When did you start looking into childcare options?

TBee99

My husband and I are expecting our first child in October 2014, and want to start childcare in March 2015. Is it too early to start my search?

golfingdarwinfish

If you will be using a nanny, you can research agencies now, but you will have to execute your search closer to March.

We are looking at daycares as a back-up option in the event we cannot find a nanny, and our top choice recommended registering asap for May 2015 (when he would start) because the infant room closes quickly, and the second infant room prioritizes those who are graduating from infant room 1.  We are doing tours before LO arrives, meeting the teachers/providers now, and will meet them again later if there are any changes between now and LO enrolls. 

chicitygirl7

We started when I was in my first trimester. I don't think it's too early at all. A lot of the best options have super long waiting lists for infant care.

MrMrsandBaby

It depends on where you are too.  Wait lists aren't very common here and we interviewed our current DCP after DD was born (she came with us on the interview!).  But I know a lot of ladies have already started and are on lists.

Better safe than sorry, start now.

MsMacual

I think it depends on your area and what kind of care you are looking for.  In my area, it is difficult to find an infant opening in a licensed in home setting so it can take months to find a spot.  Centers tend not to be as full (probably bc they are easily $150/week more expensive).  I knew we would use a center at first with our first son so I waited until I was about 30 weeks before I started looking.  Every place that I visited had an opening and I researved our spot the week after our son was born.  We decided to switch him to a licensed inhome when he was just over a year old and it took me about 2 months to find a spot for a toddler.  This time around, I confirmed with our provider that she could take an infant (and wanted to take one!) when I was about 21 or 22 weeks (so late May/early June).  We are planning on starting him in daycare at 6 weeks so I confirmed our spot about 6 mo before he will start. 

bumpuser10309732

I started calling at the end of June and everyone was full. I live in a small town and there aren't A LOT of choices but apparently everyone around here pretty much sets up daycare after peeing on the stick. I finally found someone this week, but I was worried I was going to have to quit my job. It's not too early!

Heartwood0519

I started looking in April/May and a lot of the places I had contacted were already full for January 2015.  I would start looking sooner rather than later just to be safe.

lrobi13

I signed up for our daycare back in February and at first was put on a wait list until March 2015.  I have since been bumped up to Dec. 14 thank goodness!

griffers

We just decided on a daycare center today. We went on a tour and got prices. They said all they need is the completed paperwork a week before he starts which won't be until December. Apparently daycares don't fill up quickly around here? So like others said, depends where you live and what kind of daycare you want.

slsl509

Both times very early - first tri even though we don't put them in until they are 6 months. Centers are rare here and fill up really fast.

cmcookaln

I would definitely start looking now. The really good child care centers fill up fast. There is usually a waiting list especially with a first child. Usually, they give priority to a child who already has a sibling at the center. I started looking at the beginning of June and luckily found in home care that I think I am going to love, but I haven't actually met with the couple yet. I will meet them one day next week. I'm not sure what my backup plan will be if it doesn't work out.

DreadGamerWife

Our local centers recommend getting a deposit submitted about 6 months before you need it. A few miles away, that time frame jumps up a good bit.

Starfish17

We started at the beginning of 2nd tri with our first.  We put this baby on the waiting list about the same time.  Depending on the area you live in, you can never start too soon due to waiting lists at centers (if that's an option you are considering).  I'd start researching now.

angeltennis3

Most of the daycares we looked at didn't have openings til March 2015 when we were looking in early July. Luckily, I am taking six months so that was the time frame we needed anyway. Start looking this moment!

jillas1105

We started looking in March. 2 out of three daycares had waiting lists. We decided on one that will have an opening in January & went ahead and got on a waiting list for fall of 2015!! As a FTM I had no idea about waiting lists.

ladybug0088

Definitely not too early. I'm in Lexington, KY and have been wait listed at a center since January of 2014 and they won't have a spot in January 2015...maybe by spring they said.

I'd go ahead and call around and tour and find the place you want and get in.