Childcare can be a very emotional decision. All parents want the best care for their child(ren). Solid, dependable childcare is required so that you are able to work and provide for your family.
No matter which childcare option(s) you choose, start early in your search. In many areas, there are long waiting lists. In addition, even after making a decision on your main childcare setting, consider your backup care options, such as when daycare is closed or when the nanny calls out sick at the last minute.
We outline some pro’s and con’s for some of the most common childcare options.
| Childcare Setting | Pros | Cons | Considerations |
| Extended family | -Child has opportunity to develop a close relationship with relative(s)-Trust-Often free or low cost | -Not everyone has family available or in the vicinity-Family may go on vacations or get sick-Childcare style conflicts-Lack of peer socialization | -This could be a great option as backup care-Even if this is your first choice, it’s useful to still explore options for backup care (e.g., when grandma wants to go on vacation!) |
| Daycare | -Consistently and dependably open everyday except holidays-Cost effective-Peer socialization-Many daycares offer curriculums and learning standards-Will help put your child on a set napping/wake time schedule-Some daycares host special event evenings so that parents can have a date night | -Attention and care are not individualized, as teacher:student ratios may be 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, etc.-Illnesses are common, especially among babies and younger children and especially during winter-Some babies may have difficulty sleeping in this environment | -Be prepared to leave work early or make other arrangements for pick-up if your child becomes sick-Some daycares qualify as backup care through employee assistance programs (e.g., Bright Horizons)-Daycares may charge penalties if you are late arriving for pick-up-Some daycares push annoying fundraising activities-Some in-home daycares may have children of varying ages |
| Nanny | -Personalized attention for child-Nanny can take child(ren) to activities or on trips-Some nannies will do light housework like cooking, laundry, dishes, and tidying up-With less peer socialization, your child is less likely to get sick | -Most expensive option -Nanny may call out last minute, leaving you scrambling for backup care-Lack of peer socialization-Lack of standardized curriculum or learning program unless your nanny is willing to do some teaching or if you enroll in part-time preschool | -Consider using an agency for backup care, as some agencies (e.g., through employee assistance programs) can send a nanny to your house at the last minute if needed -Some nannies may not be comfortable or licensed to drive children to activities-Some nannies may not want to do housework |
| Nanny Share | -Split the cost of a nanny with another family-More attention paid to the child than at daycare-Socialization with another child-Nanny can take children to activities | -Challenging to find another family that needs a nanny for the same times and have similar needs/parenting styles-Nanny may call out last minute | -Local parenting groups/facebook sites are a great way to connect with other families seeking nanny shares.-May be more popular in areas with large waitlists for daycares (such as in certain cities) |
Read Michelle’s story for how she navigated her childcare options.