long. If you aim for a baby to be born in early summer, and it takes you even just 3 months, you have completely missed summer and will be very miserable in the summer heat with your hormones making you very hot already. Just something to consider. If you are going back to work right away, perhaps consider a nanny instead of a daycare? You could get a great nanny that already has a baby of their own for $250 a week. Or you can do a nanny share for that price as well, where a nanny cares for your child and someone elses. Normal nanny prices are $8 - $16 an hour, depending on the nanny's experience, education, where you live etc. If the nanny is "shared" between another family or her own child (children) then the cost is almost half that. Also although most women can work throughout pregnancy, since I am 5'2" carrying twins my doctor told me I will have to quit work in December, and will likely be on bedrest. If I don't I could end up delivering very preterm and my children will very likely have permanent damage. Something to keep in mind. Having kids in college is poor planning IMO. I'm all for having kids young, but while in college just isn't a good time. I was a graduate student and in college til I was 30. I do know what I am talking about.

Answer 3

Well being in the military i had no choice but to put my child in to daycare when she was 6 weeks old not saying that was the best age but i think the younger they are is better. My daughter learns so much and is very friendly she know's how to share and doesn't get upset when i leave for the store or when i go to work. She interacts with children so well now. So if you feel safe with it the erlier the better. If i was a stay at home mom i might have a different opinion but good luck.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I have been a licensed child care provider in my home for 20 years. The children I care for come to me because their parents work and I am privileged to be trusted with the care and nurture of their children. The decision to put a child in daycare is usually based on need rather than on when it's a good time and the child's age is right. I have had children come to me as young as 3 weeks and as old as 5th grade (for before and after school care). From my own personal experience I have found that children who come to me as infants (younger than 3 months) seem to make the best adjustment to daycare. They grow up used to the way things are done and I am able to learn their personalities, likes, dislikes, and temperaments. They are also the children who I have the least amount of behavior issues with. I have never had a family bring their child(ren) to me solely for the purpose of socialization. We live in a small town (population about 4000) and we have numerous play groups, library story hours, community education classes, and preschool programs that are more suitable (and lots cheaper) if you are interested in providing your child with a setting conducive to social interaction, making friends, and receiving early educational instruction. Each family's needs are different. I think a good care provider is able to help make a smooth transition into daycare for parents and children regardless of the child's age.

Answer 6

People differ on this. Some say a child should never be placed in daycare. Others say it's good for a variety of reasons. My children all went to daycare, and I think they benefited. They went as infants. Unfortunately, it's a necessity and not a choice for many people. Just don't let anyone make you feel guilty for putting your children in daycare.

Answer 7

We put our daughter in daycare at 3 mos. My wife and I each took turns taking leave from work to put it off as long as possible. It has been almost a year and a half. Through that time we've seen other children started. I think it helped that our daughter was used to the routine, the ones that started later got their routine upset and would have a difficult time. It also helps that she gets to interact with kids her age. Although in the end we would love to be with her all the time, she'll go to school anyway

Answer 8

What ever age you feel is necessary. Around 8 months my son went into daycare because I had to return to work. I am pregnant with my 2nd now she will go in to daycare also. As of now I have to work but hopefully one day I will be able to stay home.

Answer 9

Keeping in mind that people have to do what they have to do... I think a good age would be when they are old enough to tell you what goes on there. Luckily I never had to put my children in daycare... I just couldn't do it, I am a paranoid mother.

Answer 10

between two and three that way they can do more of the activities and feel part of the group ...sometimes when there too small they are just put to play and believe me they get bored and frustrated and feel better when there older and can do the whole cut and paste and the coloring with the group and when they enjoy daycare you will also have less time dropping them off they'll be jumping off the car to come be with their friends