Trying to Decide Between Day Care and Nanny

I returned to work when my first was 10 months old and hired a nanny. I highly recommend going the nanny route. It does cost more, but you are providing your child with one on one care similar to that you would do yourself.

Also, my child was a very happy child and I worried that at daycare he would be ignored for more demanding children.

Having at in-home nanny also eliminates over exposure to germs, and you can leave a child with a cold with the nanny, not at daycare, so your days at work aren't cut into and you can use your holidays for quality time with your child.

Also, with a nanny you can have the childcare decisions more because you tell them the policies you want, not the ones that are standard at the daycare.

However, you have to do what is most comfortable for you and your family.

M.,
I had to respond to you because I wanted you to know how unusual, great, and progressive it is for a workplace to have daycare at its facility. I can't tell you how many moms would be working today if they could have this kind of set up. You can visit your child a couple times of day and also your child will have the benefit of learning social skills with the other children around as she gets older. I wish I could find a job where they have daycare on site. Do you mind telling me where you work?
Diana

Dear M.,
I started working in Child Care in 1982. I have worked as a Nanny and in a variety of postions in Early Child Hood, including Montessori.

Here's what I think. If you can afford it and it is a quality canter go with the center. Is it a Bright Horizon's Center? They are great. I just looked at the time and I have to run. Let me know if you would like more info. A.

Try to find a home daycare it's much better for the child in the long run.
Centers there's to many kids and a nanny she will have no friends. A home daycare is ideal. I know I have an in home daycare and both the kids and parents love the small group.

This is a tough decision. I just went through the same thing with my daughter. I decided against a daycare facility. I wanted my daughter to have a warm, home environment. I also thought about a nanny, but the cost was fairly high. Look into licensed home care providers in your area.

I have done both. I have a 4 year old that was in workplace based day care for 2 years. At that point, he wasn't doing well and we decided to keep him home with a nanny...who we loved. I was reluctant at first, but he thrived with one more person to love him. Eight months ago, we had twin boys and struggled with the decision. Ultimately, our nanny decided to move back home and we were able to get two slots in the same work day care center for the twins. So, we're back there with the babies. I've come to the conclusion that for babies, day care is fantastic...especially since I'm able to go down and nurse them and visit with them during the day. It's also nice to get the extra time from your commute with the baby. Later, it depends on your baby's personality. You might have a kid that really thrives in a group environment. Also, day care is much cheaper!

M. - there really is no right or wrong answer to this. I returned to work when my son was 6 months old and was lucky enough to have my sister be my nanny. This was a good thing since I was on two waiting lists since before he was born and just got into one center. He will be in a day care center at my job when he is 15 months old.
The biggest disadvantage of a nanny is cost. They are $10 to $15 per hour. For one child usually no higher than $12. The pluses are undivided attention for your child - and a little help getting out the door in the morning. Children also tend to get sick less when they are at home with a nanny.

On the flip side - day care centers are much less expensive (around $250 to $275 per week for an infant (under 15 months)). Children do learn some socialization. But a lot has to do with the quality of care. A good place to start for ideas as to what makes a good child care center is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website. They set the highest standards for accreditation of centers.

If you think I can be of any other assistance, please email me.
M. - working mom of a 1 year old.