I guess that's how it is in America. If you are lucky enough to live in the Nordics, you pay far, far less, sometimes nothing at all. I don't think anywhere near 3000 a month for 3 kids is normal in most of other EU either.

So, over here car seats may be a much bigger factor than daycare costs.

3000 eur/month/kid is in the Netherlands. You do get state support (~50% so it's still expensive) if both parents work enough hours.

It's free for over-3s in Scotland, and while I can't quite remember what it cost for a 2-year-old, I know it was around the £500/month mark.

You could put two children through the local Montessori nursery for three grand a month, but frankly the parents (and children) there are a bit odd. Nice enough, just a bit odd.