Going back after SAH 2 years--- nanny or daycare?

[Anonymous]

Hi there-- I am returning to work part time after staying at home with my twins for their first two years. We are trying to decide whether to hire a nanny or to put them in daycare. I've heard pros and cons for both situations, but I'm worried about the transition. Has anyone had experience being at home for a few years and then finding childcare for a toddler? Any insight into the transition process would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Considering you will need childcare for two, it will probably cost the same to have either/or.

I vote nanny.
Why?

• Your children don't have to wake up early and you don't have to get them ready, pack their stuff up then drop them off every morning before work.
• Your children will get one-on-one personal attention vs. in a daycare.
• Your toddlers will not be exposed to unnecessary germs which they may pass on to you, causing you to call in sick to work.
• You can be flexible with an in-home nanny.
If you are stuck in traffic or a meeting at work, your nanny will be more flexible vs. a daycare that needs to close and may charge you for every minute you are late.
• Your kids get to sleep in their own beds, play with their own toys and eat their own food.
• Your nanny can assist with socialization skills by taking the kids to neighborhood play groups, music classes, story times, etc.

[Anonymous]

Daycare:

Clearcut routine
More supervision
Daycare never calls in sick
Easier transition to school in a few years
Lots of socialization
No need to deal with intricacies of managing an employee
Kid mess stays at daycare

Nanny:
Fewer germs and nanny will care for them even when sick with usual kid colds and tummy bugs
Flexible schedule/they stay in fheir routine
Easier transition from mom to nanny
Activities tailored to your kids' interests and needs
You can have more control/input in many ways
No need to pack up clothes/snacks/pullups and no need to wake them early and get them out the door

[Anonymous]

What kind of hours will you be working, OP?

[Anonymous]

I have a nanny and love it. Have had the same one since the first baby was an infant. I like that I don't have to worry about rushing kids out of the house each morning. If we're running late home from work we don't have to rush to get there before some daycare closes - we can just call the nanny and ask they stay a little later.

There's a loose schedule but if something in the city is going on or the kids ask to change things up, the schedule can be flexible. If they're wanting to hang out at home, they can.

[Anonymous]

The only reason to put kids in daycare is if you can't afford a nanny.

[Anonymous]

OP here-- thanks for all the great feedback. I'll be working about 30 hours. It's three full days and one half day.

[Anonymous]

I vote high quality daycare. At 2, they need socialization. Many parents put kids in Pt preschool starting at age 2-2.5.

I was a SAHM with an infant and 2yo. I put my 2yo in preschool. It was great for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I vote high quality daycare. At 2, they need socialization. Many parents put kids in Pt preschool starting at age 2-2.5.

I was a SAHM with an infant and 2yo. I put my 2yo in preschool. It was great for him.

A skilled nanny has no trouble providing social opportunities without the stress of being surrounded by a crowd of kids 100% of the time and being on a scheduled dictated by the crowd.

[Anonymous]

Most children at two years old tend to play alongside each other vs. directly interacting w/each other.

Also, I respectfully disagree that a daycare offers more supervision.
When you look at the collective adult:child ratio, children definitely get much less attention.

And yes, daycares typically are for families who do not have the finances to afford an in-home personal nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I vote high quality daycare. At 2, they need socialization. Many parents put kids in Pt preschool starting at age 2-2.5.

I was a SAHM with an infant and 2yo. I put my 2yo in preschool. It was great for him.

Completely disagree with this. A 2 y.o. can get plenty of socialization with a nanny via playdates. PT preschool for two year olds is typically 2-3 x a week for 2-3 hours. Daycare is 45 hours. They are completely different animals.