What age does a baby really need to start being socialised with other kids?

Kids don't need the socializing aspect until 3 to 4. They Truly don't interact all that much prior to then. they do whats called parallel play. Most parents think the child is actually playing and refuse to admit it. That's why the kids dictate what lego goes where or what each animal is doing. Any ways, as long as around three you start using play grounds or play dates to start the exposure. They kids will be fine. The socialization aspect of young children is often brought up in defense of day cares as a justification for using them. It's a load of bs. It's the same as the myth of the super mom's from the eighty's and the quality time not the quantity time myths of the 90's.

As having a degree in ECE and working with kids for over 15 years I know that children do not play together until at least the age of 3, they play along side each other but not actually together! If you don't have to send your child to daycare don't, if you want them to socialize bring them to the park or join a playgroup... I have worked in Daycare and see what goes on in them, my children will never attend Daycare but I will be putting them in a 1/2 day preschool one year before they are ready to start Kindergarten!

Johnny's Mommy: I worked in several different centers and they are all the same, the people put on a smile when they see you and act sweet on the phone but once you leave it's a different story! It's always the sweetest most trustworthy peron, or so you think who is doing the most neglecting and abusing during the day and you'll never know! As long as they send home a clean kid who had a great day, or so you think everything is peachy!!! Just because you think you are leaving your child at a fantasic place with trustworthy people doesn't mean that's the case! Because of what I have seen in several different environments, my child will never enter daycare, but that's just me!

All I can tell you is from watching my son. He's been in daycare since he was 6 months old - he's 28 months now. He absolutely LOVES his friends at daycare. He'll wake up in the morning and start talking about them first thing, lol. I really noticed him making friends at daycare around 1.5 years old. Him and his best buddy at daycare play together all day.

Yes children may not *really* socialize until they are 3-4 but I'm telling you that my son is socializing now and enjoying every single minute of it.

i have a 7 month old right now too. i also have two girl friends with babies around the same age. one baby is 10 months old, and the other is 1 year old. my son is the only baby that does not go to day care........now this may be in my head, but the other two babies are not shy like my son. when my son is around the other babies, he looks kinda confused, and out of place LOL .....like hes not comfortable playing with the other little boys. the older babies arnt as shy... i convinced my self that this was becuase my son was the only other one that isnt interacting with babies at daycare. when my son is around me and his dad, he is very giggly and happy. not so much if there is other babies around. this made me want to get more social interaction for my son.

I would say 2. At 1 1/2 babies still cannot speak up for themselves fully but at 2 they know what they like and don't like and are very smart. My baby will start daycare at 2

its a good age cause by than she would have know how the world around her feel es and looks

1.5 to 2 years old

IMO, 18 months- 2 years old