Researchers find positive mental health for children in daycare

Medical Watch Digest for Dec 18
Analyzing the impact of daycare on babies.

Sending children to daycare has no significant impact on their mental health.

The environmental influences on child health outcomes or echo program through the National Institutes of Health set out to determine whether attending childcare influenced a child's mental health development.

They were especially concerned about those who faced challenges in the home as well.

Doctors admit parents fear childcare versus staying home with a parent increases risks for children and that adds to feelings of parental guilt.

This study looked at both center-based and home based daycare.

Researchers found positive mental health for children in daycare with no evidence of anxiety, depression, aggression or hyperactivity. And they documented many benefits including better socialization than children who stay home.