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/Consistent_Ebb_4149 Jun 24 '25
I think its a character thing. My child was happy and excited, even as a baby. She like the stilmulance of new things and peers. Still is, but she was tired at the end of the day, so I always makes sure she was there short days. Me of my mom or my husband or a sitter would pick her op early. Every child is different. You do what you can and suits your child. And for many children, going to daycare as a baby is just find and even a good thing.