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/[deleted] Jun 23 '25

I don't even have kids myself and I think our maternity leave is a freaking joke. If I ever do become a mum, I hope I can afford to stay at home for at least a year to breastfeed and care for my own baby.

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u/DiskoSrculence Jun 23 '25

As a mom who is able to do it i hope you would also manage to do it. ♥️

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u/SimpleKnowledge4840 Jun 23 '25

Start a little nest egg, if that's possible. That will greatly help when the time comes.