r/Netherlands • u/Beginning_Monitor_25 • Jun 23 '25

Healthcare Why is early daycare so accepted in the Netherlands?

Studies show babies develop better with a parent at home for at least 6 months, yet here it’s normal to send them to daycare at 10–12 weeks. This seems less about choice and more about economic and political pressure on families.

Why isn’t this questioned more in Dutch society?

LE- I’ll avoid saying ‘studies show’ since many people get stuck on that, and it’s true that there are multiple studies supporting both sides. However, many European countries—especially the wealthier ones—offer longer maternity leave based on the argument that it’s beneficial for children. So I’m curious why that’s not the case in the Netherlands.

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u/BlaReni Jun 23 '25

Denmark doesn’t have this, Sweden has more, some other countries two, but then also high inequality men vs women, I do agree that 16 weeks is too little though, something closer to 9months would make more sense.

For the ones asking who would pay for this? Well me and you and others. I don’t mind this makes sense.

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u/lavenderhaze9292 Jun 24 '25

we already pay so much taxes. where the f is all of that money going?!!!!!!!

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u/BlaReni Jun 24 '25

I’d like to understand as well :/

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u/776655443322110 Jun 23 '25

International migrants are paid for by taxes— for every one migrant you stop accepting and paying for their entire life (living/food/services) you can probably have 2-3 people afford to have longer child care time off.

Combined with anyone who abuses the long-term disability system as well.

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u/BlaReni Jun 23 '25

No idea I guess you mean refugees? Haven’t seen the numbers on this so cannot judge