So, I'm older than you, but am also having my first child soon, and have decided to do things a little opposite.
I am planning to take my mat leave and then go back to work with the intention of leaving work when the kid gets to school age, rather than the other way around. I feel like school age is so much more hectic, and has weird hours, and kids need more help with their homework and navigating friend issues etc. I would prefer to be more involved with the day to day at the older ages, than when they are little and the needs are so basic.
This plan has the side bonus of my salary continuing to contribute to investments in the earlier years, so it can grow through the later years. This doesn't work as well if your wife's salary only just covers daycare, but that depends on the other benefits she receives too. Anyway YMMV and your wife may really want to be home with her tiny baby, I just wanted to throw out a different perspective.