Yup, Good Day Care Really Matters

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Here’s another reason why finding a good day care is important for baby (and you!). A new study in Child Development by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin finds that moms whose babies are in high-quality child care -- whether it’s center-based or home-based -- were more likely to be involved in their children’s schools later, compared to moms whose babies weren’t in day care or in good child care. High-quality care includes involved caretakers and engaging activities. But don’t freak out if baby’s been at a bad day care, as long as you’ve moved on to somewhere much better. Researchers found that the effects were cumulative -- the quality of child care the year before kids started school didn’t matter as much as the quality of child care throughout baby’s life.

Experts believe that good child care helps kids get ready for kindergarten and beyond, and that more parental involvement meant a more successful transition into school.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Find a Good Day Care

Tips for Transitioning Baby to Day Care

How to Find a Good Nanny

-- Sarah Yang

See More: Baby Basics , Parenting Styles , Toddler Basics