The Effects of Daycare on Infant Development

With more women entering the workforce, it is becoming common for children under the age of 1 to be placed in childcare (Hofferth and Phillips). With a child who is consistently placed into childcare, it can be difficult for her to develop socially and emotionally, but it may also interfere with her natural bonding instincts to her mother.

Attachment

• Children under the age of 1, are more likely to develop attachment issues with their mother. One piece of research found that children who were placed into childcare developed indifferent feelings toward their mothers or were angry with them (Egeland & Hiester, 1995).

Emotional

• Children (under the age of 2) that spend many days in daycare are more likely to be aggressive, emotionally immature and less socialized. There are some experts who believe that placing a child under the age of 1 in full-time daycare will inhibit a child's emotional development (Belsky, 1988).

Maternal Attachment

• Women who are entering the workplace to meet family demands (i.e., financial stability), and work longer hours (more than 20 a week) may end up with a child who develops insecure attachments (Phillips, 1987).

Bonding Issues

• A child who is used to full-time childcare could end up developing stronger bonds with his alternative caregiver (Howes, Rodning, Galluzo, & Myers, 1988).

Considerations

• If you need to place your child into full-time childcare, make sure that your child's environment is suitable (meaning that your caregiver is trained and that there are few children per caregiver). Reassure your child and make time for him at the end of the day to facilitate the necessary bond between you and the child.

Options

• If you are able to have a family member care for your children, then do so. Children who are raised by family (such as grandparents) are more socially competent and have better values and practices (Howes & Olenick, 1986; Howes and Stewart, 1987).