If you can actually afford a Nanny on your own, then definitely go that route.

Your child will get the individualized attention that is so important during the first crucial years.

Encourage your Nanny to take your child on outings where he can have various opportunities to interact w/other children such as the local public library for regular storytelling sessions, weekly neighborhood playgroups and music or gymnastics classes.

our old nanny worked with our children until they started kindergarten. and I was really afraid that our children wouldn't be social. but the first time we checked his progress, he was ahead in his class, and his teacher said he was able to make friends without a problem... our nanny made sure our children had lots of play dates and activities. so I will say just nanny, no need for nanny share.

Nanny - without a doubt. If money isn't an issue then get the full-time one on one care for your child, w/ someone who can also help do the child's laundry, meals, etc...

You can find ways to socialize your child easily enough and that isn't all that critical at this stage anyway.

When our kids were very young, our nanny met other nannies at the park. They had a friend who lived less than a block away, and the nannies would get them together for playdates.

All the advantages of a share (socialization, cooperation, changing venues, play time), and none of the disadvantages listed above.

Except for cheaper cost, of course!

Until about 2 babies just play next to each other and not with each other anyway.

Nanny no question. Sign them up for some classes once a week or have them go to library story time and playground.
We have a nanny and it's so great not to have to pack te baby up every day, have her nap at home on her schedule and if she's having an off day schedule adjusts to her. Nanny makes the baby food, mops the first floor where the baby crawls and they go walks twice a day and less exposure to ther kids means baby has had one cold in 9 months total.

I would definitely just do a nanny on your own and have her do play dates, classes etc. Nanny shares are a major pain- I've tried 3 and really none of them worked out perfectly. People's care needs change so they find other situations after 18 months. Your child will have become accustomed to one other child and then that child is likely to up and leave at some point. It's really hard to find someone with whom you have the same goals for the share, interest in activities, tolerance for risk (can nanny drive kids etc).

I would do a full-time nanny for the first year, then a nanny share moving forward. So I guess in your situation, I would lean more toward the share.

But, you are giving up some things, like having full autonomy as a single employer, being able to give your nanny perks like extra days off when you travel, etc.

We can afford a full-time nanny for our 10 month old DC, but he doesn't get to interact very often with other children (as is, while I've been a SAHM). Would you choose a nanny share instead for this reason? Or will a full-time nanny be better at getting DC out with other kids? Basically, if you could afford either, are there any reasons why you'd still choose a nanny share?