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If you’re planning to go back to work after your baby
is born, child care is a major concern. Your childcare
provider will be spending a lot of time with your child,
so it is critical that you be comfortable with the
environment and the style of care your child will be
receiving. There are several alternatives, each with
pros and cons. Spend some time evaluating each option,
so that you can make the choice that best suits your
needs.
The first option is in-home child care, meaning a
sitter, or nanny who comes to your home to watch the
child. This is by far the most expensive option, but it
has many advantages. Your child will be at home, and
will have the full attention of the nanny. In addition,
your child will be exposed to fewer illnesses, and you
will not have to transport her back and forth on your
way to and from work. The main disadvantage is that you
have no real backup if your nanny gets sick or wants to
take vacation. Another thing to consider is your
feelings if your child develops a very strong bond with
the nanny. More than one mother has been hurt by the
sense that the baby is more comfortable with the nanny
than with her.
The second option is a small home daycare, meaning
you find someone who will keep your child in her home,
perhaps with her own children or one or two others. This
is a good option if you want your child in a home
atmosphere, but can’t afford the full time nanny. This
option shares the same disadvantages of having a nanny
in terms of no backup plan.
The third option is a traditional daycare center.
Traditional daycares are affordable, and there is no
need to worry about a caretaker getting sick or wanting
to take vacation. A daycare might also be more of a
learning environment than home care, which will become
more important to you as your child gets older. The main
disadvantages of daycares are that your child is exposed
to all the germs of all the children. Be prepared for
the both of you to be sick for a year. The other
disadvantage is the numbers of children being cared for.
For example, in most states, the law requires one
caretaker per eight babies. Now, I don’t know about you,
but I could not effectively care for eight babies alone.
So, if you decide to use a daycare center, be sure to
ask their caretaker to child ratio. Look for one with
about five babies per caretaker.
Choosing your baby’s childcare arrangement is one of
the most important decisions you’ll make. Even after
you’ve chosen a care option, be diligent about ensuring
that your child is receiving the best care. Drop in
unannounced at odd times of day to see what’s going on.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and let the caretaker
know what’s important to you. It’s critical not only to
your child’s well being, but to your own piece of mind.
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