Childcare for a baby under one year

Key rules

• Nursery age: Most nurseries take babies from 16 weeks, when birth leave ends.
• Mandatory leave: The first 6 weeks after birth are mandatory for both parents.
• Public places: Public baby places are scarce, so line up a private option or family help early.
• Nanny: If you employ a nanny, you must register her with Social Security.

The short answer

Public places for babies are scarce, so plan on private care or family help. Most nurseries take babies from 16 weeks, when birth leave ends. If you start at that point, the gap is small. A gap appears if you do not get a place, or if you want to start later or earlier.

Use your leave first

Each parent has 16 weeks of paid leave. The first 6 weeks right after the birth are mandatory for both parents. The other 10 weeks can be taken in weekly blocks during the baby's first 12 months. This is your best tool for bridging gaps: parents can take their blocks one after the other, so the baby stays at home longer. Single-parent families can add part of the other parent's leave. Leave is paid by Social Security, and you must meet the contribution requirements.

Your options

• Private nursery or baby room. Private places are easier to find than public ones, but they cost more. Many start from around 4 months. In larger cities supply is tighter, so ask early.
• Nanny (cuidadora) or au pair. This gives you care at home. If you employ a nanny, you must register her with Social Security.
• Registered childminder. This is available in some regions only. Ask your regional education or social services department.
• Family help. Relatives can cover days or weeks, especially alongside staggered leave.

The decision tool below helps you choose between these options. The timeline shows the order of steps.

Public places

Most regions set the minimum age for public places at about 16 weeks to 4 months, often tied to the end of birth leave. Each region and town sets its own admission rules, and the dates and points systems differ. Check the current rules with your region's education department or your town hall.

What to do now

1. Ask for private nursery places while you are pregnant or soon after the birth, because waiting lists exist.
2. Work out with your partner how to split the 10 flexible weeks.
3. Keep a back-up, such as a nanny or relatives, in case a place falls through.
4. If you will employ someone at home, register them with Social Security before they start.

For the longer plan up to age 3, use the childcare planner below.

Choosing between options

Which care will you use for your baby after birth leave ends?

• Private nursery or baby room: Fits if you want a group setting from about 4 months and can pay more than a public place costs.

• Nanny (cuidadora) or au pair: Fits if you want care at home; a nanny you employ must be registered with Social Security.

• Registered childminder: Fits if one is available in your region and you want a small home setting.

• Family help with staggered leave: Fits if relatives can help and you can use the 10 flexible weeks of leave to cover the gaps.

Public baby places are scarce, so choose the private or home option that fits your budget and city, and use the flexible leave weeks to cover any gap.

Timeline and deadlines

• Take the first 6 weeks of birth leave, which are mandatory for both parents: right after the birth

• Take the remaining 10 weeks of leave in weekly blocks to bridge gaps: any time within the baby's first 12 months

• Use a nanny, au pair, registered childminder or family help if you have no nursery place: once your leave ends and until a place opens

Childcare timeline from birth to age 3

Match the dates to your child's birth date

Public nursery places are decided in spring for the following September, so your child's birth month decides how long a gap there is between the end of leave and a nursery start.

Step by step

1. Birth to 6 weeks. Both parents must take these first weeks of leave straight after the birth.
2. 16 weeks. This is when birth leave ends if you take it in one block.
3. Up to 12 months. Each parent's remaining 10 weeks can be taken in weekly blocks within the child's first year. Splitting them between you, or taking them one after the other, can push your return to work back and shrink the gap.
4. 6 to 12 months before the start you want. Begin visiting nurseries and collecting documents.
5. Spring. Public applications usually open between March and June for a September start. The exact dates are set each year by your region or town council, so ask your town hall for this year's window and apply inside it.
6. Early to mid September. The nursery year starts.
7. Age 3. Your child moves to school in the September of the year they turn 3. Classes follow the calendar year of birth, not the exact birthday. A child born in any month of 2026 starts school in September 2029.

Check your own gap

Count 16 weeks from the birth, add any leave weeks you will use later, and compare that date with the next September start. A baby born in autumn reaches 16 weeks months before the next September. Plan cover for that gap, such as the second parent's leave, family help or a private nursery. Ask the nurseries you like whether they accept babies mid-year.

What it costs at each stage

Nursery before 3 is not free nationally, and some regions and towns subsidise it. From age 3 to 6, schooling is free in public and state-subsidised schools, but meals, extended hours and activities are paid extra.

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my birth leave to cover more months at home?

Yes, 6 weeks must be taken right after birth, but the other 10 weeks can be taken in weekly blocks within the baby's first 12 months. This lets you stretch your time at home and delay the start of paid care.

Do I have to register a nanny with Social Security?

Yes, if you employ a nanny (cuidadora), you must register her with Social Security as your employee. Ask your Social Security office how to do it before she starts. An au pair or family help follows different arrangements, so check which applies.

Is it easier to find a private baby room than a public place?

Yes, private nurseries and baby rooms are easier to find than public places, but they cost more. Many take babies from about 4 months. Costs and availability vary by city, and larger cities have tighter supply, so ask several places early.