Laura is mum to 5 month old Grace and she is unsure what type of childcare will be best for her baby.
“I’m going back to work in a month and I need to find care for my daughter. A spot has just come up at a nearby daycare centre and I know I should probably take it but I am a bit hesitant. It’s such a big, noisy place and there are so many children there that I’m a bit worried that Grace won’t get the individual attention she needs or that she’ll hate it and it’ll be too much for her.
I have thought about getting a nanny but they’re so expensive, I can’t really justify the cost. There is a childminder down the street who can take her but I’m also not sure if she will get enough stimulation there, and with just one carer and four children, if she will be able to care for Grace properly. At least at daycare they have lots of toys and the staff are all well supervised.
I need to make a decision on this soon because we need to get Grace settled in somewhere before I go back to work but I just can’t make up my mind. I would really love some help from other mums who have been in this position. What sort of childcare did you use, and how did you make the decision? What are the pros and cons of each?”
Are your children in daycare? Or do you prefer to use a babysitter or childminder? If you use any form of childcare for your young children please tell us about it and help Laura decide what childcare option will be best for her family. By answering a few questions you can help Laura and others like her evaluate their childcare options and make a better informed decision. Thanks, Shona x