It’s time to return to work after maternity leave, time to decide whether you want to put your child in a daycare or have a nanny come to your home.
There are many factors to consider. However, regardless which option you choose, it’s important that you trust your new care provider. How can you function at work if you are not fully convinced that your children are in good hands?
Now, let’s look at both sides:
Pros and cons of a nanny:
Pros:
- Having a nanny come into your home, your child will have one on one contact
- Your child will be more comfortable in their own home with their own things
- Convenient, do not have to take your child anywhere
- Child will not get as sick, will not catch every cold spreading through the daycare
- If you are running late, your nanny won’t charge you by the minute
- The nanny will continue to follow your house rules
Cons:
- Cost, a nanny may be more expensive
- Finding the perfect nanny that you and your child likes
- Trust- finding a nanny that you can trust will be challenging
- Need a back-up sitter available when your nanny is out sick
Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a daycare:
Pros and cons of a Daycare:
Pros:
- Cost of using a daycare may be cheaper than a nanny
- Daycare has many adults who are trained to tend to your child
- Daycares are state regulated and have to follow certain standards for safety and cleanliness
- Your child will have other children to play with
Cons:
- Your child may get sick more often, from the other children
- Getting your child packed up and out the door may be a hassle
- Childcare employees often change out, so your child will have to adjust to different sitters
- Daycares have their rules as to when to put your child down for a nap, and as to when they no longer need a bottle
- If you have to work late and your daycare will close before you can get there, you will have to make other arrangements for someone to pick up your child
We have looked at all the pros and cons of choosing either a daycare or a nanny for your child. If you can afford a nanny, that might be the best solution for you, your child will be in their own environment, and still following family rules.
A daycare might also be good for your child, your child will get to interact with other children and learn how to share and play with others.
It is a difficult decision, but look over all the pros and cons of both the daycare and nanny and see what will work best for your family.