Making decisions about childcare

When you go back to work, who will mind the baby? Sometimes it's all in the family, with Mom and Dad working opposite shifts or childcare provided by grandparents or aunties. More dads are taking on the role of at-home parent these days, leaving the moms to do the breadwinning. Most working women, however, will need to find some kind of paid care.

That care might come from a:

Live-in nanny

Babysitter who comes to your home

In-home caregiver

Childcare center

What's best for baby?

While the one-on-one care of a nanny would seem far superior to a childcare center, that's not necessarily so. It depends upon the personality and experience of the provider and, in the case of the center, the quality of the program. Don't worry that your child will be harmed by going to childcare at an early age. Research has shown that, put simply, bad childcare is bad for children, and good childcare is good for children.

What's best for your family?

Cost is a consideration, and costs vary widely. A live-in nanny is the most expensive option, but it may be the only practical choice if both parents work full time or a night shift. The daycare option will be more affordable. Assume you'll pay more for a higher child-adult ration and a better, more reputable facility. You may be fortunate enough to have a good quality, on-site daycare center at your own workplace.

It's not too early to be checking out your options, especially if you're planning a fairly short maternity leave. Be thorough and follow your instincts. Having confidence in your childcare arrangements will help ease the process of returning to work.

Do your homework

Collect information about nanny agencies, make a list of area childcare providers, or talk with friends about babysitters they've used.

For childcare centers, ask about location, hours, schedule (is it open year-round?), cost, ages of children cared for, number of children cared for, adult-child ratio, and whether there are openings (or a waiting list).

See for yourself

Visit homes or centers you're interested in, by appointment the first time, then drop in at least once unannounced to verify that your first experience was an accurate representation of everyday life at the center. Ask yourself these questions:

Is it clean, safe, and well equipped with age-appropriate furnishings and toys?

Does it really have the adult-child ratio it claims?

What's the tone? Are caregivers loving? How are behavior problems handled? Do the children seem happy?

What meals are served, and what quality and variety of foods are used?

Set up an interview with prospective nannies or babysitters or with the childcare center director. Ask about:

Experience with infants

What they like about caring for children

Philosophy of care and approach to behavior problems

Who are the regular caregivers (at a center)? Find out how long staff members have worked at the center and about the turnover rate (burn-out).

Facilities and plans in case of emergency

Attitude about handling pumped breast milk (if you are breastfeeding)

Check credentials

Regardless of how good you feel about your choice, don't leave your baby with anyone until you have checked her background. Find out if the center is licensed or certified and in good standing with the licensing agency. With individual caregivers, get references.

Date last reviewed: October 2002.

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