An hour in the car a day for 10 month old?

[qumquat]

Childcare near my work is significantly cheaper than childcare near my home, but it would mean an hour a day (4days a week) in the car for dd from 10 months. I know this isn't ideal, but I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar situation and how it works for you and your lo? Will it get harder as she gets older? (Will prob only be in this situation up until 22 months) I am particularly worried about the journey home 5.30 to 6, that she'll go to sleep and it will mess up bedtime/night time sleep. I'm going a bit crazy with this decision! We could just afford the childcare near home but it would be a stretch. Would appreciate your thoughts!

[FamiliesShareGerms]

We did similar with DS for the same reason. He fell asleep every night in the car, so it became part of his routine. Usually he would wake up after the nap and be fine to have bath and supper, but sometimes he was too groggy and would end up going straight to bed.

Not ideal, but I did like having him close by, rather than worrying about getting back on time to collect when the traffic was bad, or in case of an emergency

[Chipandspuds]

DS was a bit older when I went back to work (14 months) but we caught the bus together in the morning then had a 10 minute walk to nursery and then I had a further 10 minute to work, it was a big of a faff but I think kids do fit in with what you need to do.

Now I've learnt to drive and he's 2.5 years old, he does fall asleep in the car sometimes but most if the time he's giving me a running commentary of what colour the cars are, how many buses he can see etc.!

I liked the idea of being closer to DS's nursery in case I needed to pick him up if he was sick, and I also liked the idea that I couldn't be late picking him up because it's so close to my work. I think I'd feel panicky if I had a lot of traffic on the way home and still needed to pick DS up.

The main thing I find that helped with DS is always having snacks and a drink for him, plus having the normal nappy change stuff just in case of accidents on the journey!

[clara85]

We do this with soon to be 3 children due to our childcare and commute to work.

It was hard when ds1 ( worst sleeper and grumpiest boy ) was that age, i went back to work when he was 9 months old but now he is 3.5 its much easier.

Ds2 I went back to work when he was 5 months but he is much easier going so not much issue thankfully, and now they almost chat together which helps keep them going.

We use the ipad in the car which helps to keep them awake , or when younger 1 of us would sit in the back when we worked the same shifts , obviously not possible if you are driving on your own!

We make it work as we have no choice but I do worry alot about doing so many miles with the kids in the car as I worry about being in an accident but this is where car seat safety is key and car safety x

[Toohotforfishandchips]

We do it and save 230 pounds a month. Ours watch the world go by and chat on the way there and watch DVD on way home when traffic jam more likely. It's fine. You will work some form of nap routine out

[Phineyj]

We do this with a longer commute than you but an earlier work finish, so I guess it works out about the same. We picked a nursery in the town where my DPs live. As I'm a teacher, realistically I can only use a nursery that's near my work, or I can't get to school in time. DD is now 20 months and it's been fine. The advantage is when she's been ill we can get there more quickly and one time when my car broke down and DH couldn't get there in time, DM could pick DD up. There have been times DD has been grizzly but nothing major. The only thing is I always find I'm busting for the loo as it's a long drive!

[qumquat]

Thanks everyone. Glad to hear it's doable. I'm a teacher too phineyj, but as I teach drama I have rehearsals most eves so can't make an early getaway and work later at home. Would any of you mind sharing with me your and your dcs daily routine? How long are they up in the morning before the commute? What time do you put them to bed? Thanks loads!!

[Artandco]

I think a 30 min nap 5.30-6pm will work in your benefit tbh. Otherwise as soon as you get in they will be exhausted and you feel rushed to get them asleep

I wouldn't worry about the nap, then aim for 8/8.30pm bed. Then you can get in, cook, eat together, play with baby, bath, story, bed

They can sleep until last minute in am as will have breakfast at nursery, and can nap plenty in the day at nursery if needed more

[Toohotforfishandchips]

We get up and go within 20-30 min. We are up first then get DC up. Pop clothes on after they have a wee (was nappy change) and head off. Bag done the night before. DC eats breakfast at nursery. Milk on offer first thing - or was bottle in car if need be. If DC really sleepy then off to nursery in pjs and the staff get them changed on arrival.

[Chipandspuds]

Our days when DH and I are both working go 7.00am I attempt to wake DS and have breakfast with him, DS is a big eater so usually has two bowls of cereal, nappy change, wash and get dressed. DH has his time getting ready in the bathroom. I then get washed and dressed whist DH is ironing his shirt and keeping an eye on DS. It's a bit last minute but we are in the car by 7.45am.

DH drives to the train station and gets out there to commute to work, and I then swop to the drivers seat and drive DS to nursery, we are usually there by 8.15am. I then drop DS off and drive to work, I'm usually at work by 8.30am and have a cup of tea and chill out before starting work at 9.00am.

On the way home, I finish work at 5.30pm, and arrive at the nursery about 5.45 pm. I then have 5-10 minutes chill out in the car and pick up DS. DS and I aim to leave the nursery car park by 6.05pm (making sure DH's train is on time before we leave), and drive from there to the train station where we usually have a 10 minute wait (this is where drinks and snacks come in handy, and depending on DS's mood we either have a chat, read a story or if he's super tired he watches Peppa Pig on my phone). Then we drive home and get home about 6.45pm.

DS usually has a play with DH and a couple of episodes of Peppa Pig or Thomas the Tank Engine before bedtime and stories.

We usually miss DS's bath on nursery days, I'd like to be a bit more strict on bath times but sometimes DS is so tired it seems cruel to make him have a bath when he's not smelly or dirty! If I was at home full-time this is one thing I would be doing differently is a bath every night!

[qumquat]

Thanks everyone, your comments have made feel so much better.