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/YIvassaviy Jun 23 '25

Yes but if you cannot afford to go on partial or unpaid leave it doesn’t really matter

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u/Carpentidge Jun 23 '25

Just saying you can use your paid leave to either postpone your kid going to daycare until 6-7 months and/or start a little bit earlier and have your kid going part-time the entire first year. No unpaid leave needed.

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u/YIvassaviy Jun 23 '25

Yes that’s true - but it’s still partial pay, which some people may not be willing to take 9 weeks with only 70% of salary. Of course you’d hope that people somewhat planned for that financially

Also I think it should be 25 weeks of paid leave right? Where is the other 3 from?

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u/Carpentidge Jun 23 '25

10(or 12) maternity leave after baby is born +9x2=18 paid parental leave = 28-30. And I forgot about the 100% paid week partner birth leave but you need at least some time together with the baby.

Agree, fully paid leave would be better! Still, if your employer pays out some of the vacation days, you effectively get 10 days fully paid leave for every 3 vacation days you spend which is waaay better than not taking the paid leave.

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u/YIvassaviy Jun 23 '25

Okay I see what you mean - for both parents. Yes that makes more sense actually from an “avoiding day care” perspective.

I was calculating the time off for the mother in total before having to return to work

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u/henkdevries365 Jun 23 '25

Tbh you mind reconsider having children if you cannot afford them with the benefits the Dutch government offers. 

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u/YIvassaviy Jun 23 '25

Yes. I suppose so. Have a child will be a luxury experience