Anonymous wrote:No, i think 2 to 3 weeks is plenty. Once you post a nanny ad, you will get responses immediately and most of them want to start in the next week or so, not 2 months later.

I'm the one who gave the first answer. It really depends where you live - in some areas it may take longer than in others to get responses.

Daycare - tour the center, ask about availability and put down a deposit for a spot if you like the place.

Thanks for all of the responses! What about a timeframe for searching for daycare options out of somebody's home as opposed to an institutional center?

A month times top.

2-5 weeks. Any longer and a candidate is likely to take another position starting sooner.

Anonymous wrote:I differ from both. I think 4-6 weeks is reasonable and best!

I agree, 4-6 weeks.

I differ from both. I think 4-6 weeks is reasonable and best!

No, i think 2 to 3 weeks is plenty. Once you post a nanny ad, you will get responses immediately and most of them want to start in the next week or so, not 2 months later.

You start looking for a nanny 3 to 2 months before you need them to start.

My wife and I will be first-time parents in need of infant day care options in the Courthouse-Clarendon section of Arlington as of approximately next September. I am finding out that for institutional day care I need to be on a wait list now, if I am not already too late. Does anyone have any insights on what my timeline should be as far as exploring in-home or nanny options? Is it too early for me to contact in-home nannies now? How would they know now what availability they will have in one year?

Are there any recommendations for sources of information on in-home day care or nannies?

Thanks in advance.