Making The Best Choice For Your Baby
As a parent, one of your most important decisions is selecting the right childcare option for your baby. Two popular choices are hiring a nanny or enrolling your child in a daycare facility or preschool. Both options have their advantages and considerations, and it’s crucial to understand the factors involved to make the right decision for your family and needs. Here, we will explore the benefits and considerations of having a nanny vs. daycare, helping you determine your best fit.
Having a Nanny comes with its perks, but also with some disadvantages. My true story begins with a nanny and later up a daycare/preschool.
When I had my son, I was a working mom. I did have my 9 to 5 job that I liked and was close to my home. Also, I had the option of working from home (before COVID), so I thought that having a nanny would be much better because I would be at home 2 days a week, meaning I could be with him. Either way, I looked at preschools too, because if I couldn’t find the perfect nanny, I wouldn’t do it. But I did find her like 2 weeks before I returned, phewww.
Why I Did Prefer a Nanny over a Daycare?
In my case, I needed it to get back to work when my son was 3 months old, and so being so little I did not want him to be outside his home all day and get sick all the time.
I know some of the fears of having a nanny is having a person you just met in your house with your child, but you can always do a background check. Also, I installed a few cameras in my house. I did tell the nanny about them; it is not something you should hide. It’s ok and understandable, at least to most of them.
So, as I said before, having a nanny comes with it perks, meaning:
Pros and Cons of Having a Nanny
#1 Personalized Attention: One significant advantage of having a nanny is the individualized attention your baby will receive. With a dedicated person, he could benefit from personalized care tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and developmental milestones.
#2 Flexible Schedule: Hiring a nanny allows you greater flexibility in scheduling. This arrangement is ideal if you have irregular working hours, a demanding job, or unpredictable schedules. A nanny can accommodate your needs, including early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends. This flexibility can help you reduce the stress associated with juggling work and childcare responsibilities.
#3 Convenience and Familiarity: Having a nanny provides the convenience of having your child in the comfort of his own home. Your baby can remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by their toys, belongings, and daily routines. This continuity can help minimize anxiety and disruption, promoting a smooth transition from mom to the caregiver and ensuring he feels safe and secure.
#4 Customized Learning and Activities: Nannies could create customized learning experiences and activities tailored to your child’s interests and developmental stage. They can engage in educational play, implement age-appropriate lessons, and provide one-on-one guidance. This individualized approach promotes optimal cognitive and emotional development, nurturing your child’s unique abilities and interests.
As you can see, having a nanny has its advantages, but also comes with its disadvantages:
Cons of Having a Nanny
#1 Cost: Hiring a nanny is often the more expensive option compared to daycare. It’s important to assess your budget and financial resources to determine if hiring a nanny is doable for your family. Of course, it all depends on the terms you get with your prospected nanny.
#2 Limited Socialization: One potential drawback of having a nanny is the limited socialization opportunities for your child. Unlike daycare, where children interact with other kids, a nanny arrangement may not offer the same level of social engagement. But maybe, if you have friends with kids of the same age you could consider playdates, group activities, or you can enroll him in a baby gym or specific classes.
Considerations of Having a Nanny
When considering hiring a nanny to care for your baby at home, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Here’s a list of things you may need:
#1 Clear Expectations: Before hiring a nanny, establish clear expectations regarding their responsibilities, schedule, and any specific requirements you have for the care of your baby. Communicate your expectations regarding feeding, sleep routines, developmental activities, and any other specific needs.
#2 Safety Measures: Ensure that your home is a safe environment for your baby. Install safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks, and secure any potential hazards. Provide a safe sleeping area for your baby, I had a playpen in the family room, with a comfortable mattress. Additionally, discuss safety protocols and emergency procedures with your nanny.
#3 Supplies and Equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment for your baby. This includes diapers, wipes, bottles, formula (if applicable), breast milk storage containers, burp cloths, pacifiers, a baby monitor, a baby bathtub, and a changing station. It’s also important to have a well-stocked first aid kit for any minor emergencies.
#4 Baby-Friendly Space: Create a designated area for your baby’s care that is well-equipped, comfortable, and with suitable toys. Create a space for feeding and nursing with a comfortable chair or glider.
#4 Nanny Screening: Thoroughly screen potential candidates before hiring a nanny. Conduct interviews, check references, and consider running background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. It’s also important to evaluate their experience and qualifications in newborn care, such as knowledge of infant CPR and first aid.
#5 Formal Agreement: This should include details about the nanny’s responsibilities, schedule, compensation, vacation and sick leave policies, confidentiality agreements, and any other relevant terms. It’s important to clearly define expectations and protect the rights of both parties.
#6 Open Communication: Establish open and clear communication channels with your nanny. Regularly discuss your baby’s progress, routines, and any concerns or changes in care. Encourage your nanny to share updates and observations, and ask questions.
Remember, hiring a nanny for your baby involves entrusting their care to someone else. So, take the time to carefully select a qualified and trustworthy individual who aligns with your parenting values and can provide a nurturing environment for your baby. Regularly assess the nanny’s performance and continue open communication to maintain a positive and effective caregiving relationship.
By the way, you can take advantage of my nanny report freebie.
Opting For Daycare
Maybe the sound per se of a “daycare” is not quite enthusiastic when you think about your kid starting to get sick. To me, it was the most difficult part of preschool (and still is). But when you start thinking about the good parts, the balance starts to settle.
Of course, it always depends on your child’s age. My son started preschool at 2 and a half years old and he is a pandemic child (yes, those that did not have the chance to go out much) so he did not get sick until 2 years old. Unlike my little girl. She got her first illness at 2 months old because my son gave her something, so the second child tends to start living a little earlier.
So, if you are going to enroll your baby in a daycare, and he/she is less than 3 or 6 months old, you have to stop and think if you have another option, because he/she will get sick, and it will be fast and it will be often.
But aside from the illnesses. Daycare comes with its perks too:
Benefits Of Preschool
#1 Social Interaction and Peer Learning: These environments provide ample opportunities for children to interact, play, and learn from their friends. These interactions start creating social skills, empathy, and cooperation. Additionally, they are exposed to diverse backgrounds and cultures and help develop an appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
#2 Structured Curriculum and Development: Many preschools follow a structured curriculum designed to promote early learning and developmental milestones. Through age-appropriate activities, games, and exercises, they enhance cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
#3 Professional Care and Oversight: Your kid will spend all day with qualified and trained staff members who understand child development and early education. They are equipped to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that prioritizes your child’s safety, health, and well-being.
Considerations Of Preschool
#1 Fixed Operating Hours: Centers typically operate within specific hours, and late pickups sometimes result in additional fees. This fixed schedule may not align if you have demanding work schedules or require flexible childcare arrangements.
#2 Increased Exposure to Illnesses: As I told you before, kids play, kids touch each other, and kids tend to take everything into their mouth… so there is a quite higher likelihood of your child getting sick with colds, flu, stomach bugs, and so on. This will result in a more frequent need for you to stay home with them. So, if you already enrolled your child, be ready (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cetirizine, Probiotics, etc.).
#3 Transition and Adjustments: Some children will cry the first week, some not, and some just cry the first two days. They will need a little time to settle (about 2 weeks) and that’s normal. Adjusting to a new routine, being away from home, and interacting with unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming for some children. As a mom, you need to support them and reassure them. Just be patient and give it some time.
I think now you have a good appreciation for maybe deciding between a nanny vs. daycare.
Remember a nanny offers personalized attention, flexibility, and convenience at home, but may come at a higher cost and with limited socialization opportunities. Daycare or preschool, on the other hand, provides social interaction, structured learning, and professional oversight, but it will increase exposure to illnesses.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your family’s unique circumstances, preferences, and the specific needs of your child. It can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons, visit potential daycare centers, interview nannies, and seek recommendations from other parents to make an informed choice that best suits your child’s well-being, development, and your family’s lifestyle.
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Hello, I'm Ana Cristina
This blog is meant to help new moms and dads start a more successful parenting life and answer most of the questions I’m sure you’ll have. You’re not alone. Hi, I’m Ana Cristina, mom of two: Maurizio & Isabella. We live in el calorcito de Miami and I’m sharing my great experience of being a SAHM to help you get through this wonderful (and sometimes chaotic, messy, and tired) journey.