How far in advance to organize daycare?

MamaFish10

Hi

I'm planning on going back to work after my 3 months maternity leave and will be looking for daycare for 2 1/2 days a week. Trouble is, we're planning on moving just before baby is born and so I don't know where we're going to be living. Does anyone know how far in advance you need to book daycare? Also, where do you go to find out the options? I moved to Oahu from Europe 2 years ago so don't even know what my options are. I know in Europe a lot of places wont take babies under 18 mo, but I'm obviously looking for somewhere for a 3 mo old. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks. 

vanilla15

I am not sure about Oahu, but it seems like daycare can be pretty hard to come by anywhere.  I've been on many wait lists since May/June & I could only get into one place for LO to start in January and it is pretty far out of our way, but it was the only option.  I think once the kids are two years old there are a lot more options, but under 2 is tough to find (at least in NOLA it is)

lelekay

Many daycare centers in the US take babies at least 6 weeks old.  However, those infant spots typically fill up VERY quickly.  My area seems more competitive than most, but we got on a waiting list when I was 12 weeks pregnant (early, yes, but I didn't want to take chances with getting in to the center we wanted).  We were able to confirm his spot a few weeks before he was born (to start when he was three months old).

MrsNicole&Brian808

Hi there!  Here's a thread I posted a few months ago on this very subject: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/38711948.aspx

I was able to take an extended leave of absence from work and won't be returning until next October, but if we go with a daycare center, I think I'd have to put Hank on some waiting lists already!

MamaFish10

Thanks for the link Nicole. I'm starting to worry I should have already started looking into this!