March 2016 Moms

How soon to look for daycare?

When will you start researching and touring daycares? I live in an area where there are a lot of wait lists but I still can't imagine looking or touring before the end of the first tri.

Re: How soon to look for daycare?

  • jy725jy725 member
    I don't think its too early to start your research. I would call and ask questions at any time. I started to visit places in my area after 20 weeks but I found many places couldn't confirm availability that far out. It was helpful for me to narrow down places anyway by doing that.
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  • BCH818BCH818 member
    Most places won't confirm availability until the baby is born around here (friends have told me). We didn't have a waiting list for ours and she didn't go in until 8 months. It wasn't difficult and we researched for a few weeks before choosing. I would wait until second trimester if you're that ready to go look!
  • My employer has as onsite daycare that always has a waiting list so I got on the list at 5 weeks. So there are some higher ups who (confidentially) know that I'm expecting but my direct supervisor and co-workers don't know yet. Do what you've gotta do to get into a good daycare situation.
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  • HernsyHernsy member
    Mine was on a waiting list the October before she was born (2/20) and she didn't start until June 1st.
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  • I would just do some research from home and pick two or three you may like and ask about their waiting list. This will give you a good idea of when to begin taking tours etc. I think every area and day care are going to vary quite a bit.
  • It really depends on the area in which you live. I live in Chicago and the good daycares around here have waiting lists that are 9-15 months long. Many of these places also require an application fee/deposit (which is often nominal). We will not be utilizing daycare services but if we did, I would absolutely be touring and paying deposits at a few to get on the waiting list.
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