Childcare and early learning: 12 decisions to make together
Who cares for baby while you work, when to start, and which early-learning philosophy fits.
1. Who provides care in the first years
Who looks after your child during the day in the early years: a parent at home, both parents working with paid care, or family helping.
5 options · Your call · During pregnancy
2. Type of non-parental care
What kind of care you would use: a daycare center, a home daycare, a nanny, a shared nanny or an au pair.
7 options · Your call · During pregnancy
3. Age at starting group care
How old your child is when they start spending time in group care, from under six months to not until preschool.
5 options · Experts disagree · During pregnancy
4. Hours in care
How many hours a day and week your child spends in care, from full days to part-time or occasional.
4 options · Evidence leans one way · 6–12 months
5. Babysitters and who may care for the child
Who may look after your child when you are out, and how soon you start, from regular sitters to family only.
4 options · Your call · 0–6 months
6. Overnights away from the baby
When your baby first spends a night away from you, for example with grandparents.
4 options · Your call · 6–12 months
7. Whether and when to do preschool
Whether your child attends preschool before kindergarten, and how many days and what kind.
5 options · Experts disagree · Toddler
8. Preschool philosophy
Preschools follow different teaching philosophies.
7 options · Your call · Toddler
9. Early academics or play
Whether young children are taught letters and numbers early or spend their time playing, with formal learning starting later.
4 options · Experts disagree · Preschool
10. Kindergarten entry timing
Whether your child starts kindergarten as soon as they are old enough or a year later, which matters most for children with summer birthdays.
5 options · Experts disagree · Preschool
11. Baby and toddler classes
Whether you enroll your baby or toddler in classes such as music, gym or early learning, and how many.
4 options · Your call · 0–6 months
12. Toy philosophy
What kind of toys you buy and how many: few, open-ended, rotated, a mix with electronic toys, or plenty.
5 options · Evidence leans one way · During pregnancy