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Minnesota Babies
When it comes to daycare, trust your instinct
I just wanted to share my recent experience so you don't go through the same thing!
After a 12 week maternity leave, I returned to work two weeks ago. I arranged for daycare through a recommendation (her little boy goes to the same place and is very happy there). When I met with the provider, I was comforted by her set up, the low ratio of kids (my baby was the only infant), etc. However, a couple of days in, there was something nagging at me but I chalked it up to new mom nerves and guilt about leaving baby at daycare (if I could stay home, I would). Besides, we were only going on a part-time basis as Grandma was watching her two days out of the week. Well, yesterday, I got a frantic phone call from the provider. My 3.5 month baby had been clawed by a 2.5 year old little girl. The entire left side of her face is clawed up, the inside of her mouth has gouges, and the top of her head is also scratched up. I was shocked when I went to pick baby up at the amount of blood and the sheer number of scratches, marks, etc. It looked like the little 2.5 year old had had a significant amount of time alone with baby to be able to inflict that much damage. The provider admitted she wasn't in the room when it happened as she stepped out to get something (leaving her 14 year old daughter to watch the kids). She also told me that this isn't the first time the 2.5 year old had done something like this. Hmmm - would have liked to know that ahead of time! So, I rushed baby to her pediatrician - he's very concerned for the 2.5 year old and also that child protective services needs to get involved (as this is NOT normal behavior for a toddler). My baby will be fine (though she looks like she got into a fight with a bobcat) with no long term damage, but it shook everyone up. I am kicking myself for not acting on my thoughts/feelings earlier. I feel horrible that I put my own child in that situation.
From now on, I'm going with my gut. I'm also hiring a nanny.
Please - if you feel at all funny about daycare or the person/people caring for your child/children, listen to the nagging feelings!
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Re: When it comes to daycare, trust your instinct
Photo taken at 16 months old
I am glad everything is going to be okay! How scary! And I feel kind of bad for the toddler... Where does she live to learn such behaviors? As pp have said, I hope she gets the mental health/behavioral help she obviously needs...?
And, FWIW, I was a nanny and the company I worked for, Above and Beyond Nannies, is a really good company to go through! Check them out for your search! Nannies are great!
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Wow. Scary! I'm glad your LO is ok, but I can't imagine having to go through that!
This is exactly why I will never do home daycare. I know that plenty of people love it, but I have just heard too many horror stories about random people watching the kiddos or whatever.
A nanny sounds like a way better option for you -- GL!!!