One of the biggest questions parents face when starting childcare is:
“How many days a week should we do?”
At Lillies Cubby House, we’ve talked with lots of families about this over the years — and honestly, the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Every child is different, and so is every family. But there are some things we’ve noticed that can help you decide what might work best for your little one.
Starting Small: One or Two Days
If your child is still quite young, or if this is their first time away from you for any stretch of time, starting with just one or two days a week can be a gentle introduction. It gives them a chance to get used to new faces, routines and activities without feeling overwhelmed.
This option can also work well for families who are working part-time or have grandparents helping out during the week. Just keep in mind — with fewer days, it can sometimes take children a little longer to settle in. They’re learning names, faces and routines, but not seeing them every day.
The Sweet Spot: Three Days a Week
For many families, three days seems to strike a nice balance. It’s enough for children to feel like part of the group and build strong bonds with educators and friends, but it still leaves space for home days too.
From a development point of view, we often see children become more confident and comfortable around the third day mark. They begin to anticipate the routine, feel more at ease in the environment, and really start to enjoy the learning and play on offer.
Full Week Care: Four to Five Days
Families with full-time work often choose four or five days — and rest assured, many children do beautifully with this. The consistency of daily care helps kids settle in quickly and feel really secure in the space. They get to participate in the full program and enjoy the structure of a regular weekly routine.
We’ve seen many children absolutely thrive with full-time care — especially those who love being around other kids, enjoy new experiences, and are naturally curious.
That said, every child is different. Some may get a little tired at first with full weeks, especially in the early days. That’s completely normal, and we’re here to support them (and you) through it.
So… What’s Right for My Child?
When deciding how many days is best, it can help to think about a few things:
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Your child’s personality – Are they slow to warm up or quick to jump in?
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Your family’s routine – What works realistically for your work, rest, and support network?
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Your goals – Is this about socialisation? Routine? School prep? All of the above?
If you're feeling unsure, we often suggest starting with two or three days, then increasing when your child feels confident and ready. It’s much easier to build up slowly than to wind back if it feels too much.
We’re Here to Help
At Lillies Cubby House, we know that starting childcare is a big step. Whether your child is with us for one day or five, we’re committed to making each day feel special, safe and filled with learning.
If you’d like to talk through your options or even visit and see how we do things, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to chat.