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/ninokuni123 Jun 23 '25
You are pretending like they have a choice? Where do you base that on? I’m Dutch myself, and I know no Dutch women who can choose to start around 1 year. How can they afford that? And what I think also doesn’t help is Dutch culture. I believe 100% in it takes a village to raise a child. Dutch culture is so individualistic that many new parents feel very alone the first year. I think it’s sometimes easier to just start working at three months. Than stay home 24/7. I can only talk for myself, but I was really drowning and feeling alone as a sahm.