According to Kidshealth.org, around 70 percent of parents put their young children in day care. Having an infant in child care can be challenging. It is hard for many mothers to return to work after the birth of a baby. There are many advantages and disadvantages to having your infant in child care. However, the most important things to consider are that she is in a safe, healthy, educational environment in which she can grow.
Advantages
There are many advantages to child care, as detailed on Babycenter.com. Your infant will typically be around other children his age, helping him to learn socializing skills. Most day cares are structured and have programs specifically catered to your baby's age. MrDad.com says there are benefits for the parents as well. Child care provides a place for parents to interact with other parents and adults. Although infants in child care tend to get sicker more often, their immune systems will become stronger faster.
Disadvantages
Babycenter.com warns that child care can be expensive. Most children get sick more often, and child care providers do not usually allow sick children to attend. Most child care providers are closed on holidays, making a parent need to find alternate child care arrangements. Another disadvantage, as explained on Essortment.com, is that the attachment and bond formed between the parents and infant is disrupted when an infant attends child care. Mothers can also experience extreme stress from the separation.
Types of Child Care
There are several options for child care. Babycenter.com lists daycare centers, home day care, nannies and relative care. A day care center has many staff members that are typically trained in early childhood education. A day care is also licensed. Home day cares may not be licensed, but they offer a home-like environment that may be more comforting to infants. Nannies offer personalized attention but are usually the most expensive form of child care. Relative care may be the cheapest route because some family members may not charge at all for their services.
How to Select Child Care
Kidshealth.org says the most important thing to take into consideration when choosing child care is your child. Choosing child care based on your child's likes, dislikes and temperament will make the process run much smoother. Cost and location should also be considered. Tour and observe the child care center to see if it meets your child's needs.
Warnings
To make sure your infant is safe and happy in child care, Kidshealth.org suggests watching for a few signs. Do not tolerate your caregiver stealing or lying. Be concerned if your provider will not or cannot answer questions about your infant's day. Find alternate child care if you find your infant left unsupervised. If you have a negative feeling about your child care provider, trust your instincts and find someone or someplace else.
