What Would You Do?

I think it sounds like a great idea! You both would be involved in some great activities and maybe even make some new friends. You have to remember that your not just dropping her off at some strangers house and then high-tailing it out of town. You'll be on the property and it probably won't be for to long at a time. (plus, if its anything like the one here, they know what class/activity you are doing so they can reach you if they need to).

Can you interview the child care staff or director prior to signing up for a membership? It sounds like a pretty good idesa to me, and you will be right there on site if they need you. you can always peek in and snoop whenever you want to to make sure things are OK. I would also go there when children are being watched to see what type of program they have. You are not a bad person for leaving your child with someone so that you can have some quality "you" time. If you are, then i am a monster! The fitness clubs here will give free membership if you work in the nursery for X many hours per week. Perhaps they have something like that there. That would give you a chance to really get to know the people who work there, and might make you feel more comfortable.

For the actual amount of time she'll be in the childcare (about an hour per class, I estimate) it will not harm her in any way whatsoever. If that is your concern. It is good to socialize children. I am a believer in whatever works for you as a parent, whether it be staying at home or having a career - but children need socialization regardless. So some mommy and me classes or, like you described, the classes you and .Rowan can do together would be fabulous.

Why don't you take some classes together and see how you feel about leaving her later?

that's great tanya, i think you should go for it! i'd love to do stuff like that, i think that sounds fun!

what if someone gets frustrated and shakes her or something

... or is it only my mind that goes to these dark places?

No, it's not only you. I think its every mother. Hell, I think about it now and I'm not even pregnant! It's natural to worry and to trust your insticts. I think the idea of you maybe volunteering some time there and see if you like the way they handle things. I think that was a great idea.

Or, you can do the class that both of you can go to together at first, then if your comfortable later, you can leave her in the daycare by herself.

lately now the whole shaken baby thing can be nerve wracking but also more people are aware of that and wouldnt do something like that, daycares are totally different i think when theres more then 1 kid, check the ratio of daycare people to kids to to make sure there isnt to many for them to handle. im weary leaving an infant with someone i dont know but when they are older its not as bad, you just pretty much gotta let em know the childs personality. i had to fill out childcare stuff in case of an emergency , it has all kinds of stuff like if they throw temper tantrums or certain words they use that mean something else, im sure theyd have that same paperwork there where u gotta fill out all that and any allergies or medical concerns etc. sounds likea great idea seeing as you will be in the same building as her the first few times might be rough leaving her but then u will get used to it and it will be ok. i was nervous leaving joseph with sitters before wich is rare and then when jordynne was born. But eventually its not so bad but i was nervous with my gma watching jordynne alone when they were here. But all ended well.

i know how you feel about putting your baby in childcare- that's the whole reason i work from home. but i think this would be excellent for you. i used to love going to the gym and would go as regular as possible. i haven't been for a few weeks and i miss it so much.

it's brilliant for your self esteem and like you said it will give you something to do and keep you busy.

go for it hun!

I would go check out the daycare, show them that you're really concerned about her safety and if it's clean, their experience, etc. I think it's great that you have that nearby. I wish we had something like that. This summer consists of me cooking and running around the house saying, "no Ava". lol
I would go for it and I wouldn't worry, you're right there to check on her whenever you want. I'm sure you can go peak at the door.

I would go! Of course check out the day care and see what you think, but it sounds like a great idea. Especially the baby swim classes!

In a lot of places like that, they do background checks on their staff and require that they have taken some kind of child care class. It would be good for her to socialize with other kids and it would be good for you to take part in .Y activities.

I can relate to being worried about some wack job hurting your daughter, but in a daycare with other kids and adults around .I think it's less likely.

If you are horrible for thinking of leaving your child, then I am extremely evil.
I think joining the the .Y is such a wonderful thing. I do believe it will make you feel better and give you even more energy when you are with your child!! It really does help going into the daycare and "interviewing" the staff. I have belonged to several gyms and had one bad experience. The rest of the time, the staff was good and I felt comfortable. I would make sure the ratio is reasonable.

At one gym, there was only one person and about 14 kids of all ages. The person was good (that wasn't the bad experience). I just went at a very busy time and decided not to go at that time again.

Another time at a different place, there were three workers with only five kids. I went in and played with my child for about 10 minutes before leaving (I do that to quietly check on the staff). I noticed they were talking with each other the whole time and didn't interact at all with the children. There was a child about 10 months old who was just left in a bouncy seat and slightly crying. He really needed some attention but they just talked about "life" stuff. They didn't pay attention to any of the children there!!! It was really unnerving. I could tell my son really didn't like it in there so I stopped going. I did complain.

I wouldn't be too concerned about shaken babies in a gym because there are usually a lot of people going in and out of those daycare facilities and checking up. I would be more concerned about supervision.

I really think you and your child will be fine. Just check it out and keep a careful eye. If there is something that bugs you, I would address it. Our intuition is usually right!

I would never do it, but thats just me.

Tanya, I go to the .Y and I love it. I checked out the care center before I decided and sat with .Mia before I actually put her in there. I love the people and I enjoy working out there....it's a great atmosphere....I would do it if you thought it would help you get out and do something. You get to know the people here in just a few weeks and it's comfortable for me.

Good luck.

I agree, you should definately do it! I would take Brayden there but sadly enough I can't even afford the 'cheap' membership right now.

Last you I did this intership at the YMCA and they had me down in the child care areas a few days. They have two rooms for the kids, one for the little kids, babys and such and then another for the toddlers. They also keep several staff in the room and its a very good atmosphere. They also do this wrist band stuff where you and your child and eacch get a wrist band so that no one can walk off with your kids (for the babys only the parents get wrist bands..)

I wasnt planning to because I dont want to offend anyone. Im strongly against babies being in daycare centres, so personally I would never do what you are wanting to.