u/willowdownlow

I need to get rain gear for my 12-month-old - she's slightly on the smaller-than-average side. I have a hand me down 24 month MEC newt suit that's huge! I know the newt suits fit big too so I'm not sure if I should get 12m or 18m for this fall. Has anyone used a 12 month suit until kiddo outgrew it and then skipped a size and went up to 24m? Or are they sized so it's necessary to go 12 then 18 then 24? We are in the lower mainland so anticipate using the suits year round/throughout the winter

I'm stressing over choosing a daycare! Baby will be a year old next month. I had planned on taking 18 months off work which I'd still like to do, but I'm ok to put her in daycare earlier to secure a spot and start sending her part time for the socialization and anticipating she'll get sick a lot at first.

We got offers from 2 daycares - toured both and got good vibes from both.

We are a one-car household so the plan is for Dad (who takes the car to work) to be the primary pickup/drop off person. I commute by bus and do 1-2 days a week at home. Dad would basically be the sole person if we do daycare #1 due to its location, but I'd be able to do it if necessary if we did #2.

How important is location and convenience for choosing a daycare? I imagine pretty important, but between cost / facilities / outdoor space I feel like it's hard to choose! Ultimately I think baby would be happy at either but still it feels like a massive decision! Help!

Daycare #1:

- $750 a month (snacks included, no lunch)

- 15 min drive from home (along the route to dad's work - 5 min from his work)

- nice cheerful space, but can't see outside

- space for outdoor time is a 5 min walk away on a fairly quiet street - they take the kids over in a big push stroller type thing 1-2x a day

- has been around over 10 years, long-time teachers in the infant room

- hours work for us but less flexible (Dad couldn't work more than 15 min late before leaving for pickup)

- start date is at 14 months (which works because we'd start her part time at first and then I'd return to work at 17-18 months)

Daycare #2:

-$1100 a month (lunch and snacks included - not possible to opt out)

- under 5 min drive from home / 15 min walk (along the route to Dad's work)

- larger, brighter space with big windows

- space for outdoor time is right there but it's separated from a very busy street by a tall wall - it's very loud and I'm worried about pollution

- has been open 3 years, one of the teachers in the infant year has been there since it opened

- hours are better - no rush to pickup after work

- start date is at 12 months (feels too early! Not sure if we'd send her right away, but I'd probably have to go back to work early due to the cost)