4 week old? opinions please?

**FussyElmo** · 29-05-2009, 06:43 AM

I think the younger you get them the easier it is - sorry!!! Personally I couldnt have left any of mine thats why *****mind though.

I took on a baby at 5 weeks and it was great would definately do it again. Mum was in the last year of her nursing training. She left me at 2 because mum moved but still get cards and photos

**huggableshelly** · 29-05-2009, 06:46 AM

I admire anyone who cares for babies under one!

right back when i started childminding I was going to take on a newborn but the family chose a live in nanny instead ... I was so relieved it made me realise I'm not the best person to care for a baby.

Back in nurseries my fav age group was 2-3's and it still is.

Go with your gut instinct if you are comfortable, parents are happy then go for it and good luck ...

**georgie456** · 29-05-2009, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by janiefear

I'd love it - a tiny baby but without being up all night - sounds perfect to me. I just really feel for any mum who has to put their little one into child care at this age.

I agree - you'll get all the good bits and still get a full nights sleep!!

**Pudding Girl** · 29-05-2009, 08:09 AM

People just have their judgy pants on against the parents without knowing the whys and wherefores

. I cannot see what problem it is to be the one looking after the baby so young - it's more against the parent's not you - and yes jealousy!

**Mollymop** · 29-05-2009, 08:11 AM

It must be really rewarding to care for a child so young. I can't see a problem with doing it at all. I wouldn't want to myself, becasue they are so demanding at such a young age, but that is the only reason.
I think you should go for it, who cares what everyone else thinks

**vix84** · 29-05-2009, 08:14 AM

Hi, I would only be unsure simply because my little boy was such hard work (but then I was up in the night with him alot so was sleep deprived) but Im sure my lo had colic or something else too.

It will be a great experience and if it doesnt work out, then it doesnt work out

**loocyloo** · 29-05-2009, 09:09 AM

oooo, i'd love a tiny baby!

especially one that went home at night ! my DD would love it too !!!

good luck, thinking of you and little one.

xxx

**haribo** · 29-05-2009, 01:38 PM

id do it and tell people to mind their own business its between you and the parents. also if you dont someone else will wont they . i love little babies the youngest ive minded is 3 months and i find it makes for a strong bond . good luck

**Saranotts** · 29-05-2009, 03:02 PM

I know exactly where you are coming from. I took on a 6 week old (two weeks ago) and everyone who sees me with him says "Oh how can they do that" and I end up feeling I have to defend the poor parents decision. I am happy doing it and the parents are happy, so what's the problem? I think it is better for a parent to go back to work when they want to, than stay at home just because it is the done thing. Also not all parents have the choice to stay at home and so these comments, if made to them must just make them feel even worse.

Sara

**LittleStars** · 29-05-2009, 03:37 PM

I have a little girl who was 2 weeks when she started with me....she has just turned one now. I have such a fantastic bond with her and her parents and would do it again in a shot.

Mum wasn't going straight back to work but was having a tough time and needed some time out, she only came for 2 short days initially.

Do it if you are confident to

**Raggydolls** · 29-05-2009, 03:47 PM

some ppl just cannot afford to give up work after a baby, i doubt its easy for anyone in this situation but id look after a baby in a shot, i say good luck to u and love every moment of it :-D

leanne
xx

**jess** · 29-05-2009, 04:12 PM

Thankyou, all of your comments are exactly what I was thinking, just began to doubt my decision! Will look forward to it now!

**christine e** · 29-05-2009, 04:17 PM

If both you and mum are happy with arrangment then the opinions of everyone else don't matter. The response from forum members on the whole have been positive and the younger the child the stronger the bond seems to be.

Cx

**Playmate** · 29-05-2009, 04:30 PM

I say the younger the better, they get used to the noise and the fact they can't have total one to one. much sooner. Much easier than taking them on after 6 mths. I have found since the maternity leave has changed over the years and parents are taking longer (which is great for them) that the 9mth - year age range is so much more difficult to settle.
Good luck