Anonymous wrote:If you're mostly looking at the financial aspect, just do double daycare, or maybe find a nanny share for the baby. Everyone says nannies are cheaper, which is a lie. Salary + taxes + benefits + vacation days + bonuses etc etc. Once they get to 2yo, the daycare price decreases, so I would gut it out. You'll have only 20 months at the expensive infant rate in a daycare, and after that, it's smooth sailing.
When we had a 2 year old and an infant in daycare, it was around $4000 a month. Nanny is closer to $5000/month, with taxes. Add in a year-end bonus of $1500...it's very expensive, plus vacation time and sick leave. It's super convenient that she comes to the house, obviously, but you pay for that convenience.
+1
Lots of other costs - half-day preschool, kids activities, gas, etc. It adds up. Double daycare is cheaper.