One of the biggest decisions working parents face is childcare. Many new parents have to choose between staying home, begging a relative, hiring a nanny, or finding a daycare. If the first two options are not possible, that leaves the big question: Nanny or daycare? Here are some points to consider when weighing your options.
Availability
If you are considering the daycare route, the first thing you want to do is check availability. Popular daycares can have waiting lists for up to two years or more. You might get lucky and spots can miraculously open up, but many parents can’t stomach the idea of waiting to find out if your child got in or not.
If you are considering the daycare route, the first thing you want to do is check availability. Popular daycares can have waiting lists for up to two years or more. You might get lucky and spots can miraculously open up, but many parents can’t stomach the idea of waiting to find out if your child got in or not.
You can choose from hundreds of available nannies in your area. You can research, interview and hire a highly qualified nanny within a few weeks.
Safety
Daycares are regularly inspected to maintain accreditation and licensing, which should give you some peace of mind when it comes to safety. The daycare should also be diligent in hiring qualified, experienced individuals. Do your homework and talk to the daycare administrators to learn about their hiring practices. You may not know who is caring for your child each day, so it’s crucial to trust them to hire qualified employees. Also, find out the child-to-caregiver ratio. In general, it is expected that a daycare have one adult for every three to four infants, or one adult for every four to six children under the age of 3.
Daycares are regularly inspected to maintain accreditation and licensing, which should give you some peace of mind when it comes to safety. The daycare should also be diligent in hiring qualified, experienced individuals. Do your homework and talk to the daycare administrators to learn about their hiring practices. You may not know who is caring for your child each day, so it’s crucial to trust them to hire qualified employees. Also, find out the child-to-caregiver ratio. In general, it is expected that a daycare have one adult for every three to four infants, or one adult for every four to six children under the age of 3.
When hiring a nanny, follow a thorough interview process to find a high-quality caregiver that is capable of keeping your child safe. Be sure to run a background check and talk to references before hiring (if you use an online agency like Sittercity.com, this process is easy). Use your instincts to find the right person for your child.
Reliability
One of the main reasons that you have childcare is so that you can go to work. Therefore, you need a solution that is reliable. Daycares will not allow your child to attend if they are sick. That means you will have to stay home with them, or find someone else who can.
One of the main reasons that you have childcare is so that you can go to work. Therefore, you need a solution that is reliable. Daycares will not allow your child to attend if they are sick. That means you will have to stay home with them, or find someone else who can.
If you have a nanny, your child’s slight fever and runny nose won’t mean that you have to miss work. Of course a nanny can get sick from time to time, too. Also consider that a daycare may close for holidays or a summer break. You will need to weigh these potential hiccups into your decision.
Environment
Many parents find daycare to be a social, stimulating environment. For toddlers and preschool-aged children, this can be a great way to learn how to make friends and solve problems. Your child will be exposed to many other kids in a daycare setting. Of course this means exposure to more germs, which can lead to colds, strep throat, pink eye and the like. Germs aren’t the only things that can be picked up from other kids; bad behavior can be contagious as well. Monkey see, monkey do!
Many parents find daycare to be a social, stimulating environment. For toddlers and preschool-aged children, this can be a great way to learn how to make friends and solve problems. Your child will be exposed to many other kids in a daycare setting. Of course this means exposure to more germs, which can lead to colds, strep throat, pink eye and the like. Germs aren’t the only things that can be picked up from other kids; bad behavior can be contagious as well. Monkey see, monkey do!
When you hire a nanny, you ensure the comforts of home — your child can play with their own toys, nap in their own bed, and eat in your kitchen. Nannies also offer one-on-one attention and a caring bond that is invaluable, especially for infants. For more social interaction you could encourage your nanny to visit the park, set up play dates, or you can enroll your child in neighborhood activities or classes.
Convenience
One major factor in this decision that many parents may not consider is the convenience factor. You must consider the location of the daycare. How much time will this add on to your commute? When you add on those extra miles, what time will you need to wake up your child? Getting your child dressed, fed and out the door can be a challenge.
One major factor in this decision that many parents may not consider is the convenience factor. You must consider the location of the daycare. How much time will this add on to your commute? When you add on those extra miles, what time will you need to wake up your child? Getting your child dressed, fed and out the door can be a challenge.
If you have a nanny coming to your house, things can go more smoothly. Your child wants to stay in pajamas? No problem. They aren’t hungry for breakfast yet? Fine, they can eat later. It’s nice to know that you can leave your child in loving hands and you won’t be late for work. You should also consider your after-work schedule. If you are running late, many daycares will charge extra fees.
Cost
In many cases, daycares are less expensive. But, if you have multiple children, a nanny could be more cost effective. Daycare services will charge a per-child fee, while a nanny is paid an hourly rate. It is a good idea to find out the going rate for nannies in your area, then check the costs of local daycare facilities and compare the numbers.
In many cases, daycares are less expensive. But, if you have multiple children, a nanny could be more cost effective. Daycare services will charge a per-child fee, while a nanny is paid an hourly rate. It is a good idea to find out the going rate for nannies in your area, then check the costs of local daycare facilities and compare the numbers.
It’s Your Decision
Deciding between a nanny and a daycare service is a very personal choice. Beyond personal preference, this decision may be dictated by your work schedule, economic situation, or even your child’s age or temperament. In the end, you have to make a decision that makes the most sense for you, your family and your child.
Deciding between a nanny and a daycare service is a very personal choice. Beyond personal preference, this decision may be dictated by your work schedule, economic situation, or even your child’s age or temperament. In the end, you have to make a decision that makes the most sense for you, your family and your child.
HouseMoms 