Most families with babies will agree that one of the most stressful decisions is what kind of childcare to use when parents go back to work. Some families are fortunate enough to choose whether or not to have a parent stay home with the baby. Some families make huge sacrifices in order to have a parent stay home. The truth is that in our modern society most families need two incomes to uphold a decent quality of life. Finding infant care can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to find trustworthy care and deal with the emotions of missing your baby but actual options are scarce. Possibilities for childcare for infants under 1 year are presented here from most to least optimal, as ranked by child development professionals.
1. Infant is cared for in the home by one of the parents or another trusted family member such as grandparents or other close family. Most parents would choose this if it was an option. This is ideal for most families and babies. Some families do a lot of rearranging of schedules to accommodate this kind of care. Some couples work opposite schedules and/or have different sets of grandparents helping different days. A downside may be that there is very little time for the parents to connect or have time off together in this arrangement. Arguably, tag-team parenting could be enough reason to not select this option as it is expected that a strong relationship thrives on quality time together and babies and children do well when their parents’ relationship is strong. This option needs to be weighed considering the possible strain on your relationship and what you can do to prioritize quality time.
2. Infant is cared for in the home by someone besides family such as a nanny. The second ideal situation for most babies and their parents is someone coming into their home to care for the infant in their familiar surroundings and predictable routine. This is usually very convenient and comfortable for the parent(s) since it eliminates the duties of getting an infant ready and out of the house in the morning along with themselves. It also usually creates a close relationship with the caregiver they are entrusting with their baby. The obstacle for most families is the cost. One possibility is to find another family to share the caregiver’s service and the cost. This could potentially minimize some benefits but is still a worthwhile alternative.
3. Infant is cared for in a home childcare setting with other infants and children. In most areas this is usually easier to find and is more affordable than a nanny. Most home childcares have anywhere from 4-14 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers attending, depending on their license and how many adults are there. It is important to choose a home that has a current infant care license through the state and abides by the licensing regulations. There are many advantages to a home-based daycare including the oversight from licensing, socialization for your baby and the family-like feeling your baby can enjoy. Liabilities to consider are that that your baby could be exposed to more germs and illness; and caregivers have to divide their attention between several children.
4. Infant is cared for at a licensed childcare center. Child care centers vary in size and frequently do not take infants. Because the infant-teacher ratio is much smaller than for toddlers/preschool age children and care is more meticulous, most centers do not find it feasible to take young babies. Most centers have waiting lists for infants. A positive feature of a larger center is that it can be the most reliable form of care. If a nanny or home childcare provider gets sick or has a family emergency, it can leave parents in a bind. A center typically has substitute teachers and back up plans to remain open during their operating hours. Centers also have advantages similar to home child care such as structure and socialization. However, centers have disadvantages such as exposure to sickness, and some centers have high turnover of teachers.
There are so many factors that go into deciding what to do with your baby while you work. Explore your options and find the option that feels right for your family. Have confidence in your decision to choose the best fit for your family and your circumstances. Finally, remember that whatever you choose does not have to be permanent if it ends up not feeling right later.
