One of the biggest questions facing new mums: Is my baby too young for childcare? In this episode, Anika and Kate sit down with Professor Tricia Eadie from Melbourne University - one of Australia's leading researchers in early childhood development - to finally get the evidence-based answers. Tricia unpacks why age is rarely the right question, what quality actually looks like for different stages, and why a stable, skilled workforce matters more than a fancy fitout. She shares the long-term research on children who start care early, the truth about multiple caregivers, and the single most powerful thing parents can do at home to support learning. Warm, reassuring, and packed with practical tools - this is the episode every mum questioning her childcare choices needs to hear.

(00:00) The guilt of sending your baby early

(01:00) Introducing Professor Tricia Eadie

(01:41) How young is too young — what does the evidence say?

(04:30) Multiple caregivers: overwhelming or totally normal?

(06:05) Can childcare really meet a young baby's needs?

(09:35) School readiness and the three-day guarantee

(16:34) The single most important thing parents can do at home.

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.