Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

So I signed Emma up for a GREAT daycare center for her to start probably in September! BUT, the more I think about it, the more I think I'm going to go crazy having to pick up DS from aftercare and then go pick Emma up from daycare. They are at opposite ends of town. I figure we won't get home until 6 each night (depending on traffic) and that just seems like so little time to spend with the kids. Then I thought about the "getting sick" aspect and that worries me too. DS wasn't in daycare until he was a year old and I remember him being sick ALL the time.

So I found a girl that can watch Emma in my home and watch Nicholas when he gets off the bus. That way I can just come straight home from work and get here a few minutes after 5. It seems like it will be so much more convenient, but I dunno. One person watching her vs. a whole secure environment just seems kind of scary.

She has experience, I haven't met her yet, and she has checkable references. I would probably do some sort of background check on her. I have to see what we can do at work (Law office). The price comes out to the same.

Which would you do?

Also, what kind of questions do I ask the nanny? I've never had anyone babysit either of my kids ever, so I am pretty much clueless! I knew what to ask the center, but not an individual person.

Thanks

Re: Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

You have to do whats best for you- I know how stressful it can be to get home late and not spend anytime with your child(ren)....

I think both has it pro's and con's... My only concern with a nanny is what happens when she "calls in sick" or goes on vacation? At least in daycare- you always have a place to bring your child....

One on one care for a infant is awesome- but the social interaction for a toddler also has so many benefits.... (although- we havent gotten to see them do to the seperation anxiety issue- but I know the rewards are yet to come!)

Again- you have to do what is gonna make you the most comfortable while you are at work...

And BTW- Emmas school does offer after school care for school aged children

Re: Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

Yeah, I thought about the sick days too. Hmmm, there are pros and cons for both!! I'll just see how the interview goes next week and figure it out!

I didn't know they did aftercare....ours is pretty inexpensive through the not for profit that the district has.

Re: Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

If I had the choice, and I was comfortable with the nanny, I would delay daycare until 2. I really don't see the need for socialization before that time, especially for a child who has a sibling. When I went back to work after my second (she was 12 months), I tried to hire someone to come into my home (I work 2 days a week). Unfortunately, it didn't work on a long term basis and by 20 months I put her into daycare 2 days a week.

Re: Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

i have a 6-month old and we've had a FT nanny since 3 months old. I wouldn't change a thing. The nanny will also do very light housekeeping while he is asleep so that is a major plus!! I never wash bottles anymore during the week, she also does his laundry. He gets the one on one attention I wanted, and gets plenty of socialization bc she brings him to story time at the library and he has playdates with other kids. All the convenience factors you already mentioned are also key. It's expensive (we pay $2400/month, standard in Brooklyn) but its so worth it.

Re: Childcare Dilemma - Nanny or Daycare

We have had a nanny in our home since DS (now 6) was 3 months old. (We also have DD, 2.) For us, it was the best possible option for a few reasons: We leave the house at 7 a.m., and it's hard to find a daycare that opens early enough to allow us to drop off and leave by 7, Nanny does light housekeeping, takes kids to playdates and neighborhood activities, and lets us know immediately if there are any issues. We are fortunate enough to have a lot of family around, who tend to dry by unexpectedly, which helped us feel better about what was happening during the day at the beginning, when we were getting to know the nanny. We pay a lot ($600/week), but that is partly because the nanny has been with us for almost 6 years. There is nothing better than when the woman from the park snack bar or the teacher at nursery/elementary school tells us how lucky we are-how awesome our nanny is!