good idea or not?

MonkeysGirl05 · April 2012

DH and I were talking earlier today about the daycare situation for our son once #2 comes along. The original plan was to keep him in 2 or (more likely) 3 days a week after the baby is born. Now DH is suggesting keeping DS in DC full time for the first 2-4 weeks. Part of me thinks this is a good idea as I will be able to sleep when the baby sleeps and start to find a routine. The other part of me thinks I'll miss DS#1 and there is always that "mommy guilt" thing... What would you do?

jdp · April 2012

I personally would do the 3 days a week. I just think it's a good balance for you to do some napping AND to have the family together. If you can maybe just the first week every day, so you have a little time to settle and bond with the new baby.

LVBlvd · April 2012

I'd do the 3. I know when my twins were born, I wanted DD out of the house some, to help me bond with the babies. But I also wanted some alone time with her - so when the babies napped, I could cuddle with her, read to her, etc. I think I would have been sad if she was gone all day every day.

MBandBud · April 2012

I like the 3 day idea as well, although I don't have first hand experience. My wonder is, though, can you have a plan but then play it by ear? Are 1/2 days an option? I'm all for a plan but also for making decisions as the situation permits. So exciting you are so close! Wow!

beebe929 · April 2012

It is a good idea, maybe 4 days though? I tried to pick L up right after nap to feel less "guilty".

You are so close!!!

choco_lab · April 2012

I'd do 2 or 3 days. The first month the baby slept SO much that I ended up having lots of time to play with DS1. I couldn't do lots around the house since I had a c-sect so it was just time for us to play while the baby slept. It was a nice transition time for both of us.

EastCoastBride · April 2012

Over 3 years later, I vividly remember how utterly exhausted I was the first few weeks at home w/ DS. I'd absolutely send him to DC full time if I were having another child. No question about it.

CHI-06 · April 2012

I only sent my kids to daycare one day a week while on leave. I LOVED having that time at home with them...playing 'stay at home mom'

~ I wouldn't change it for the world! It was nice for them to go that one day though to stay in touch with the kids and the teachers so it was easier to go back full time. It was also nice for me to have that one day to be able to run errands without 3 kids. When I had my second baby the oldest did not go to daycare at all. 3 months of no daycare saved us a lot of money too.

EastCoastBride · April 2012

Also, don't underestimate your DS's schedule and enjoyment of DC. If he likes DC and has friends there and truly enjoys his time, whose to say he's going to like being at home more? You're worried about your guilt, but what about what your DS enjoys?

desabean · April 2012

I would absolutely keep him in full time for 2-4 weeks. I am so stressed about how I am going to do this with two full time. I think keeping his schedule constant for a little longer and giving you some time to recover makes a lot of sense. After the chaos starts to clear up a bit then he could go to 2-3 days a week, otherwise, I think it will be too stressful for you and him.

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