May have to transition to daycare earlier than thought. Looking for experiences.

QOTR

I work from home and we have a nanny here during the day.  Our hope was to keep DS home for 9-12 months and then move to daycare, but our nanny just gave her two week notice (She said she could extend that to the end of the month if necessary).   So now my head is spinning.  I don't know whether we should get a new nanny or move to daycare earlier.    I don't know what would be easier on him.   I don't like having to rush on such a big decision and I'm feeling very unsettled over it.

Does anyone have experience with starting daycare at 6 months vs. 9 months vs 12 months? 

QOTR

yvanehtnioj

Nanny! I use daycare 3 days a week and there is nothing wrong with it, I think Henry is doing great. But what @becole42 said-- there is a lot of extra work on daycare days. I sleep in a half hour later on the days someone comes over.

britab

You might want to start looking at daycare now anyway. Many have long waiting lists.

DD loves daycare, especially the socialization! We go to an in home provider. DD has had a lot of colds but I'm a teacher do it's pretty inevitable.

QOTR

We've done a preliminary check of day-cares and most that we're interested in don't have availability.  I've been pleased with some quick responses to our care.com ad already.  There are a couple of candidates that seem promising.   I'm stepping back from the cliff.

But yes, this is a good eye-opener that we need to lock down a day-care and get on their waiting list for a March-May start. 

delatl

I think earlier is better based on my sister's experience. My nephew started at around 1 and had a hard transition because he had so much separation anxiety, whereas my niece started at 6 months before that instinct really kicked in. My LO started at 4.5 months and it has gone so well. She loves it there, so I feel like as she starts to go through separation anxiety, hopefully it won't be as bad since she's already adjusted to daycare.