You’ve gotten good advice here. Daycare helps the parents, not the babies. He isn’t developmentally ready to socialize. I kept my kids home with me and did preschool to get them ready socially for school. At 13 months, I wouldn’t have given up a minute with my kids - it goes by too fast.
He doesn’t need socialization now. If you are not working and don’t need daycare, just wait and put him in a 2 year old preschool program 2 times a week.
As for getting sick, I put my child in daycare at two. She got sick a lot that year (so did I) but now, she is rarely sick. They really do build up those immunities.
We started our son in day care 3 full days a week at 15 months. Before that our manny would take him to the library or to the playground. Daycare was a necessity for us as we both work. It’s proved good for our son because he is well cared for, and enjoys the routine.
As an only child, and only grandchild, he was too much the center of attention at home, and getting a little bratty as a consequence. Daycare at that age, didn’t do much for his socialization with other kids, but it did do wonders in expanding his patience and empathy.
At 2.5 he’s still largely about paralell play. By 3, the kids seem to really understand and look forward to playing with each other.
Good luck to you and yours,
fanged bunny
I put my son in preschool when he was 3 --2 mornings a week…try some play groups or gymboree instead in the meantime…take him to the park…Save the daycare for when/if you go back to work…and yes, mine was sick when he started preschool and he “shared” but eventually the immune system gets stronger
My kids have been in a daycare setting since 2 months old. I think your situation sounds good. It is okay for your child to learn to be with others. Usually, the younger the better the transition.
My daughter’s Kinder class had some kids that had never been without Mom at age 5-6y. They took turns crying throughout the day. It was hard on them, hard on the teachers, hard on the other kids that were looking at them like ‘what’s up with you, were going home soon.’
Yes kids get sick at daycare. Hopefully it is only for a day or two at a time. Sometimes it can be as long as a week. It happens. When they go to the store, school, church, they pick up germs also. Just another close place to ‘share’ with friends.
you do not need to send him someplace to get him around kids.
check out the library story times.. most have toddler times.. where there is a story and then a short playtime.
look for playgroups .. some school districts run playgroups. also join a moms club and they have playgroups..
sign him up for kindermusik or Gymboree classes.. great opportunity to play with others.
DO not send him to day care to socialize.. he is 13 months old.. he can not socialize with others.. at this age.. they bite hit and hurt each other.. they cannot play nicely with each other. and it is scary to be left in a a strange place.
you can take him place to be around other kids.. and you stay with him and watch him.
Daycare is good. There is a protective effect to daycare in that it strengthens/primes the immune system, though most highly in babies under 6 months.
I would do the daycare. It’s difficult to occupy her 24/7, I know! She’ll be playing and having fun there. We do the same thing @ 15 months, 2 days a week. I use the time for exercise.
We don’t have preschool that starts until 24 months, so we do that then. And, that tends to be a lot cheaper. At age 15 months anyway it’s about $400 a month for the daycare 2 days a week (3 hours) vs. $200 for the preschool once they turn 2, same amount of time.
We start using the daycare @ the gym around 2 months old…and then the kids don’t have separation anxiety as they get older. But that daycare is just a room with toys and no activities or much staff interaction, so they get bored when they get around 1. The daycare has more fun activities and outdoor time for any age.
I do believe kids need interaction before 2. I believe you can see a difference and that whther they need it or just like it, it’s important for them to interact with others their age. That being said there may be other ways to get that interaction (play groups, music classes, gym classes) My kids go to daycare because we work. As for getting sick…yes they do get exposed to a lot more germs and will get sick but it is good to help build their immune system. Kids who don’t go to daycare typically miss time in pre-school/kindergarden because they haven’t had that exposure yet. So it’s either now or later. The separation anxiety will go away and that young he may be fine. It will likely be harder on you than it is on him! I have been there! As far as strangers taking care of your baby…do your research before you choose. We chose a center because of the regulations and requirements…and flexibility. Observe in the room and talk with teachers. Talk with the director and/or owner. You will know! We use the Goddard School which is a franchise and family owned. Their kids went there just up until last year. Good luck! I personally think it’s great that you want to get him out to be social.