Day Care? when do one need to start looking for one?

I am 15 weeks pregnant. I live in the tristate suburban area. I am planning to resume my job about 4 months after the baby will be born. I heard day cares have limited capacity for infants and have longer wait times... any idea how soon one needs to start looking for a day care?

Public Comments

1. I would start looking at some within a couple of months if not sooner and just get an idea if your child will be able to get in when you want, and if not, how long of a wait it would be.


2. Some daycares have limited capacities some don't . I think the better ones have a wait list. Its never to soon to check them out. Don't forget church daycares. they are much cheaper.


3. Once you pregnant I think you should start looking. The further in advance, the more options you will have.


4. Yes- I'd start looking right now- or at least within the next month. You could start now by making a list of places to check out. And I'd look at a variety of kinds of places- centers and individual homes. Ask around too. This way you won't feel rushed and you will be able to take tours, ask questions, etc. and feel confident in your decision.


5. It doesnt hurt to go ahead and look around, that way you have plenty of time to pick one and check them all out- it is never too soon to get on a waiting list, it may be awhile if you pick a popular one. Make sure you tour each one and check everything out- good luck!


6. I started looking when I was only a few months pregnant and still didn't have a definite "yes" that I had a place saved at the daycare of my choice. I would definitely start calling around and checking some places. You might get a "yes" somewhere and realize that you just don't like it. So it pays to check several places and get your name on several waiting lists.

   Good luck!



7. I started around then. The best advice I can give you is to go on your states department of public safety website. They usually have a link that posts the inspections of all the daycares in your area. We chose one with no violations and then checked it again right before we were going to use it. Many daycares have a waiting list so call them in advance and tell them your due date and when you will be leaving the baby. We did all this hard work and then decided I was going to stay home. Good Luck. :)


8. I took off of school when i found out i was pregnant,and work once I was 8 months along.

   My daughter will be 12 months in July and I will return to college in Aug.

   The day care on campus has limited space so I had to sign her up in May.

   I waited a year because I couldnt find a day care that could catter to my daughters needs.Now that shes older it was a lot easier to find a day care,I had know idea I would be choosing the one on campus.

   If there is anyway you can work from home I would recomend that,if not start looking now for a really good day care your going to want to run back round checks

   https://www.intelius.com/employment-screening.html?&refer=1193&adword=employment+screening&PHPSESSID=410b108766cd1fcea4e6abef22579a8e



9. I would start looking now or in a month or so. Most daycares have waiting lists - ESPECIALLY for babies! It never hurts to get on the list early!


10. You might decide to stay home (which is best anyways) so I wouldn't put any deposit to hold a spot. You may end up not needing it. I can't imagine being 15 weeks along and already thinking about who I can pawn my kid off too. Sorry but I believe mothers should stay home and raise their infants whenever possible, not let some stranger do it.


11. You can never start too early! I started looking when I was about 15 or 16 weeks and put a deposit down by the time I was 18 weeks.

    I couldn't be happier with the daycare I selected. It is privately owned and all the daycare workers are very experienced (at least 15 years each). When I pick up my son, he is wearing clean clothing (his dirty clothes are in a plastic bag in his diaper bag); I have a sheet telling me when/how much he ate, slept and even pooped! She even bathes him if he has an especially messy spit up or diaper.

    I never worry about my son being cared for properly while I am at work because the ladies that care for him truly love and care for him! Good luck in your search and congratulations mommy!



12. I would start looking now. That way if you get put on bed rest, you will have one. Also some have waiting lists. And you can register for one and start it when you need it. This way you have plenty of time to tour a lot them. You can find the one that you feel most secure with. And you can even go in more then once. I would always tour without calling. That way you can catch them off guard and really see how the center operates. Preferably a locked center would be best.