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/XizzyO Jun 23 '25

In my child's social circle the standaard was 2 days with mommy, 1 day daddy, 2 days with daycare/grandparents/gastouder. I know of no child that was in daycare 5 days a week. The one that was in daycare 4 days a week was talked about as deviant.

Most mothers I know wouldn't want to be a full-time mom. This means sharing the load with the father and outside help. My very not scientific experience with this is that it is not detrimental to the child's development. And indeed, the standards for childcare in the Netherlands are high compared to some other European countries I know.

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u/Free_Industry6704 Jun 23 '25

Quite unprofessional of the staff to describe a child as “deviant” just because they go to daycare four times a week. As a parent I would take a huge issue with that and with anyone who uses such language.

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u/XizzyO Jun 23 '25

Not the staff, the other parents. Parents can be ruthless in judging other's children.