How to Choose the Right Childcare for Your Baby

Nanny or daycare? The question of where to leave that precious bundle confronts all parents who return to work. Though you may be blessed with nearby relatives eager to care for your baby, most working parents must find outside care. Keep In mind that a nanny Is not necessarily preferable to daycare, or vice versa. A great nanny beats a mediocre daycare, and an enlightened daycare with loving caregivers wins out over a so-so nanny.

Instructions

    • 1

      While you're pregnant, start gathering tips on daycare centers, home-based daycares, and nannies. In many cities, competition Is fierce for desirable daycare centers, so It's best to start researching early. Good places to look for leads: other parents, your workplace, local baby activity centers, your pediatrician's office.

    • 2

      Assess your scheduling needs. If your work hours are unpredictable, you might have a problem with a daycare that closes at 6:00 pm sharp. But If you work short hours from home, it would likely be more convenient to hire a nanny for the limited hours you need.

    • 3

      Determine your childcare budget. Nannies generally cost more per hour than daycare, but In daycare, you often pay for full-time care even If you're child's only there part-time. With twins, you pay for two daycare spots, so paying a nanny a little extra might be cheaper.

    • 4

      Visit local daycares. Many popular daycares fill up quickly. Even if you're uncertain whether you'll end up using daycare, get on the wait list to maximize your shot of getting In.

    • 5

      Look into available nannies. Agencies and services are usually the most expensive way to find a nanny, but offer the advantage of pre-screening the nannies. Often you'll get a better rate if you find a nanny through word-of-mouth.

    • 6

      Interview several nannies. Look for compatibilty, good references, and a genuine love of babies. Find out if the nanny is willing to do housekeeping. Does the nanny charge extra for overtime? Is her schedule somewhat flexible?

    • 7

      After thoroughly researching your options, you'll have a sense of whether daycare or a nanny is the best choice for you. You'll also rest assured knowing your baby is in the best possible care.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Berry Picking
      Berry PickingMaterials Sunscreen Sun hat Bag lunch Juice Books Directions Every child should pick berries at least once in her life! Kids find strawberries the easiest to pick, as they are low to the ground, easy to see, and have no thorns. Find a f
    • Friendship Games for Kids to Play
      C.S. Lewis once said, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… it has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” C.S. Lewis was right; friendship truly does add quite a bit to lif
    • How to Ask for a Camp Sponsorship
      If you want to go to camp this summer, you and your family will first need to have the money to do so. Camp generally requires staying in cabins or lodges and eating at least three meals a day. After you factor in the cost of all activities, as well