Hellooooooooooooooo everyone!! Even though I’ve been blogging, I feel like I haven’t really been around and getting to ‘talk’ with everyone. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that I’m not the only one that has been happily sucked into the world of family and friends (and wine and games) lately, so welcome back to you, too 
Once we got home yesterday, we kicked butt at putting up the remnants of Christmas. Fun fact? If you get tree sap on your hands or on your jeans, just use hand sanitizer! We rubbed it on Hubbs’ sappy jeans, watched it dissolve the sap, then washed them and they were as good as new.
Since we were so busy watching Georgia go into triple overtime playing Michigan State cleaning, I didn’t get a chance to go to the grocery. So despite this morning’s 5:50am wake up call from a sweet, but slightly stuffy baby girl, I am ready to hit the ground running!
Grocery? Bring it. Email box? I’m ready for you. Million random errands? Cake. Gym?
Err….
So here’s my latest conundrum.
As you know, I’m psyched to get back to some serious exercise, but wogging with a stroller and a dog is getting difficult. Especially when the temperature drops.
Plus, I’m planning on adding yoga and strength back into my routine and classes work much better for me than videos at home. So the answer is clearly to get my booty back to the gym!
…but am I really ready to drop Hailey off in gym daycare? In the middle of flu season? When the gym is most likely packed with all the January joiners? (Welcome, by the way 
)
I’m not sure.
In theory, 1-2 hours of child supervision while I get my sweat on sounds incredible. However, exposing Hailey to a plethora of germs and leaving her in a stranger’s care has me jittery.
Pros: Momma can get her groove back. Childcare is FREE. They have a separate infant room so she won’t be with toddlers, I realllllly wanna yoga.
Cons: Aren’t most daycares germfests? Trusting someone to take care of Hailey that isn’t a blood related relative.
Hailey is 3 1/2 months old. Is it too young?
When did you leave your child in daycare for the first time?
Gym goers… is your gym packed with newbies?
Jodie says
I work in childcare. Infants can start at 6 weeks. It is hard for the mothers. It will be hard for the first few times especially since it a gym and not a childcare facility. Trust your instinct. there are germs, but those germs are also some her body needs to build immunity. With that said…Id have a hard time too.
Kelli says
I have a 5 and 7 year old and i put them in the gym daycare as infants the first day or two were hard but it got easier. Good luck no easy decisions for mommies!
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine says
I started taking my little one to the gym daycare at 6 weeks, she is about the same age as Hailey. It was really hard and felt weird at first, but the first few visits I took her I only left her long enough for me to run 2 miles or be gone 20 minutes, just so I could see how she did. I also chose to go at non peak times, so around later morning or afternoon, when I knew a million kids wouldn’t be in there.
Now I have to say I don’t make it there as much as I would like, maybe 2X a week if at that, because I find unfortunately we can’t get going and out the door easily in the morning for me to catch the classes I would like and I often find doing a video while she is napping to work for me easier. But I have made it a goal to get there at least a couple of times a week during 2012, for my own sanity.
Sorry to make this so long, but I completely understand the concern about germs and that being another reason I have not pushed us to go regularly, I am just not ready for a sick little one 🙂 Good luck!
Kortney says
I worked at a gym child care before having my baby five weeks ago. Just bwcuase I know how the girls are and how disgusting it is, I would never leave Colton in there before he could talk. I advice going in there and getting to know the workers seeing how they work. I know it sounds harsh, but I worked there for three years and saw soapy girls come and go some who didn’t even like babies! To them it was just a job. I loved being there whereas they did it for the paycheck. Your gym could be completely different you just have ro trust your instincts and get to know the facility. 🙂
Krista says
I agree to this! Depends on the people and the gym, so check it out thoroughly. I never did the gym child care since I go right before picking up my daughter from daycare, but even at a place where they are insanely clean, thorough, caring, etc (her daycare) she still caught SO much that first year of life that I’d be hesistant leaving her at a place that wasn’t at that top level of cleaning and care for at least the first few months.
(My gym doesn’t take babies under 6 months old so i didn’t even have that option before then).
Holly says
Would it help to ask the gym some of these questions and see what their procedures are for cleaning and such? Or maybe you could also ask to observe a child care session in progress and see what kind of vibe you get.
No kids here but I do see a lot of the kids like ages 2-8 in the play center. Not sure about younger ones.
Kortney says
Sorry I typed all that from my phone while feeding Colton.
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
I dropped CK off after 2 months but only did it twice … She’s pretty young so she won’t be crawling around and puttin things in her mouth so you might be ok. I’d ask about the cleaning procedures even better find a sitter to come to the house while you go until she get a little older
Callie @ The Wannabe Athlete says
The Mini Athlete started full-time daycare at 9 weeks old when I returned to work so maybe I have a warped sense of what is “okay”. I like the idea that they have a separate space for infants at your gym, but I repeat what others say – be sure to check it out yourself. That being said, it’s not like you’re leaving for the full day like I had to – it’s only about an hour and you’ll be in the same building. Momma guilt is a powerful thing but I promise – you will both survive and probably be better for it!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
My son had to go to daycare a few days a week starting at 3 months since I had to go back to work. He’s done fine (only been sick a few times w/ colds for a day or two each, but nothing really at all..knock on wood). I think the exposure to other kids is great and you’ll really enjoy the time to yourself. You can’t keep her away from germs forever and building a strong immune system is important too. Just my opinion!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
While I’m not a mom, I think it’s good for babies to be exposed to some germs – and good for you to go to yoga!
PS – Do you call the store the “grocery” or the “grocery store” because if you call it the “grocery”, I’ll love you because that’s awesome.
jen says
i know it’s hard to drop them off at the gym but once you get to know the workers and get used to doing it will be so good for you. germs may not be as much of an issue since they separate the ages and she isn’t crawling yet. i used to also ask the workers which hours were the least busy and go then if possible.
Heather says
I agree it depends on the gym!
Our new YMCA is just 1.5 miles from our house, and the staff in child watch is AMAZING. They know and love my kids, and give them high fives and greetings even when they aren’t working. It’s really secure with a safe check-in/check-out procedure, but totally open to the track above, so parents can peek in while they jog/walk laps.
I will be leaving my third there as soon as they allow it at 6 weeks. And before that, I’ll be wearing him in a wrap and doing lunges around the track while my 5 and 3 year old are in their classes.
Only bad part – my child watch costs $5.50 an hour for 2 kids.
I want to add that in the beginning, I was only leaving my first child for 20-30 mins for a quick sprint. As I got more comfortable, I left them longer.
Melissa says
I think gym daycare is fine. I had to leave my 12 week old in full time daycare starting this week and we’re both having a rough time, but I keep telling myself that he is building up a great immune system as well developing great social/independence skills that will serve him well later. So if you start doing gym daycare now it may make things easier to leave Hailey or send her to school once she’s older.
Mandy Robinson says
We put Madi in the gym daycare (of our old gym) at 3 months. It was a small gym where we could hear if she got really fussy (nice in some ways, but not in others). Our new gym lets them come in at 6 weeks old (never would I do that – don’t care how desperate I got for a work out). I think Hailey would be fine especially since they have toddlers and babies separated. But like Kortney said I would check out the people in the day care (thats why we switched gyms)!
Our gym is packed right now with resolutioners (as my husband calls them). I am glad to see so many people doing something healthy, but it does make it a little more difficult to get my workout done.
PressureCookerDiaries says
I don’t have kids, but I do know that my brother ALWAYS got sick going to daycare at places like the gym or ski lodge. Even when he was older, like 5 years.
Jenny says
I took G for the first time right around 11 weeks I think. It’s a gym and it’s a daycare so there are bound to be germs, but since you’re still nursing H is still getting all of your immunities, I think she’ll do just fine. Fortunately G hasn’t been sick at all yet, and I’ve taken him multiple times. I too go at off peak times (mostly because that’s what works best for me ; ) but I’m sure that helps as well. Unfortunately babies are going to get sick and we can’t keep them in a bubble, but I think it’s actually good to expose them to some germs so that their little immune systems can build up as well. I really like your Y when I went a few times, the women are very sweet and seem to really like what they do. Bottom line, you do it when you’re comfortable with it, but it’s good to have some time to yourself, and it’s only for about an hour or so at a time : )
Paulina says
I dropped Amelia, my 12 week baby off at daycare this morning. My maternity leave is over as of Dec 27 so she started last week :'( but I will say, she seems to really enjoy her time at “school”. Her first day, they painted and she had paint between her toes! I would never have tried that, who knew a 3 month old could do art!? The teachers in her class are well trained and love working with babies. It was incredibly hard to leave her at first, I cried, a lot. I was ready to quit my job, sell my car, downsize our house…whatever it takes to stay home. I am pumping at work and nursing at home and its working out so far. I say you go meet the daycare teachers, ask as many questions as you want, be picky and trust your instincts. Also remember that Hailey will benefit from meeting other people and babies too. Germs aren’t
Paulina says
Oppps! *germs aren’t all bad.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Can’t help ya with the childcare, but I totally hear ya! Tricky decision.
I’m kinda’ jealous your bowl game was at 1 pm yesterday. That’s prime football watching time. Clemson’s is at 8 pm tomorrow. Don’t these people know I go to bed at 9 during the week?!?!
TanyaS says
I started taking mine when she was 5 weeks old and had no reservations at all. Exposing your child to some germs is healthy and exposing them to different faces and environments is super beneficial. You will feel so much better having the little bit of alone time, it will be good for both of you.
Cindi says
I’ve taken Molly to the Y and was super nervous the first time, but it went really well. Before I felt comfortable leaving her – I went in one day to check it out & ask questions. They gave me the run down on how to check the babies in, their security (I was paranoid someone would leave the gym with her!), and that if anything happened, they knew exactly where I was (on the paperwork I mark “in a class” or “on treadmill”). I also asked when the busiest times were (between 9-11) so I try to go either at 8 AM or 11 AM (our infant care is only available 8a-noon). Everytime I go back to get her, she’s either asleep in a swing, or playing on an old ladies lap. And like someone else said – it’s only for an hour or so & time away from each other is good for both of you! I haven’t dared go this week yet because I’m sure it’s packed. Will probably wait another week or so! Good luck!
Sarah says
I’d really pay attention to your gut on this one and it sounds like it’s uncomfortable. Is there anyway you can get a relative to watch her even just once a week for starters? At least until she’s older and your gut is more comfortable.
Nichole says
Seriously, UGA, seriously. Ughhh.
What a gorgeous lady munchkin you got there. Cannot believe you are a momma!! I say do it, try it out and if it sucks at least you know, but maybe you should ask how young is too young. You’re better at the mom advice than me, lol:)
Rebekah says
My baby girl, Amaré, is 12.5 weeks now, and we just came from a completely SICK house that we had traveled across the country to get to, for the holidays (everyone got sick the day we arrived–yikes!). That being said, although I did clorox every doorknob possible as many times as possible and washed my hands and everyone else’s as much as possible, she did NOT get sick. A tiny bit of congestion, but not even a runny nose. She’s exclusively breastfeeding. I think the immunity from breastmilk is a REAL protection–amazing, actually! God knew what he was doing. Note: this holiday trip also required a 5.5 hr airplane ride one way, so she also survived the airport!
All that being said, I also would NOT want to leave my baby at the gym daycare. Sigh. I won’t even leave her at our church’s nursery with women I know and trust! It’s not so much the nice-ness of the providers (although that helps), it’s also that they are forced to touch and watch so many other sick babies. Even if they were vigilant as they could be, it would take a miracle to not spread some of the germs going around…..I personally think wait till she’s at least 6 months and her body a little better able to handle whatever virus comes her way. Although I’m sure some germs are “good” and exposure helpful, I’m not sure 3 months is the time to give it! At least, I don’t want to.
Just my opinion. 🙂
GL getting back to the workouts! I want to do that, too! 3 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight, but the clothes just don’t fit the same, lol. Know what I mean? 🙂
take care.
Sejal M says
I had little one #2 un October. When I had her brother 2 years ago I tried three times to drop him at the gym daycare after he was 4 months old and just couldn’t do it. I talked with the staff, watched them etc. And they were great but something wouldn’t let me do it? I ended up bundling us up really well and wogging all winter and then by the spring my wog returned to a jog!
good luck, I’m doing the same with my daughter.
Alison says
I would check out the daycare at the gym first. My nephew got a lot of colds from my SIL’s gym daycare. Eventually she found an employee who really connected with my nephew and felt great about taking him.
My suggestions are don’t be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions for your daughters care. Ask if there is a time when the daycare will be less busy and find an employee you like (who likes babies) and find out their schedule. You can make it work!
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
I’ve seen a few mommies run on the treadmill and bike with their babies in their carriers next to the machine. This wouldn’t work in class but might provide a baby step (pun intended) with introducing her to the gym.
Meghan Taylor says
Brit that’s what I do. I leave Luke in his carrier right beside me and bring a few toys. Most the time he either sucks on his sofie giraffe or falls asleep.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I have no experience in this department, but I would totally be way too scared to leave my 3 1/2 month old with strangers.
Jen says
I am having this same issue! Wyatt turns 6 weeks tomorrow and qualifies for the gym daycare. But I don’t know if I can leave him in that germ-infested place. Too bad we didn’t live closer, then we could alternate babysitting and gym going!
Cindi says
Um, Jen……we live close! And I love this idea 🙂
Danielle says
Leaving your little one with strangers is always going to be difficult- whether it’s now, her first day of kindergarten, or when you take her off to college. Charlie started daycare full-time at 4 months. Luckily, it’s on the first floor of my building, so I know lots of other moms down there and can visit him whenever I want. I think it’s natural to be worried, particularly because she’s so young. In terms of germs, kids get sick. It happens. She’s going to be exposed to germs at daycare, at the mall, at restaurants. Just wait until she starts putting everything in her mouth 🙂
All that said, I still haven’t taken Charlie to gym daycare. I just don’t know anything about the teachers. Have they had infant CPR? How often are toys sanitized? What are their policies on letting her cry? Are their cribs safe? Your best bet may be to corner a mother after she drops her child off there and pepper her with questions. Regardless, you’re mom and you know best. Trying to fit in time for yourself this first year is probably one of the biggest challenges of parenthood.
Dawn says
Honestly, I would be really apprehensive about using gym child care at such a young age. With that said, it totally depends on the gym! I think someone said “trust your instincts” and that is what I think you should do, too. Visit the facility, meet the people who work there, talk to other moms, etc. and see what your gut tells you. And if you try it out once and don’t feel comfy with it, you can always back out of your decision.
Brittany says
Maybe you could ask some of the other mothers at the gym who put their child in the daycare what they think about it. I bet most, if not all, were also nervous to leave their babies in the daycare. It might help you to hear from other moms.
Shanna says
I still haven’t taken my nearly 2 year old to daycare, but that is only because I have grandmas around to help out and I usually hit the gym at 5 am while the hubby is still at home.
As, far as germs and illness, I really think that nursing kept both my little guy and myself healthy.
Marci says
I don’t think I’d think twice–free and at your gym and just for 2 hours. For sure!
Autumn@Good Eats Girl says
It’s hard to leave babies for the first time…I left my first when she was 4 months and my second when she was 8 weeks. I had to go back to work each time and didn’t really have a choice. But I just made sure that they were somewhere safe with reliable people and it worked just great! And think of it like this….it will only be for an hour or two while you work out! And that’s a great break for a momma! 🙂
Elle says
1) I’m sorry I’m not sorry that Georgia lost. Since I am a Michigan State University Student I hope you can understand 😉
2) I’m not a Mom but I do work in a gym daycare. I think it would be good for both you and Hailey for her to go to daycare. I’ve seen all my babes get a little sick in daycare but throughout the year they are less sick. Plus it’s a HUGE benefit for you!!
Courtney says
I worked in a gym daycare in high school. I used to try to keep the toys as clean as possible but sometimes it got away from me while trying to watch all of the kids. Most parents use good judgement however and leave sick kids at home. I do think that 3.5 months is a little too young. The age minimum at my gym was 3 months but I always thought it should be a little older, like 6 months. In my opinion, the 3 month olds required a lot more attention than the older babies, and that wasn’t always attention I could provide when I had 5 other babies in the room.
I would check out the gym on a busy morning or weekend and see how many babysitters they have there. I was often by my self left to care for all of the kids.
Elizabeth @TheBareMidriff says
I’ve been going to my gym for a long time, but in the evenings. This week I started going in the morning (not a resolution – just trying it on for size) and I DEFINITELY got some “oh God, a newbie” looks. I try to ignore it though; at least I’m there! I just hope I’m not ruining someone’s well-established routines!
Brittany says
Pshhh, you aren’t ruining anyone’s routine. And if you are, who cares 🙂 Good for you for getting there in the mornings!
BaltiMama says
I actually think the infants are pretty well insulated as there are usually infant-only staff who care for them off to the side of the rest. It’s the toddlers and small children who are sharing toys, putting stuff in their mouths, hugging each other, sticking their fingers in their mouths, etc. Whenever I start going to the gym, it is inevitable that my 5 year old contracts the plague. (This time, it’s strep and bronchitis.)