Small children who are cared for outside of the home, especially in poor quality centers for 30 hours per or more, exhibit higher levels of cortisol, according to several scientific studies.

There are many options when it comes to childcare. Some families hire a nanny or an Aupair, while others choose to have a stay at home parent. Infant daycare is becoming more and more common, but it might not be the best choice for babies. Turns out that when babies are separated from their mothers early in life, especially for extended periods of time each week, stress levels rise and that can have a long term genetic impact.

The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine published a commentary bringing attention to several studies indicating that small children cared for outside the home, especially in poor quality care and for 30 or more hours per week, have higher levels of cortisol than children at home.

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is released in the body when the brain detects a threat. This biological response is very useful for mammals who need to run away from a predator or think fast in a dangerous situation. However, sustained cortisol release wreaks havoc on the body.

Elevated levels of cortisol are associated with reduced antibody levels and changes in those parts of the brain which are associated with emotional stability. This has been associated with aggression in children with children, among other negative behaviors. Although not all children in daycare are affected by elevated cortisol levels, enough is for there to be a cause for concern. The authors emphasized that the time children spend with their parents is biologically more important than is often realized.

So what is a working mom to do? Not all parents can stay home, but efforts can be made to keep our youngest children more at ease. Parents might consider taking a longer maternity leave if possible or going back to work part-time or working remotely. Hiring a nanny or having family members care for an infant is another alternative.