Anyone use gym child care for infant?

[satama]

We just joined the Y. I would like to go during the day so DH can go at night and we can still take the kids there to swim a couple of nights a week. They have a nice child care room with a "baby Garden " that is fenced off from bigger kids and has jumperoos and things. There is also an area for bigger kids and then a huge indoor play structure thing.

Neither one of my kids have ever been in any type of daycare situation. Is it crazy to think of leaving them there for an hour while I work out? Is four months too young for that or not? If you would leave your kids there, but not at four months, what age would you feel comfortable? Fwiw they take kids as young as six weeks.

[sewpinkgal]

I go to a privately owned fitness center and they start taking kids at 6m. For me, I wouldn't have felt comfortable leaving him any younger than that b/c he was still a handful, but I started leaving him 2 days after he turned 6m.

It's the only childcare he goes to (I SAH) and it's been a great way to get him used to being with other adults and kids. It also allows me to get in several workouts a week without having to be reliant on my husband's work schedule. Win win all around.

Talk to some of the other moms and see what they have to say. The other moms at my gym RAVED about childcare and I can see why - the lady that runs it is amazing and so good with the littles. If you're comfortable with the person(s) running it, then I'd give it a shot. GL!

[Deleted]

I went a few times (just drop in passes). I think I started around 6 months, but if you can time it for a nap earlier then that it's less stressful for you. My gym has a policy that if the baby cries for more than 5 min, they come find you (you write where you'll be when you sign the kid in).

If you feel comfortable with the set up, go for it.

[shell403b]

I did it at my Gold's Gym starting at about 6 weeks old (my mat leave was 4 months). The gym DC ladies LOVE him there and just fawned all over him. He hung out in a swing or on an activity mat and they close every day from 2-4p to clean (I always thought that was a good thing--maybe not the most convenient, but good nonetheless). I was going at off hours, and it was usually pretty empty, so he got one-to-one individual care. Good all around.

[teammccool]

I take our daughter to ours a few days a week (she is 4 months). I asked when their slow times are and only take her then-ensuring she gets held the whole time! Their mornings are super busy, so I take her around 2 pm. It is a great break for her and I

[rubytuesday]

That sounds like the set up at my Y. I started taking my boys at around 16 months old. I waited because my situation is unique in that mine were technically preemies and the logistics can be tough. But, my friend took hers since he was a few months old and he did well.

I LOVE my Y time and I think the boys like it too. It gives them a chance to run their crazies out.

[Deleted]

my gym didn't allow it until 6 months.

That being said, I left her there as soon as she was 6 months. and was in a regular daycare at 3 months.

So I say go for it.

[lishie]

I pay an extra $6 a month to have childcare included with my gym membership. I've only used it a few times (though it was wonderful when I was on maternity leave) but I had no problem with it. The kids always seemed happy when they were there, and I was right there if either of my boys needed me.

[Deleted]

After hearing what happened to H's friend recently-never. He dropped his kids off at the child care place and after his 30 minute work out he went back to check in before showering. His 2 year old was gone. GONE! They did find her in another area of the building, but how the he!! does that happen???
Eta: this happened at a popular chain of fitness clubs

[satama]

I chickened out and haven't done it yet. I am actually afraid DS1 might freak a bit since he has only ever been left with one of his grandmas. I am going to have DH go with me and he will take one of the kids if they cant make it through the hour so I can finish my work out (I want to swim and think it would suck to have to get out and change super fast and go grab the kids) and then once I see they both can do ok I will try it by myself. I have over a month before the next aquatics class sign up and am hoping I can feel ok leaving them both by then so I can sign up for a class.

Until then DH and I are just taking turns going in the evenings.

[satama]

Jul 12, 2012 15:13:15 GMT -5 flygirl said:

After hearing what happened to H's friend recently-never. He dropped his kids off at the child care place and after his 30 minute work out he went back to check in before showering. His 2 year old was gone. GONE! They did find her in another area of the building, but how the he!! Does that happen???
Eta: this happened at a popular chain of fitness clubs

Wtf?! I am wondering how that could happen. The kids would be in a room with a closed door and you have to leave your photo ID and then get it back when you sign out the child. Then the front desk is right near the door. I mean I think someone would notice an escape attempt right away. How scary for your friend. I wonder if someone didn't follow procedures or what. I assumed all gyms were kind of careful about that stuff. And actually, I would be able to see the door to the kid area from everywhere but the pool and the bathroom. So maybe I should skip the pool when I have the boys with me.

[sewpinkgal]

satama - I started by leaving J for only 30min and I just worked out on the treadmill. Wasn't a ton of fun for me, but it helped him get used to being there. After a couple of weeks and I could see that he was just fine, I started leaving him for 1-1.5hrs so I could get in a full class and sometimes a really quick shower. I hope your boys take to it just as well.

[Deleted]

Kids can walk out of classrooms at preschool, etc. This stuff happens and it is unfortunate. However, no need to say never especially if your kid is still an infant.

I started using the gym daycare when DS was 6 months old, but only b/c I didn't join until then. I wish I joined earlier since it would have been nice to take a break. The gym daycare folks were fantastic and one of them even turned into our babysitter on nights and weekends.

[fortmyersbride]

DH takes DD to our gym's childcare when he goes to workout. They start taking babies at 4 mos, but she didn't start going until 8 mos. She otherwise is with us or a nanny at home. I've been told she fusses a bit when she first gets dropped off, but by the end she seems to enjoy being with the other babies.

[angeldcf]

DS goes to the child-care zone at our Y. He started around 10 months (mainly bc I was BF on demand & not motivated to work out). He cried a bit at first, but loves it now. He's 19mo & plays in the main area with the kids up to 4yo.

As an only-child whom grandma watches, I love that he is exposed early to other germs and receives socialization.

[mmmomof2]

I never had a problem with Dd1. We started around 6mos and she seemed to love it and got a lot of attention. We started going again now that Dd2 is 6mos and I haven't made it through a whole hour without them paging me . I'm hoping she'll outgrow her separation anxiety.

[bunch]

I went to the y today for the first time. It was great. Dd had a fun time playing with big kids and I got to run (I didn't even know that I could). If it wasn't so far from home, I'd get a membership. I'm exploring other options for now.