A Sydney mother whose son was mistakenly picked up by the grandfather of another infant at the childcare centre says the incident has left her unable to trust that daycare centres will protect her children.

Bangor mum Sophie Tilley has spoken publicly for the first time as an investigation by the regulator into the error, which she said has had a profound impact on her family, stretched into its ninth week.

Her one-year-old son was returned unharmed after the man realised his mistake.

The 35-year-old is choosing to share her story with the ABC as the sector comes under renewed scrutiny.

Data obtained by Four Corners under freedom of information shows the NSW childcare regulator has not acted following hundreds of investigations into serious incidents involving children in daycare.

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