Anyone use a daycare center?

st.augbride

Ds starts daycare on Tuesday and I'm a mess. He will be a few days short of 5 months actual and 3.5 adjusted. He was born with severe IUGR so he's even extra small for a preemie (probably just under 12lbs now). He's also behind on gross motor skills, and I just hope that they  'get' that there. I will spend an hour there on Tuesday to observe and explain everythig to them again, but I just am concerned. So far the few times we have talked to the director I haven't felt 'heard' if that makes sense. We visited a few home daycares but they weren't for us. I like the oversight of a center and that he'd be in an infant room. He just will be the smallest and least mobile one there. Anyone go through this? Any tips on what to discuss/make sure of on our first day? Thanks.

beyoga

What about an individual coming to your home?  Prices range from $10-20 dollars and hour depending on how many kids you have.  I'm using care.com to try and find us some part time help.  I would not want to take my child to a day care where I was not being heard.  I decided to sahm b/c Reid was a 24 weeker and has chronic lung disease.  Hope this helps.

st.augbride

The cost of a nanny is pretty high and we would ultimately need it full-time, so not affordable. 

Denesdia

First, I just want to say that the siggie pic of your little man is a killer!  That is so precious.  I can't stop staring at him.  Regarding the daycare question, I did not send my 25 weeker until this past week, and she is nearly 2 1/2 years old, and my 35 weeker went along with her and he is almost 11 mo. old. 

 Anyway, we went to several day cares until we went to one where I really felt good and comfortable with the director and the facility.  I also felt very ready for this step, so that helped me immensely.  I have come a long way with relaxing about my kids' health, trusting others to care for them, etc.  I also thought what I had been paying hourly for care at home was outrageous, but I was well below the cost of the daycare for both babies.  I paid $9/hr. for just DD, and then $12/hr. for both babies at home.  My mental health was not ready for the public day care until a little later in the game, but I really think it is important to feel "heard" and connected to your care givers.  Since you already selected a place, take it one day at a time and see if your concerns are valid.  You are never stuck with any provider, so keep your options open. 

IncogNeato

My LO was a late term preemie and LBW (36 weeks, a little over 5 pounds) and she has been at an in-home daycare since around 4 months old (around 3 adjusted) with 4 other babies and toddlers. She is only about 11.5 pounds now. She's done really well although she has had a bunch of colds. Most of them didn't bother her too much but her pedi believes her lungs were well developed at birth and she didn't need breathing support in the hospital. She currently has her worst cold yet and is coughing and has a low grade fever for the first time (it was croup earlier in the week) and I won't lie, it sucks. She's miserable, we're miserable, etc, but I know it will pass.

Try not to be too nervous. Talk to your pedi a lot. If your pedi thinks that LO is strong enough for daycare then he probably is. Just keep a close eye on him and when he gets sick, because he will, stay in touch with your pedi so you know what to look out for. 

IncogNeato

PS- LO is the youngest and smallest at her daycare but that means she gets held and snuggled the most and the other babies just love her. Also, being around other kids is a great motivator for her to be active- grabbing things, rolling, etc, so daycare could be really great for your little man!