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Q: Is it normal to send a 12-week-old baby to daycare when both parents work full-time?

  • Myeongchan Kim
  • Sep 15, 2025
  • 1 min read

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.



Question: My partner and I are expecting a baby soon. We both work full-time, and my maternity leave is for 12 weeks. After that, we both need to return to work. We can't afford for one of us to stay home, and we don't have any family nearby who can help with childcare. Is sending a 12-week-old newborn to daycare the standard practice? It feels very early, and I'm wondering if this is what other working parents typically do.


Answer: Yeah, it's super common in the US, unfortunately. Many have to do it due to work/financial reasons after the typical 12 weeks of FMLA (if you even get that). You're definitely not alone in this.

Lots of people start looking for daycare spots super early, even before baby arrives, because waitlists for infant rooms can be long. It’s a tough situation, but many parents navigate it.



For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.






 
 
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