Let's talk about childcare.

You’re probably going to experience a twinge of jealousy when you hear what I have to say next: my mother-in-law was able to watch my oldest daughter until she started preschool and my two year-old daughter until just recently.

I warned you. A bit envious, aren’t you?

5 Things To Consider When Choosing Who Will Look After Your Child

It’s okay. I know I’ve been one of the lucky ones and I freely admit it. But now comes the hard part. I need to find childcare for my baby girl, and I'm weighing the options - daycares, day homes, nannies, au pairs, babysitters, mommy’s helper.

Ugh. What a nightmare.

From what I’ve gathered, it seems there are essentially two schools of thought, and you’re either pro-daycare or pro-nanny (and never the twain shall meet…)

In that light, let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Daycare

PROS:

• Provides for amazing socialization of small children as they are in a group setting all day   
• Provides great stimulation as children are exposed to a variety of new toys, activities, surroundings, etc.
• Is often a more economical option than hiring a nanny
• Provides for more accountability due to licensing and regulations  
• Child learns that they are “not the center of the universe” and greater empathy due to being with other children all day
• Have more than “one set of eyes” to watch your child and many parents feel more comfortable that there is more than one person alone with the child at all times  

CONS:

• Provides less one-on-one time with your individual child
• Child is more likely to bring home flus, colds, viruses, germs
• Provides for less flexibility in the hours of care
• Might be less stability for the child since the provider turnover might be higher in a daycare
• Might provide for less parental control over your child’s schedule and routine

Nanny

PROS:  

• Provides for individual one-on-one time with your child  
• Much more flexibility in terms of hours   
• Can provide for help with household chores, light housekeeping, cooking, etc.   
• Allows for care in the comfort of your own surroundings   
• Don’t have to worry about sick days or PD days    
• Provides for much greater control over your child’s schedule and routine    

CONS:

• Provides for less accountability when hiring a private nanny to work in your home
• Can be quite expensive
• Only “one set of eyes” and can be difficult to monitor, even with a nanny-cam
• Provides for less socialization of your child and less interaction with other children

It’s just so hard. They both have their pros and cons, and I suppose it all boils down to which pros are more important to you and which cons you can deal with.

I’ve had friends rant about their amazing nanny and I’ve had other friends give me their spiel about the superiority of daycare centres.

And that being said....I’m still undecided. It's just so daunting.

What about you? Which would you choose and why?

If you have any experience with one or the other, I’d love to hear your story. Lord knows I could use the advice.