Have I delayed..

Zero intention of making anyone feel guilty, we all do what we need to do and what works best for us and there will also be some benefits I’m sure - but to answer this, research shows no huge benefit in childcare out of the home until closer to 3, so do what works for you and don’t worry about it, social situations also happen with family, friends, parks, play groups etc

My boy will be 1 on Sunday. He still isn’t in a childcare setting. My eldest didn’t go into one until she was 2.5yrs old. My personal preference is for him to go in when he’s walking and a bit more independent. I take him to baby groups so he gets some child socialising done. Don’t rush if you don’t want to. I know plenty of parents who didn’t send their children to nursery.

No you haven't delayed anything. You can now get 15 hours working parents funding from 9 months i think, so that you get some support straight after mat leave. Then you get 15 hours automatically the term after they turn 3 so a lot of people send them then. And some people never send them at all 🤷‍♀️ its personal preference and circumstance. Stay and play style groups will still offer the social aspect if you worry about that

Those who put their children in day care/nurseries aren't doing it because they want to, they do it because they have no choice but to go back to work.
If you take her out for days where she is able to interact with children her age such as play groups and stuff then that is fine, parents dont need to send their child to nursery for the child's development, yes it sometimes makes it easier for you both when it comes to them going to school and settling in but thats not always the case either some children just struggle to settle at first with new people and thats okay. They have so many years of school that if you want to make the most of your time with your child now and can afford to, then do it. I work in a nursery and have seen so many different children starting at different ages and if they have even started to be a bit behind due to disadvantages at home such as money for example or lack of interactions at home they pick up things really quickly such as speech for example. Don't worry you do you!

My daughter who is almost 4, started at 2 due to no space. She thrived and I wish I could have started her earlier - because I was working with her from 6 months and around 18 to 24 months it became impossible. She has thrived there.

My son started at 10mo because I needed to go back to work. He loves it and is thriving.

Both go 3 days a week and then a day with the grandparents.

However I know people who havent sent their child to nursery until they were 3 or later.

There is no right or wrong. Do what is right for you and your child/family x

Do what suits you. If you can stay at home with them then do it. If youre able to save the money and someone else have them while you work or whatever do that. My eldest is 4 in december and started just a few months before he was 3. My middle was 2 in june and starts next week. My daughter is 10months and will be going to my parents house instead when i return to work

Thank you all for your replies. When you see what others do mum guilt does get to you sometimes. You are all so right everyone has different experiences so shouldn't compare.

Both of mine went to a preschool who didn’t take them until they were 2, so that’s when mine started.
My eldest came on leaps and bounds when he started so I don’t believe that there’s no real benefit to them starting before 3 - because all children are different.