When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

I was planning on doing this when I am out on maternity this summer after is born. Is that too late to possibly put her in daycare 2x/week starting in Sept/Oct????

Re: When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

in january, around 24 weeks. DS will begin towards the end of the summer

we were told that most parents register newborns when they are in their 4th/5th month. Now, that could have been to scare us into registering him on the spot

Re: When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

I started looking for day cares places when I was about 15 weeks along. Many of them have 6-12 month waiting lists. That was for the bigger day care centers though. If you're looking for at-home care you may be able to wait until you're closer to your due date. We got on 2 waiting lists for day care centers already and we plan on looking at home care places when I'm in my final month.

Re: When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

I was suprised because everyone was telling me I had to get on a waiting list.
I went to the Tutor time right near my house and asked and they were like - no- no waiting list for infants.
Just let us know when you are ready- they said they rarely EVER have one there- because the babies go into a different room/area once they are a few months older and more mobile
So the 6 week old slots are pretty open.

As for private sitters- I am waiting to look into that option.
I want to find someone who is available when I'm ready in Sept - not now.
If they are free now they may not be then, kwim?

Re: When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

The Daycare DC is going to is already booked up for Sept. 2010. I grabbed my spot for Oct/Nov 2010 this week.

Re: When do you start making daycare decisions/arrangements?

I would look earlier rather than later, because it takes a lot of work to find someone to care for your baby. Good places, who come highly recommended will be booked quickly and you may have to get on the waiting list. Save yourself stress and look earlier.