What do you Mommies think of putting your Baby in DayCare?

Question

I have a 1yr old son and Im also 28weeks pregnant and as bad as I want to start working I do NOT like the idea of putting my Son nor my next Baby in DayCare until they are old enough to tell me things that go on there. I have seen so much in the past year about how Kids are left in Cars turned off for hours, Babies being Shaken, Locking Kids in Closets, and I read a little boy got duct taped around his mouth because he wouldnt stop crying and they found him dead from suffocation. This all happened in care of Baby sitters and DayCares.

So, Do you think Im freaking over nothing?
Also, What is everyones Opinions about DayCares?

Please no insluting about others opinions...
Thanks

I really wish people wouldnt Thumbs down just because they don't agree with what others are saying.. You have your Opinion and they have theres. Thanks.

Answer 1

My goodness, it's as though you are in my head. I feel exactly the same way and funny enough I'm 25 weeks with a one year old! The thought of daycare these days terrifies me. I'm so glad I'm able to stay home right now but you never know what the future brings. Most of my friends that have children have them in daycare. I guess if I had to put my children in daycare I would rely on their recommendations and experiences. A lot of daycares have cameras now that you can access on line and watch your children (I suppose if your boss doesn't mind!).

I don't think your freaking over nothing. Our children are the most important things in our lives and it is our duty to protect them. The things you see on the news these days make me shudder.

Answer 2

If you can afford to continue staying home with your babies, I would really recommend it. There are so many issues, of course, with daycares. My stepchildren had to go through a lot of daycare experiences when my husband was a single father. I think it made a big difference for some of their behaviors (although they are pretty good kids). One thing that I experienced with them is some months before we got married and I was still working part time, when I would go to pick them up from daycare, it was absolute chaos in there. Way too many kids in one place, and they all seemed to be running wild and screaming, etc. while the teachers there seemingly were letting them do whatever, or just yelling at them. It was a very crazy environment, and I know all the children are very happy to not be there anymore. They spent this whole last year getting picked up from school by me and coming home after school rather than going to that crazy place.
My husband works two jobs so that we have enough w/out me working. It's hard because sometimes we barely see him, but I know in the long run it will be worth it. My pastor was quite adament to us before we got married that I be a stay at home mom, and we didn't understand at first, but we can see what a difference it will and does make. He also mentioned to us that throughout their marriage, whenever his wife decided she would try and work, it always turned out really bad for them as a family.
I don't think you are wrong at all for being concerned about daycares. The best person to raise your child is you. If they are at these places, someone else, not you, is raising your kid. Basically, a stranger. Would you really want that?

Answer 3

I used to manage a full day care nursery, and I'm a parent too.
The team I had were the best, I would have trusted them with my children. They were all dedicated and cared so much about their job, and their charges.
The bit I struggled with was watching the babies grow up, feeling bad because the parents were missing out on so much in their lives. Some of the babies were with us from the age of 3 months, and were in nursery 8am to 6pm, 50 weeks, and it did bother me. That is one of the main reasons I left, because I didn't believe it was always the right thing to do.
I know not everyone has a choice, and if you haven't then you need to do some research. Find a nursery you feel comfortable with. Ask friends, make lots of pre visits, ask lots of questions. Look at lots of places to compare. There are lots of well run, excellent quality, caring nurseries out there.
However, if you have the choice, stay at home until your kids reach pre-school age.
Good luck with a really tough decision!

Answer 4

My 7 month old daughter will never go to daycare. She would never get the one on one attention she needs and deserves in a daycare. Plus I don't like the idea of someone else essentially raising my child, that's why we make sacrifices (though I don't really look at it that way) so I can stay home with her. Unfortunately not all mom's have that option so all one can do is try to find the best daycare one can. As scary as it is hearing of those things happening, there are many good daycares out there for people who need it. You just need to do your research.

Answer 5

As a qualified childcarer i can understand your concerns.
You are a mother and you have every right to be worried what will happen to your child when you are not there.
Go and visit daycare centres on more than one occastion. Also have appointments but turn up unanounced, they are more likely to be less prepared then. Write a list of questions you want answering, you have every right to ask.
At the end of the day your childs health and wellbeing are being put in someone elses hands while you are away.

I stayed at home for nearly ten yrs, i had the odd job but my childcare was family friends and a really good nursery, iasked everyone i possibly could about it and called on more than one occastion. I also took my son and asked if he could stay for half an hour while i was still in the room and wacthed how they staff interacted with the kids.
Ask how they deal with problem children,temper tantrums, paddys, look at there qualifications.

Contact your local coucil for ofsted reports.

Good luck, and dont feel guilty for what ever you choose. If they do go to nursery they will gain alot of skills and confidence.

Answer 6

My child has been in a professional daycare facility (Tutor Time) for 8 hours a day since she was 9 months old. I work full time and took my baby to the office since she was 6 days old - but eventually she got so active that I couldnt watch/play with her and work at the same time.

I feel really comfortable using a professional daycare facility and not using someone who does it out of their house. The facility we use has cameras video taping all the rooms, security codes to get in the front door, has 1 worker per every 4 kids, is totally current on all the latest safety issues, etc.

My baby is now 15 months and they actually have a mini school program for her - which will include things like her ABCs, numbers, art, physical activities, and eventually potty training. I feel that she is really benefiting from being in such a structured program.

Answer 7

I think as a Mom our primary concern is safety. But if you have to work that is a fact of life. Like everything there are good and bad child care facilities. My kids attended both private and public funded daycares. What to look for is: do the staff have an adequate level of education; is there a regular routine; look at the menu's ; cleanliness; and an over all look at the other children who are there( do they look content and clean). If the staff are also being paid OK plays a role in their job satisfaction. Private homes can be OK, too. But people usually will babysit when it suits their lifestyle. Daycare is business. My overall satisfaction would rate as 75% satisfied with the overall daycare experience.There was one place I loved everything and my kid couldn't wait to get there. But look around and spend time.
Good Luck

Answer 8

The examples you have given are the extreme of childcare! Obviously check any place out before you place your child/ren there. Ask other mothers around you about local places - and ask the nursery for a tour so you can see what goes on. In fact, you should be able to ask if you can spend a morning there just to see how they interact with the kids ... after all if you're going to leave your kids there for X amount of time - you have every right to know they're being looked after properly.
If you're thinking of going with a child-minder (in their own home) then ask the parents of the kids they presently look after. See what they say about them - you're entitled to.
If you have to work - you have to work!
My opinion is .... it's fine as long as it's not all day every day. If you're working from 9-5pm then you'll never see your kids. But I think part-time is okay.

Best of luck,
Bev

Answer 9

find some where you trust, i have always found that private day nurserys are better for us than childminders because there is a set structure of staff & the children have larger spaces & more structured routine but saying that my older daughter is now in breakfast ckub & has a lovely childminder to pick her up so we are very lucky and it has taken a lot of near misses to get such a great minder.
My youngest is in private daycare & it is fantastic, she has been there since she was 1yr & my oldest daughter was there from 4mnths until she started school.
The benifits for a child of your babys age is that in daycare they have a high ratio of adult to child & those adults are supervised by managers, your child gets to mix with lots of differant children & do lots of things you wouldn't have time to do with them.
All of that said my youngest is now due to start school in september so to continue working means she would have to leave her private daycare & go to breakfast club then childminder along with her elder sister, take the financial increase out of the equasion, all though it is part of it & i feel for a new schooler this is to much so I will swap onto weekend nights instead of week days so i am there for them before & after school.
Yes I think you are over reacting but I understand as i have had some bad times with childminders in the years so i suggest find a GOOD daycentre, visit often, arrive early when not expected every now & again & get back to work.

Answer 10

I returned back to work when my child was 4 weeks old fortunately my mum looked after my daughter. When my daughter was 2, I paid for her to attend a private nursery/daycare and have never regretted it. My daughter mixed well with other children and started her education from a very early age which gave her a head start. Of course, I looked into the nursery and the qualification they had and also checked out who they employed.

My child's day care was a big success and I would not be put off with using one if I ever have another child.
I believe it's a personal choice and you should do what you find best for your children.