Ideal age to start nursery

We have found ourselves in quite a flexible position this time round with regards to childcare, so nursery isn't neccassarily essential. However, our eldest went to nursery from 9 months old, from 2 days a week and I think she got so much out of it so I don't want our youngest to miss out either. We were thinking maybe doing another 2 days a week when our youngest is a year old instead this time but I'm not sure whether to push it back even further with her being our last (not sure if this is just me being selfish though 🤣). Our eldest starts school when our youngest is 18 months old, so maybe it would make sense to start then as we wouldn't have to pay anything at all for her then (we get 15 free hours for her at 3 years old, which she is now, and she will be doing 4 days a week at preschool from September, my baby is 5 months old now). I'm self employed with family around and hubby's job is pretty good (but also means he works long hours) so could probably afford to be home a bit more you see. Any thoughts? Thanks Edit: she does already have a place at nursery if we want it

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Personally, I think children learn so much from going to nursery and being around their peers. My daughter has been going since she was 13 months old and has learnt so much so quickly. It's also time where you can potentially get time for yourself and be something other than Mum xx

@Lilli I think we'll be putting our youngest in from this age for a couple of days too, I agree with you 😊 how was your little girl when she first started? I put my eldest in at 9 months which worked really well for her as she got used to it before she became too aware if you see what I mean 🤣 my youngest is much more chilled than my eldest though at the moment x

@Gemma She's been in the same nursery for nearly 3 years now, and it's like a home from home for her now. She loves going! At age 2, she developed a sudden bit of separation anxiety and cried at drop off, but it only lasted about 2 weeks, and she's been fine ever since. She loves telling me about her day, loves the girls that work there, and asks to go sometimes too, so she clearly enjoys it. And if I'm not working (I work flexi shifts), then I get some time to either chill or catch up on housework. It works well for us both 😊 xx

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