Fitness Center Child Care & Illnesses

I would say that it is a trade-off; you just have to weigh the pros and cons. I do believe kids will get sicker spending time in such places. Even if the toys are cleaned regularly- which I suspect they are not- the kids are probably all over one another, acting like kids: fingers in noses, mouths, drool, goo, etc.

I work one-on-one with kids and I disinfect each set of toys and surfaces between each child. I use sheets to cover mats when babies crawl. We wash hands when we enter and leave the treatment room. And kids probably still get sick in my care!!

You are giving them a chance to build their immune systems while they are socializing and you get some mama-time, so those are sure pros!

I'd just keep an eye out for anything unusual and encourage your kids to hand-wash (or bring your own wipes) and wash their hands when they enter and leave the playroom.

We've been going to a health club with a child center for about a year. We have had good experiences with it thus far. I haven't seen the workers actually cleaning anything, though. The center immediately posts medical concerns if one is reported to the center. The workers are trained to report suspicious symptoms, too.

Keep in mind that many viruses are contagious before symptoms are recognized. Our health club has a "no sniffles" policy, but the real viruses to worry about won't be noticed until it spreads.

Good luck with the transition!

Has your oldest gone to preschool? If not, she might not have been exposed to much yet and this is her first time being around that stuff. If she doesn't get sick from here, it will be when she starts preschool or kindergarten.

As far as cleaning toys, most places do that later in the day when there aren't many kids around. Most places use bleach water and don't want lots of kids around when they are doing it.

Do they change diapers at your health club? If so, there is a risk for exposure to some illnesses there. They should have a designated area for that and some places have them wear gloves to do it.

Do you know what their policy is regarding sick kids and kids who have colds? When do they turn them away or make the mom take them home? That would be good to know. Among other things, my health club has a policy where if they have to wipe a child's nose 3 times, they page the mom and they have to take the child home.

Unfortunately some parents don't care if their child is sick, they take them out anyway. If you are worried about limiting their exposure, your best bet is to try and avoid peak times.

I would ask your fitness club about their policy on cleaning, disinfecting, etc... I would just be curious. You'll get to know the helpers in the kids room and you can casually ask them. They probably don't clean toys in front of the kids but they should, at the least be wiping down table/table toys possibly during the day. Kids, unfortunately, will lick and chew on toys, handles, chairs etc.. regardless of where they are and can pick up a virus. I hope that your experience with going to the fitness club isn't hindered by this. Where there are kids, there are germs and unfortunately, some parents will drop off their sick kid at the expense of others. See if your health club has a specific "sick kid" policy, when they identify a kid who needs their nose blown, constantly or looks lethargic. They should also be posting more serious "medical" threats that have been identified, like strep (or the dreaded lice!)

Once your children are in preschool or kindergarten, they will be exposed to enough germs in their young lifetime to build up their immunity. Your children may go through short periods of their young life where they may catch one virus after another and they may be exchanging colds, too, since you have two young children. That does happen. However, the trade-off of letting them gain some independence and keeping your sanity by exercising is a wonderful thing.

Enjoy your workout and enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom!

I can't really offer any advice, as I am in the same situation & wondering the same thing as you. I recently joined a club & my daughter picked up a virus as well. She had never been in a setting like this prior, so I imagine she'll pick up quite abit. I have the option of working out at night & having my hubby watch her, which I'm planning on doing once the weather gets colder. I would say, if you have that option, take it. Otherwise I would expect the same outcome as if at a full time daycare center. It does truly amaze me that people will take there kids when their sick & drop them off. I mean afterall.. its only to work out which IS an optional thing. I would find out the centers policy on sick kids as well.

No matter how much they clean and sanitize, there will still be germs. Our gym child care center has hand sanitizer by the door and I always use that on my sons hands as we're leaving and then wash them when we get home. If they don't have sanitizer, stick some wipes in your purse and wipe the kids hands when you pick them up.