Nursery World - Study defends baby daycare

Babies in daycare are just as active as those cared for at home and receive the same levels of stimulation through interaction such as singing, physical play and cuddling, according to research published last week. The research was carried out for nappy manufacturer Pampers as part of a long-term study based at the University of Bristol that is following the health of 14,000 children born in 1991-92. It found no significant differences in the amount of stimulation six-month-old babies received, whether their mothers worked full-time, part-time or stayed at home with them. At the age of three, there was no difference in the children's activity levels or emotional development.

The research was carried out for nappy manufacturer Pampers as part of a long-term study based at the University of Bristol that is following the health of 14,000 children born in 1991-92. It found no significant differences in the amount of stimulation six-month-old babies received, whether their mothers worked full-time, part-time or stayed at home with them. At the age of three, there was no difference in the children's activity levels or emotional development.

Child psychologist Professor Dieter Wolke, one of the study team who led the research, said, 'Most mothers experience some guilt about leaving their babies, however comfortable they are with their daycare arrangements, so will be reassured by our findings.'

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