How to Afford Childcare

I thought daycare sounded kind of creepy, but now that my son is 15 months old and super into other kids, I'm going to look into it. I thought "home day care" (in the person's home / 6 kids to 1 adult with limited numbers of infants allowed) was the way to go, but have been speaking with an experienced care giver who's a fan of "private day care" (which, oddly enough, means it's set in a public setting!) More accountability, you can drop in, etc. Basically, no creepy boyfriends lurking around, to be blunt.
That being said, if you want a nanny or baby sitter, consider doubling up with another family. If the sitter watches your child and one other child, you can probably get away with paying $10 /hr instead of $15, and if the kids get along, it's fun. Also, if you own your home and have a spare bedroom, consider an au pair or live-in nanny. By offering her room and board (and maybe a computer or car) you will get loads and loads of child care for much less than you would pay otherwise. Then again, you'll have a virtual stranger living in your home :) I could never do it, but my buddy has done it 4 times! Works out to about $5 / hour for child care that way... but you gotta have the room for it.

Hi! Well, I'd say if the majority of your salary will be spent on childcare, stay home :-) Why work to pay someone else to take care of your child right? I'm in a similar position, now with two children. I LOVE being home and being the first to see them smile etc. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work and you have to be careful about spending money, but I figure my kids will only be this young for a glimpse in my life. Once they start school, even preschool (@2 1/2-3 years) I can go back to work. If your income is more stable, do the unconventional and have daddy stay home. He wouldn't be the first. No one will love and care for your child like parents. The time goes FASTER than you'd imagine. Whatever you decide to do, just relax for now. Everything will work itself out and you'll have an amazing little angel soon enough. Children seem to bring money with them, like little good luck charms! Best of luck

My kids have only been in home-based daycares. I have been extremely happy. I interviewed several and went with the ones with the most experience (read: widowed grandmas). Rates range from $125/week ($2.78/hour for 45 hours) to $200/week ($4.44/hour for 45 hours). So $6500-$10,400 per year.

Hi R.,

First of all, good luck on starting your new family!!! You must be excited and nervous at the same time. When I found out I was pregnant, I had the same concerns. I agree with Athena, why work to send your child to daycare? It's a waste of money and you do lose out on all the wonderful events that only happen once.

With that being said, you can also look into a work from home job if you need to make up that extra money. I am currently taking an online medical transcription class and hope to get some good work once I graduate. It's just a thought.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you!

Take care,

A. T.

You can look into a co-op. That's where a group of parents gets together and takes turns looking after each others' little ones. Because everyone takes turns, there is no fee. It might be perfect for your husband's freelance schedule. You might be able to form one through a mommy and me group, or some churches arrange them.