childcare advice needed please! Ages & Stages

supergrrl20 · 06-07-11, 08:14 PM

I am going back to work in Aug. My son will be 21 months. My childcare options are either daycare 5 days 7-4 or daycare 3 days 7-4 and a nanny 2 days. EVERYONE says not to switch back in forth bc it's too hard to adjust. i'm just really struggling with the daycare thing. im very emotional and need some advice!

2babygirls · 06-07-11, 09:20 PM

I don't see anything wrong with switching back and forth. It actually gives you more flexibility that way - like if your son is sick you probably can't bring him to daycare but maybe the nanny can come instead. Or if the nanny is sick you could probably bring him to daycare an extra day.

rudolphia · 06-07-11, 10:59 PM

I think whatever you choose to do is fine as long as you set a schedule and stay consistent. Kids really do like consistency.

I wouldn't get a nanny just because you're worried about daycare. If you do your homework, you can find wonderful daycare centers that will give you great peace of mind. I still use one of the people who worked at our daycare as our regular evening sitter.

MrsS1stbaby · 06-08-11, 07:29 PM

I agree with Rudi; as long as there is a consistent schedule there shouldn't be any confusion. When my dd was 18 months we started here at daycare 2 days a week and the other 3 days my parents watched her. It was the same 2 days every week and she quickly grew accustomed to it and enjoyed both places.

terribletwos · 03-09-12, 04:00 PM

Kids do like a consistent structure to their week, but that doesn't mean it can only be one or the other...the combo option is perfect. Daycare will give interaction with others, the nanny some personal attention and tlc.
Happy days!