Before LO was born, we lined up an in-home day care provider. She was only going to watch my baby and another teacher's baby that is a month older. When I called today to check in, I found out she would be watching three babies, all around four months old. She said she's totally cool with it, but I'm nervous. I'm having bad visions about the baby crying in a pack and play and never being held when he needs comfort because there are two other babies to watch, too. What do you think? Are three babies too much for one day care provider?
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Most day cares (including the one we'll be using) have a four to one ratio. Yes there will be times that the baby will cry and won't be picked up right away. But honestly I see that as a good thing so they can learn to self soothe. Obviously she would never let a baby cry for a long period of time. Just think, moms with triplets make it work : )
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Yes that is to much IMO. I am an in home daycare provider and from personal experience any more then 2 babies at a time was way to much.
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I think there's a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio here, too. Is she an experienced caregiver? They probably aren't all going to be crying all at the same time too often.
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@MamaMoose: maybe my hormones are just on overload - I was crying think about it today. Glad to know that the ratio at some places is 4:1.
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Yup state law here in Texas in a newborn room is 4:1.
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I worked in a daycare and I had 4 infants to myself. Then, when I worked in the toddler room I had four 12 month olds to myself, the 12 month olds were more work than the infants!! I'm sure she will be fine with 3
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Our center is 3:1. When DD was a baby, we were lucky in that they just happened to have low enrollment so we got the benefit of a 2:1. However, I've never seen 3:1 as an issue. There's usually only 1 baby crying at a time and they can handle it.
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in MA 3:1 is the max for infants legally. does she have any helpers that come in during the day? she probably wouldn't take on more than she can handle, but i guess it also depends on the level of neediness of the babies. do you know other ppl that have used her in the past? maybe talking to them could help calm any concerns you have.
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3:1 is a pretty great ratio! If the babies are sick it would be tough, but then they probably shouldn't be at daycare!
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@Mrs. Tricycle: I know the feeling. I think we all get overly emotional when there is any kind of change to our expected plan for our baby!
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How many other kids are there in the daycare. If it's more than 1 or 2, I'd be concerned.
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Most of the daycares we looked at had 4:1 ratios. We chose the one that tried to keep their ratios at 3:1, though.
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It's just three babies, and no other kids. Other teachers at school have used her, but their children were preschool age. I guess three babies just seems like a lot because I'm overwhelmed by one - and he seems to cry almost constantly.
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Our daycare is 3 to 1!
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@Mrs. Tricycle: I'm in NY and I use a licensed in-ome day care provider. She can have 2 children under 2 years of age, and 4 additional children who are under school-age. DS was 5 months when he started and she had a 9 month old, plus 4 between 2 and 5 years and she seemed to handle it just fine. DS loves it there. He's now 20 months and she took on a baby in September who is now 5 months old. She still has 4 other older children too and they all seem to be happy and content when I am there.
I think 3 babies without any other kids would be okay. I used to feel overwhelmed at times with just DS, but at the end of the day the babies go home and she gets a break (and is probably well rested!). I wouldn't worry too much, unless there is anything specific that makes you think she couldn't handle it.
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I feel like in a daycare environment where it's 3:1 or 4:1, they have other teachers around to help if two babies start crying. In an in-home situation, it's just the one caregiver for 3 babies and no helpers just in case. I might be worried about that when they're super young. As they older (6mo+,I wouldn't worry as much.
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For a center I know the ratio is 4:1 but like @mediagirl: in a home setting it is a bit different.
What happens when she has to go to the bathroom? When does she plan on eating lunch?
Logistically yes its not that crazy of a ratio but I would talk to her a bit about how she plans to handle the day.
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We're looking at in-home daycares, and only 3 babies with no other kids sounds great!
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The state law here for licensed day cares is they can only have two under the age of two. BUT there are so many other factors to consider... I don't think there is a right answer.
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I'm definitely not saying I think it's wrong - but having 1 relatively easy newborn... I cannot imagine being in charge of more than 1 haha!! I've nannied/babysat but always for toddlers or older. Yikes!
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That's our ratio in our daycare.
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21 comments