[Submitted Question]

I have started looking at various daycare options available to us as I would like to return to work when baby is five months. The daycare center that would be most convenient for us has a ratio of one caregiver to seven children. Isn't that a bit high for small babies?

Maureen O., Massachussetts

[WombToBloom]

I think so. The lower the better, obviously. I think that most good child care centers and in-home care providers have a ratio of no more than four infants to a single caregiver. Seven babies are just too needy for one person to be able to handle appropriately. Babies need to be held and talked to and personally fed. I just can’t see that happening at a 7:1 ratio. If you’re really on the fence, ask them if you can observe for a while and see how it goes. (Also check your state’s licensing requirements – the state may have a maximum staff-child ratio too. Make sure this center is in compliance.)

[johniori]

i am agree with the Admin's info that lower the better.
yea its right that one caregiver have only 4 infants not so more