starting to get very nervous about what to do with the baby after going back to work

I have a 4 year old who will be 4.5 when the baby comes in october. He is in full time daycare right now and I really love where he is at. After I have the baby in October I will take 3 months maternity ( prob be back in Jan). Problem is affording the 2 in daycare for the 9 months before my son goes to kindergarten is going to kill us financially and we would actually have to deplete some of our savings to send them. It is going to be about 500 per week. My Dh actually makes less than I do and he would be paying the majority of his check to day care and the cost of working would leave us in the red just so he can work. Thing is he doesnt really love the idea of staying home for those 9 months plus he does carry the benefits ( his job pays all where mine is a co pay of 150 per month). He said he would do it but he would be very unhappy quitting his job... I dont know what to do. We have zero family that can help so Im really at a loss.. I wiish it was the other way around and I could stay home but it isnt, I dont want my DH to be miserable but I cant see paying for him to go to work. Plus he is a wonderful Dad to my son and I know he would be just fine with the 2.

Re: starting to get very nervous about what to do with the baby after going back to work

my coworker just had to quit due to the same issue. his wife made more money and his check was just going to paying for medical coverage and day care. they realized it was more cost efficient for him to just stay home and work part time on weekends. is that an option for your husband? can he find something part time so he doesnt go stir crazy at home? or is it that he really likes where he is now? would you ever consider someone watching the baby in their house instead of a day care center? i hear they're cheaper weekly.

Message edited 6/28/2009 6:40:53 PM.

Re: starting to get very nervous about what to do with the baby after going back to work

Re: starting to get very nervous about what to do with the baby after going back to work

DH just mentioned today how nervous he is about paying for daycare. but we discussed this with our accountant. im due in october, so in september im going to change my tax holdings from single zero to married 4. she said ill get enough back in my check to pay for daycare. our tax refund might be a little less, but because it's toward the end of the month we should be ok. if you have an accountant i would talk to them to get options on what to do.