Too Young for Daycare?

Most providers will take children as young as 6 months. We go to an in home provider, but some people choose care centers. Our provider is really good and we don't have to worry about a large age gap between the kids, because she works with infants and toddlers primarily. She's licenced and can only have 2 children under the age of 1 and I think she's limited to 4 above the age of 1 (but since she's todder and infant, the age above 1 is cut off, but I don't know exactly where.) If you're afraid of placing your child somewhere with older children, looking for a infant/toddler provider might be worth a try.

Your daughter will get sick a lot too, our son gets lots of colds...but I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. I think of it as his immune system getting stronger, so when he's in school, maybe he'll miss more.

But I can tell you as a full time working mom, if you have the opportunity to stay home with your child, I'd take it. Understanding, sometimes it's nice to get out of the house, but I hear there are several mom's groups for stay at home moms you can join and they have several get togethers.

From doing daycare I can say that centers average (at least from what I have been told) around $200 to $245 per week.

I charge $140 a week for infants and I think I am average to low. I don't think 4 months is too young, but if you have the opportunity to stay home....take it!!!!

Oh, and prices will vary a lot depending on where you live. I am in st. Paul and I know just going a mile over to Woodbury the prices are going to be higher :)

Daycares take babies starting at 6 weeks. If you're looking at full time for an infant, it can range widely, depending on inhome care or center care. I have heard that center care isn't as personal, that the babies are not held as much as in home. I provide in home care and do pay really good, loving attention to babies, but it's hard to find someone who can devote the time to the baby with mixed aged groups. Personally, I would put my baby in an inhome daycare, more attention and less money. Your kids do get sick more often than they do if you stay home constantly. But mine also got sick if I took them to church, the gym, or to mother's fellowship. It's something that happens when you socialize in the world with little ones!

Best of luck in making your decision. This time FLIES, though, and you can't ever get it back.

M.

I get 12 weeks off from work to care for my newborn so she'll be in daycare at 3 months of age. My in-home daycare will take her at 6 weeks! 6 weeks is too young. I think any age is too young and they should be home with Mom but sometimes that's not possible. JMO. Centers and Nanny's will cost you more. Average is $140-$150 a week for a child. I had one that was $120 a week but moved onto another provider who will charge $150. Rates at $160 are still the norm for in-home but is kind of on the high end. Contact the county for a list of licensed providers and you can get background information from the county on specific providers. Good luck. If you have anymore questions please contact me if you'd like.

Be prepared to spend at a minimum $200 dollars a week.

If you can swing it I'd stay home with your baby as long as possible. Part-time work might even be a good option. They are only little for such a short amount of time. Also be prepared to have a child that is constantly sick or has constant colds.