Nanny, au pair, or Daycare for 3 month old or so?

[Anonymous]

My husband might be working in another state from M-F and I work about 5-7 hrs a day during the week. We have a toddler who will be in preschool during 4 out of 5 of those days and a baby. Thinking about options for care for our baby while I am at work. We don't have a big budget at all. I think minimum coverage is about 24 hrs a week but might have a meeting or evening event here and there that I need care for. I breastfeed and so far baby isn't taking the bottle with enthusiasm and only sometimes. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Au pair.

[Anonymous]

The real coat of an AuPair is about 24k/yr.

For your required 25hrs a week, you are looking at a breakdown of $18.50/hr. At that price, I'd hire a nanny. AuPairs are an enormous pain in the ass to host. Lots of drama no matter how well you choose. Also don't underestimate the amount of food a 20yr old eats. My groceries doubled.

[Anonymous]

Nanny. Baby will be better at taking bottles when you're not there and with another caretaker. Make sure you get someone with infant experience.

[Anonymous]

Nanny > Au Pair

Both cost more than daycare. But seriously, a good nanny will make life easier - a great Au pair will still be a LOT of work for you (it's cultural exchange, not just childcare).

[Anonymous]

Nanny, or daycare. AuPairs are great for older kids, since they are usuall 19-23ish. You want a mature professional when it comes to caring for a newborn.

[Anonymous]

A nanny, or maybe look into a nanny share if money is a problem.

[Anonymous]

I would hire a nanny, less work for you in the long run.