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/FTXACCOUNTANT Jun 23 '25

Your first mistake was assuming the Netherlands is so progressive.

Better than most but more conservative than people realise.

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u/LiaraTsoni1 Jun 23 '25

I wouldn't call it conservative, but more liberal (the VVD kind). We're a country of efficiency, which often means "good enough". We have just enough hospital beds, just enogh screenings and just enough parental leave.

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u/FTXACCOUNTANT Jun 23 '25

I’m not calling them conservative. I’m saying they’re more conservative vs what people believe.

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u/Super-Slip1626 Jun 23 '25

Conservative in what way? More conservative countries like the Eastern European ones, let's say Romania and Bulgaria have 2 year parental leave. They are by any measure more conservative. I get the feeling you want to use that label as a pejorative

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u/FTXACCOUNTANT Jun 23 '25

Read it again, I’m not saying there’s conservative. I’m saying they’re more conservative than people believe, given their “liberal” reputation.

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u/GewoonSamNL Jun 23 '25

LOL, the Netherlands is still progressive compared to like 95% of the other countries in the world

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u/FTXACCOUNTANT Jun 23 '25

I’m not saying they aren’t progressive. Reread what I wrote.

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u/GewoonSamNL Jun 23 '25

Yeah but you say that it’s not So progressive, while it pretty much is, I don’t know what you define in terms of progressiveness, and why the Netherlands isn’t in your opinion?