New! Age consideration when taking in children?

[Fireyesblue]

I'm a newbie! :)

I'm opening in October and I'm wondering how you all decided on what age(s) to care for initially?

I have a daughter who's one in September. I'm looking to take in 3 children (2 at first while I transition).

I know I don't want 3 children in high chairs! We live in a single two-storey home. The basement is partially finished, so I decided to convert our dining room into the playroom (it's open concept dining/living) with access to the living room area as well for certain things.

I won't have room to keep our dining table (maybe a narrow one to section off the area) and looking for alternatives in terms of feeding; which would also help with age consideration. Kitchen isn't large enough to fit a table - boo!

Looking forward to hearing some thoughts and ideas!

[superfun]

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80091713/

I installed a couple of these in my kitchen. It might be a good solution for you in the dining room. I also have 3 ikea high chairs that fit perfectly underneath. It's been on of the best ikea purchases we've made so far.

I can only have a max of 3 children under 2, and 5 in total under the age of 6. I knew that I wanted little ones, because they're my favourite. So I took the max number of 1 year olds I could find. Now most of my kids are two year olds, and that is interesting. :)

[bright sparks]

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80091713/

I installed a couple of these in my kitchen. It might be a good solution for you in the dining room. I also have 3 ikea high chairs that fit perfectly underneath. It's been on of the best ikea purchases we've made so far.

I can only have a max of 3 children under 2, and 5 in total under the age of 6. I knew that I wanted little ones, because they're my favourite. So I took the max number of 1 year olds I could find. Now most of my kids are two year olds, and that is interesting. :)

That's a really neat idea super fun. ..a bit pricey but a really creative solution. I was going to suggest getting the ikea table and chairs for kids so it will double up as a craft and puzzle table too

[5 Little Monkeys]

I like superfun's idea..that is really creative and space saving!

I have this table from IKEA http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/40104294/# with these chairs from IKEA http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/90267556/ I love it and it's small enough to not take up much room but also big enough for 6 children to sit comfortably at.

As for ages, I am limited to 2 under 2 years and no more than 4 in total. Typically, I usually have a young crew though.

[Lee-Bee]

It is largely based on your provincial laws for home daycare, are their rules for ages in care? After that it is based on demand. Here in Ontario we can have 5 children of any age if unlicensed. About 95% of families contacting me for care are moms on mat leave looking for care for their soon to be 12month olds.

[Secondtimearound]

I usually just see who needs care and go from there ! I love 2 yr olds myself ! You can do crafts and projects , themes ect ! I like no bottles although the drawback is potty training !
I have one 15 month old , she's great but more demanding than the 2 yr olds ! I find it's forever changing here , younger crowd then a family will leave and I might have mostly 3+ !

[Fireyesblue]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions! I'm not going to limit myself to a specific age group and just go with the flow :) PS. I'm in Ontario too!