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It's the 5th day of daycare and my 4month old boy came home with a runny nose and slight cough yesterday. Is this just the beginning of all the recycled germs? It makes me so mad. Is it worth it? Need encouraging advice... ”

Asked by KittyKat on 8th February 2008

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If it makes you feel any better, my daughter who is not in daycare has had croup 3 times, 3 ear infections and now bronchitis.

I think daycare is a great thing for kids for a number of reasons. It's just hard when you are actually in it. Seeing your kids sick is awful and you get drained.

I hope your little one is feeling better and you too.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by momof2lovelies on 9th February 2008
I agree with everyone! BUT I DO feel your pain: my little guy got something recently and I can't help but be bitter. But I consoled myself with the idea that it's challenging his immune system. The same argument applies to our furry husky: he's helping our son be healthy .. in the long run!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by KC on 8th February 2008
My son started daycare at 3 months - and we headed right into the winter. Yes, he did get sick quite a few times. But, as others have said, they get sick frequently when the start school - whether that is now, preschool, or later, it still happens. I would keep an eye on the day care center - make sure they have policies about hand washing, parents bringing in sick kids, etc. I find ours to be very clean, and my son still gets sick (especially during the winter). It is discouraging, but it is also great to see how much they thrive at "school" with friends and enjoy their time there. Hopefully your son will too! And as the weather gets nicer and the kids are outside more, they don't get sick as often.

I agree with Nataly - hang in there! and bring on the warm weather! :)

Flag as inappropriate Posted by sdbab on 8th February 2008
Hi there -- really know how you feel, we started our daughter in daycare this year (she is older, 3.5 yrs). She gets sick often -- and I think the first year is tougher on them all -- but she is really enjoying it as I am sure your son is. Our pediatrician told me that all kids get sick approximately the same # of times between the ages of 0-7 yrs -- it's just a matter of when. For kids who go to daycare, they might get sick earlier, but their immune system is getting developed and getting stronger, and they might get sick less later.

I really hate when our daughter comes home sick from daycare, and it's really frustrating to juggle with taking care of her and getting work done, but I ultimately believe that it;s a good thing for them to be in a social setting. Hang in there!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 8th February 2008
Germs aren't bad...look at it as boosting his immune system. Sometimes we need to get sick to build up a resistance. Look at all of the great things that day care can provide for your little one, like patient companionship and once he gets older he'll gain the skills from preschool lessons and friendships there that he probably would not get were he at home all of the time. Take heart, he could have gotten sick from a day at the park not necessarily day care. Try not to worry so much. He'll be alright.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Just Elaine on 8th February 2008