When to Start Looking for Daycare (Timeline by Age)
June 5, 2026 · 4 min read
The single biggest mistake parents make with child care is starting too late. Here's a simple timeline so you begin your search with enough runway to land a spot you actually want.
Infant care (under ~18 months)
Start as early as you can — ideally during pregnancy or right after birth. Infant spaces are the most limited and have the longest waitlists, so getting on lists early is the best thing you can do.
Toddler and preschool care
Begin your search 6–12 months before your target start date. There's a bit more capacity than for infants, but popular programs still fill ahead of time.
Before- and after-school care
Look in late winter or spring for a September start. Spots tied to the school year turn over predictably, so applying before the school year is set gives you the best selection.
A quick rule of thumb
When in doubt, start earlier than feels necessary. Getting on a waitlist costs you nothing, and you can always decline a spot — but you can't conjure one up at the last minute.