Parenting Decisions: Daycare vs. Nanny
Childcare Options
Two of the most common options for childcare are daycares and private nannies. Parents can drop off their children at daycares, also known as facility-based childcare. These fully licensed businesses can operate out of a center or in a provider’s home.
The other option is having a private nanny or babysitter come into your home. From full-time au pairs and live-ins to part-time live-out nannies, the in-home options seem endless. Some families also decide to do a nanny-share where they split days or cost with another family. Most recently, during the pandemic, pods have become especially popular where caregivers are responsible for a small group of children, helping them build skills or work on projects while providing a more intimate setting for peer socialization.
Daycare
PROS: Daycare not only provides a facility for your child; it also offers opportunities for socializing with other kids, a crucial developmental step for babies and toddlers, and a structured-learning environment. Typically, for one child, a daycare can also be cheaper than hiring a nanny. Understand the cost of daycares in your area as well as find options within your budget. This can ensure that you only tour daycares that you can afford.
But one of the biggest pros of choosing daycare has become especially relevant these days . . . you’ll be able to work from home in peace!
CONS: One of the areas that daycares can come up short is flexibility. They often operate on a fixed schedule so you need to pick-up your child before the daycare closes even if you are asked to work late or have another conflict. Another frequent issue with childcare occurs when your child falls sick. In that situation, you would most likely not be allowed to bring your child to daycare and would either have to stay home or find back-up care.
There’s also the fact that admission to many quality daycares is competitive; some parents even compare it to getting into college! You could be at the mercy of a waitlist.
And canceling your contract may be as hard as getting in. Make sure to find out the policy and procedure for canceling before you sign anything.
Private In-Home Care
PROS: Hiring a nanny or babysitter to watch your child means more individualized attention. Not only can they provide care, but in some cases, they may also be able to help with personal development, such as building your child’s foreign language skills. You can hire a sitter based on your child’s temperament and needs. It’s also a safer choice during COVID as you are limiting your child’s exposure.
Above all else, private childcare is often selected as it gives you maximum flexibility. Pre-pandemic, parents would have their nanny come earlier or stay later based on their work or travel schedules. They also had more flexibility to schedule doctor visits or other programs as the provider can take the child to these appointments. During the pandemic, parents have been using private sitters to supplement their childcare needs based on their kids’ blended learning needs and schedules without having to sacrifice their own work and productivity
CONS: The two biggest downsides to private childcare are lack of structured socialization and cost. While nannies often take kids to playgrounds, bookstores, and libraries, there are no strict development curriculums they are following.
Private childcare also tends to be more expensive than daycare, although it might be more cost-effective if your nanny is looking after two or more children.
Lastly, if you’re working from home, the house could get a little crowded, not to mention the distraction. And, if your nanny gets sick or has an emergency, you’ll be without childcare. Thus it’s always a good idea to have a few backup providers identified.
Pricing and Budgeting
Daycares: price ranges from about $800-$3,200/month. The cost varies based on several factors, including size and location, as well as whether your child is attending full- or part-time.
Private In-Home Care: There’s an even bigger range of prices when it comes to nannies and babysitters, often depending on the hours you employ them and the level of experience they bring.
Whichever option you choose, it’s always a good idea to start a childcare expense fund. Don’t forget to look into a dependent care account, which has a $5,000 annual spend limit as well as any childcare assistance programs and discounts through your employer, too.
How to Find Childcare
If you’re thinking of going the daycare route, you should start looking as soon as possible, — even during pregnancy. Some daycares even require you to put down a deposit for the waitlist.
You’ll have more leeway in the case of in-home childcare. Ideally, you should start looking about 2-4 weeks before you’d like someone to start. Note that nannies are often looking to start immediately, so if you find a provider you really like, consider hiring them sooner than later. It’s also a good idea to add in up to a week of overlap to help your nanny learn your family’s routine and ensure the transition runs smoothly.
Deciding on Childcare
So, how do you decide on the best fit for you and your child? Start by ranking your priorities for childcare, such as socialization opportunities, skills building, safety, location, schedule, and budget. Next to each factor, determine if private care or daycare would best meet that need.
Also, know that it’s not necessarily an either-or decision. You’re deciding what your primary childcare solution will be. Then, you can supplement it with alternatives as needed. For example, you might add an after-hours or weekend sitter to your regular daycare schedule. Or hire a private nanny and place your child in half-day enrichment classes — the best of both worlds.
Lastly, know that your childcare needs will evolve as your children get older and your situation changes. So be prepared to be flexible and switch up your childcare as you need them.
Don’t forget to use tools like Upfront for finding daycares and Apiari to match you to the ideal nanny or sitter.