Day care for #1 after #2 comes along?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I have six months to decide this, but am curious what other moms and dads have done in the past and how it has worked out. Currently, our 18mth DD goes to daycare every day and loves it. She's been there for three months and we are both very happy with her there. I am due with #2 in March and will be at home for maternity leave for 3 or 4 months. My quandry is, do I let #1 stay at home with us and get to know her sibling or do I keep her situation the same? On one hand, the ability to be with her sounds very good to me, but I also don't want there to be too much disruption in her life. Does anyone have experience they'd like to share? Maybe a part time daycare option worked?

[Anonymous]

I would keep her in daycare to minimize the disruption, as you noted, and to make sure that you get a break. Perhaps cut back to four days or pick her up after nap (3ish?).

[Anonymous]

I won't be out as long as you probably closer to 2 months. But I'm definitely planning on keeping #1 in daycare. It'll give me time to heal, sleep, and bond without a crazy 2 year-old wanting all of my attention too. Plus I think the routine might be nice for her with all the changes happening with a new sibling.

I do like the PPs suggestion of getting #1 early or giving her a day off to be at home.

[Anonymous]

Keep her in daycare, believe me! I decided to have #1 home 2 days a week while on maternity leave with #2 and those were the worst days, I dreaded them. It was so hard to juggle both all day. I never got a chance to rest on those days and #1 acted a little crazy, most likely due to having to share mommy with someone. It gets easier to deal with both at once around 6 months. But give yourself a break now. I realize you may feel guilty for having #1 at daycare while you are at home (not to mention the $ you have to spend on it) but maybe you could pick her up earlier than usual or occasionally keep her home?