Day Care or Nanny

I have a nanny for my two kids, 2 and 5 months and wouldn't have it any other way. I feel that we are a team and I still get to make the decisions on my kids napping, food, etc.

For socialization I have the nanny
take my son to classes where the baby can tag along and he gets his socialization that way. Also, they go to the Park and my nanny has made friends and they are making play dates for further socialization. I let her know that she could have a friend with her charge over.

I work from home on fridays and have a playgroup on that day. Also, you can take your 1 year old to classes on Sat.

All classes don't have to cost a lot either, we use the Park district and their classes are only $30 for 10 weeks.

Ultimately, you have to do what you feel most comfortable with. Daycare or in home car is good, it's just what works best for your family.

I think it's great that you want your child to start interacting with other children and I agree that it would be great for your child's social skills. However, I wouldn't advise putting your child in daycare full time. If your child has a great relationship with her sitter then what I would suggest is maybe signing your daughter up at Gymboree or a baby type gym a couple days a week.

Hello N. - If you're looking for advice, or an opinion - both of which are the some in this case from me, I would totally recommend putting your little one in a daycare with other children for the social interaction. I have 2 little boys - 3 1/2 & 9mts. I have had the 3 year old in a daycare with 7 other children since he was 4 mts, the 9 month old has been there since he was 2 months. Both have benefitted wonderfully from the social interaction. Since your little girl is turning 1, this is the perfect time to get her around other children. She's still young enough to learn to share & get along with other kids & not so old that she's independent & okay with being by herself. In my opinion, she would benefit greatly from being around other kids. My only caution is to know the temperments & attitudes of the other children she'll be around. She'll learn from them & you don't want her learning negative actions or mannerisms. I hope this helps, I understand it's a big decision. But you'll see the benefit within weeks most likely.
Good luck, L. Gregg

Childcare is such a tough decision. I worked in daycare centers for about 13 years. I was fortunate to work in high-quality, corporate-based centers. Unfortunately, I saw some low-quality centers (through going to conferences and visiting centers while getting my undergrad degree).When it came time for childcare for my son, I chose an in-home sitter. I like the smaller group and mixed ages of children. I would stay with the sitter who loves your child. She could get your child involved in park district programs or playgroups. If you go with a center, visit often and research thoroughly. Go with your gut! Good luck! If you would like to email me, feel free!

J.

N.,

You said your nanny has been with you for over 6 months? The same nanny? The reason I'm asking is that I hired 2 nannies and both turned out nasty and left within 3 months period. How did you find your nanny and may I ask how much you pay her? Thanks a lot.

Seeing as though you are working full-time, I would recommend daycare. It is, as you realize, much cheaper and socialization skills gained are priceless. Both of my children are in day care, but my son is only 10 months, so benefits are still minimal. My daughter, however, is 2 1/2 and has been in day care since three months. She plays well with children, though still independent. She speaks very well, sings numerous songs, knows her abc's and can count to twenty. These being her greatest, not only accomplishments. Granted, my husband and I have been teaching her these things since she was 1, but kids enjoy learning with other kids. Biggest downfall--potty training. One on one is definitely easier.

N.,
I too, recently went through the same scenario. I work 4 days a week and my son has a nanny that we have used since he was 4 mo. (he is now 15mo.). I wanted him to get more social interaction with other kids so thought about, and visited several, daycares. My husband and I decided that if the only reason to put him in daycare was for social interation (yes-it was cheaper, but the financial reason was not what was pushing us)that he could get it elsewhere. My nanny absolutely loves him and he has advanced so much with the one-on-one attention. He will not get the same love and attention in a daycare situation as he does at home (yes, he may learn how to use a fork earlier on b/c he has to b/c I feel it is fend for yourself. often times there aren't enough teachers to help each toddler etc.). I have enrolled him in 2 different Chicago Park District "play" classes and then on my day off I'm in a playgroup. I would look into the Mt. Prospect Park District classes (these are cheaper than Gymboree or other classes) and maybe sign him up for one of those. Maybe you can get into a Sat. morning playgroup - or meet other moms at the park and set up a play date. I know there are other moms out there that want their toddler to interact with others. Also, the public library may have some story time or other activities that you will let your nanny take your child to. Here, he can interact with other kids etc.
Putting a child in daycare is a very personal decision and the info. above is my opinion ONLY. : ) Good luck!

MY ADVICE,, I WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING.. I HAVE A 6 MONTH OLD. AND AFTER SEARCHING DAY CARE CENTERS I DECIDED TO KEEP HIM WITH HIS BABY SITTER.. ONE IS CHEAPER MOST DAY CARE CENTERS WANT THE FULL 5 DAYS A WEEK FOR 920.00 A MONTH AND OF COURSE I CANT DO THAT ONE... AND ALSO MY COUSIN HAS A 7 MONTH OLD IN DAY CARE IN CALIFORNIA AND THE BABY IS ALWAYS SICK WITH SOMETHING.. MY BABY SITTER READS TO HIM TAKES HIM OUT ON STROLLERS RIDES WICH THEY LOVE AND PARKS AND SOCIALIZES WITH HIM... SO MY SUGGESTION IS IF U CAN KEEP YOUR BABY SITTER FOR 1 YEAR THEN DO IT... THE BABY NEEDS UNDEVIDED ATTENTION AT AN EARLY AGE... JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION AND MY PEDIATRICIAN OPINION.. HOPE IT WORKS OUT FOR YOU.. SINCERELY J.