what is the earliest age i can get my child into daycare?

Question

before i get and mean answers.....im 17 and prego.i know that sounds bad but i didnt ruin my life or anything we have support from both sides of the family...and are still going to finish school and go to collage ...(i want to be an RN or pedatric nurse..)

but i have been with the babys dad for over 2 years now and well are very much commited to our family..but i really to get back to school and get back to work as well so that we can both support our family....and i was wondering the earliest age a daycare would take an infant...

so does any one know?

Answer 1

There is no law stating when an infant can begin child care. Each child care facility and home will have their own age range. Many will take a baby as young as 6 weeks. Others will take a baby as young as 2 weeks. Your best bet is to contact various facilities and homes in your area. Licensing requirements do limit the number of children of any one age group a child care home or center can care for at any one time. I am a licensed child care provider in my home in Michigan. Typically, infants do not come to me before 6 weeks since most maternity leaves are at least this long. However, I did once begin caring for an infant at 2 weeks, but she was the younger sibling of a child I already had in my care. I only cared for her on a limited basis until she was 3 months old and mom went back to work full-time. You will likely get many conflicting answers on this website, I suggest you contact the child care home or center directly as the answer will vary from place to place.

Answer 2

Depends on the daycare provider. If a relative or husband provides daycare, I don't think there is any minimum age. Some family-owned daycares might be the same, if they're not licenced. (And there are some excellent, unlicensed daycares.) The best thing is to use someone you know, either a relative or close friend. Especially with a young child. Even then, you should be choosy. I had a couple of bad experiences with babysitters/daycare providers for my two oldest children (and these were with people I knew very well.) They were great people, but not great baybsitters. Get someone who genuinely loves children, usually Grandma, auntie will fit the bill (though not always). My mother had a similar problem when I was little. She had no choice but to work, and there were no relatives available. She hired an older lady ("grandma" type), who did a wonderful job. She still missed me like crazy, but at least she knew I was well-loved while she was away. Good luck with your predicament. Try to work as little as possible; you will really miss your baby. But a bit of a break is not a bad idea, either (you'll appreciate her more, and vice versa). Many couples I know do alternating shifts, so there is always a parent home with the child, and then there is no financial burden, either.

Answer 3

If ANY way possible, start with a cheap babysitter. You'd be surprised how many stay-at-home moms would take the baby for $50/week. It helps both of you. The baby, when very, very young, needs to know somebody's there right away.
When you're ready to consider daycare, visit at least five. You might find that the one that's more expensive is equal to one half its price, or that the one half its price isn't worth stepping into!
Good luck, Hon. I know it will be tough, but you're young and energetic, with a good support system. You'll see this through and be the better person for it. And don't take it personally when a person acts like you're not fit. It's their problem, not yours.

Answer 4

Most daycares will take them at 6 weeks. Do you have any family that can watch the baby for you? Or sometimes there are programs for high school students that have daycares while you are in school. You may need to talk to your school counselor about such a program.
If there is a jr college close, they sometimes have programs as well.

Answer 5

6 weeks. But daycare is expensive too - so consider if you can afford it. If you have the support of your family - check also if someone can help you with the baby for some days a week.

Answer 6

Many daycares in the USA take babies at a very young age. Call around to the ones in your area. If you are looking to start when the baby is young, you may want to put your name on their waiting list now anyway.

Answer 7

6 weeks....i used to work at one, and hey...your'e doing the right thing by going to school and making a future for you and your baby...I was 16 when I had my first one....and he's 5 now...in kindergarten..it happens fast, lol...But I was responsible...and i learned alot from my grandma...and it takes alot of courage to raise a baby when you're so young...good for you! and hey...I've been with my son's father for 7 years now! we've been married for 5...not saying you should get married right away, I didn't. I waited almost a year after my son was born...and marriage takes alot of work, but you seem like an intelligent young lady..good luck!

Answer 8

I think it does depend on the area, but where I live they wouldn't start daycare for my son until 8 weeks old.

Answer 9

It depends on where you live and the daycare. I live near one where they take babies as early as 6 weeks. I don't know if any take them sooner than that. Do some research and get some help on it though =]

Answer 10

it really depends on what state you live in.Here in Alabama they allow them to enter at 3 weeks old,but most places allow it a 6 weeks...At the daycare where I work my youngest is 3 weeks.Do some checking into the daycares in your area and do not be hesitant to just drop in and check it out..If they do not like you to just drop in don't put your baby there....