Which option, daycare or a nanny, is best for your family? You're not alone. The majority of mothers are faced with a choice between these two undesirable options.
It is a stressful, emotional, and confusing time for many new parents who are responsible for watching their baby.
There are a lot of mothers who are not mentally prepared to go back to work, but their companies offer either a short or no maternity leave policy.
Many parents are put in a position where they have few choices because there is no paid maternity leave.
The two most common options for providing care for one's child are sending one's child to daycare or hiring a nanny to look after the child while the parent is at work or away from home. Being a stay-at-home parent or asking relatives to watch one's child are also viable options.
You can help yourself make the best decision for your family by conducting a thorough analysis of the benefits and drawbacks associated with both choices.
Which childcare options are ideal for my child? is a key question that every working mother must eventually ask herself. This holds true regardless of whether you need full- or part-time care. What are the best childcare alternatives for my child? To assist you in choosing the best early learning programs for your child, view our list of options in Sydney.
You are not the only one struggling with the repercussions of this choice.
According to 62% of parents, it is challenging to find economical, high-quality childcare, and this is valid for all parents, no matter how many zeros on their paychecks.
How should you start making your decision? The most well-liked alternatives if your grandmother doesn't live nearby and can help are daycare facilities and nannies.
However, when it comes down to it, deciding whether to go with daycare or a nanny depends on your family as well as two important considerations that will come into play: time and money.
The truth is that, contrary to popular belief, choosing a babysitter or daycare should be based on what is best for the infant as well as the parents, especially the mother.
Nanny vs. Daycare: Decisions, Decisions
You are not the only person facing these challenging child care decisions if you are just starting to plan out a strategy for child care.
But consider this: about a quarter of young children under the age of five are enrolled in some kind of organised child care, like a daycare centre.
However, you should think about the following factors before deciding whether to enrol your child in daycare or employ a nanny:
What Timeline Do You Have?
When will you start working again exactly? This could be a crucial factor to take into account while deciding how to care for a newborn.
It can take some time to locate a nanny, and daycare centres frequently have waitlists that can go on for several months.
What's Your Plan?
Will you resume your employment and will it be full-time this time? Part-time? sharing jobs?
Will you have access to extra help, such from a grandmother or another source?
When making decisions about childcare options for your infant or toddler, the "you are plotting out when" part is extremely important.
What's Your Budget?
While the price of childcare in some places can be similar to the price of a second mortgage, the expense of employing an experienced and well-respected nanny can be fairly high.
In the end, the decision may be determined for you by the amount of money you have available for child care.
In the end, families may find it difficult to afford daycare or nannies, and many families spend more on childcare than they do on housing.
The truth is that it takes working women an average of 10.3 weeks to return to their employment, despite the fact that some businesses have made progress in the area of parental leave.
According to Griesemer, "the majority of employers require you to get back to work as quickly as possible, which means you'll need to secure childcare for a baby who is three to six months old."
To help you determine which option is best for your family, we'll evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of both daycare and hiring a nanny in the following paragraphs.
Should I Hire a Nanny?
A person is qualified to serve as a nanny if they have undergone specialised training in the development and education of young children.
Their main duty is to provide day-to-day care for a kid or children, whether they work full- or part-time..
The difference between a nanny and a babysitter, who typically serves in a less frequent capacity, lies in the amount of time and attention that is devoted to the care of the children.
Employing a live-in nanny is an option for families who are ready, willing, and able to provide their child with their own bedroom as well as a private bathroom.
In that case, your other choices are either a nanny who lives in your home or a nanny share, in which two or three families take turns using the same nanny and split the costs.
The best way to find a reliable babysitter is to use the services of a professional nanny agency or to ask trusted acquaintances, family members, and neighbours for referrals.
Benefits of Hiring a Nanny
Having a nanny who works in the home provides many parents with the flexibility and control they desire over their children's lives.
More Parental Control
You will have a greater degree of control over the things that your child is exposed to, the places they go, the foods they eat, and the schedule that they follow if you employ a nanny to work in your home.
The majority of nannies will send their charges' parents updates and photographs throughout the day. A nanny is an excellent choice if you place a high value on this aspect of your life.
Individual Attention
Your child's individual requirements are the primary focus of your Nanny's attention. Since there is no other child in need of attention, the Nanny will be able to focus her full attention on the growth of your child.
Attachment
The presence of a primary attachment figure, such as a nanny, is beneficial to a child. 5
Your child will have the opportunity to cultivate a unique relationship with a single individual, allowing them to rely on that person to be a stable and reassuring presence in their lives.
Logistics
Being a working parent is made a lot easier when you hire a nanny to come to your house and care for your children. You can give your Nanny a call if there is something important at home that you forget to do.
Your nanny can be present at the house when there is a visit from a repairman so that he can be let in.
In addition, many nannies offer assistance with light housework, including cooking meals for your child and doing their laundry. These responsibilities lighten the load that you carry as a parent.
Flexibility
You are the one who decides what times you require a nanny.
You can find a nanny who is flexible and willing to work with your schedule if you start work later in the day and work evening shifts. In the event that you become delayed due to traffic, your nanny will be waiting for you at home.
Consistent Care
The vast majority of nannies remain with their families from the time the child is born until they begin school.
There is a high likelihood of at least one caregiver leaving a daycare centre on an annual basis, if not more frequently, which may be upsetting for the children in your care.
Vetted Caregiver
Nowadays, you can get help choosing a trained caregiver who can give references by using websites like Care.com.
Structured Area
The majority of nannies will care for your child in your house, giving them an environment that is familiar, dependable, and secure.
Your schedule, Your Nanny
Entire time? Part-time? weekends and late nights? Because your nanny works for you directly, you have entire control over her schedule, allowing you to arrange the hours according to your needs.
Additional Duties
You are free to choose the salary scale you will provide your nanny, as long as it is within the parameters and guidelines established by your neighbourhood.
This implies that you are also in charge of deciding what duties the nanny will perform. With the kids by yourself? tasks around the house that are less strenuous, like cooking and dishwashing? heavier lifting, like doing laundry?
Budget Saver?
If you have two or more children or if you decide to share the cost of a nanny with other families, hiring one may be more affordable for your family.
Custom Care and Attention.
Your child will be the Nanny's sole priority, which may provide you with a sense of calm as a parent.
It is possible that this will entail one-on-one play and learning time with regard to language and early childhood development depending on the experience level of your Nanny.
Convenience
If you have a nanny, you won't need to worry about getting ready for the day or packing your things. You are not permitted to lug pumped milk or a packed lunch all the way across town with you.
Drawbacks of Hiring a Nanny
Conflicts in parenting styles and difficulties with regulation are inevitable when nannies are involved. The following are some of the reasons why you might not want to hire a nanny.
Lack of Oversight.
You have the nanny-cams set up, but when it's just the nanny and the baby, there's no natural way for you to know exactly what your child does during the day.
Budget Buster?
Nannies are typically the more expensive option, costing between $500 and $700 per week for full-time care, according to the International Nanny Association. This is the case even if your nanny is caring for multiple children at once or is participating in a nanny share programme.
Paperwork Headaches.
As your Nanny's employer, you are responsible for paying her Social Security taxes and filing a W-2 form on her behalf.
Parenting Style Conflicts
If you and your Nanny have different views on how children should be disciplined, how long they should sleep, or any other aspect of parenting, this could lead to a disagreement and create tension in your relationship.
When searching for a nanny, it is in your best interest to look for someone who shares your approach to parenting.
The continuity of care provided by various adults is absolutely necessary for the growth of a child.
Searching for a Sydney childcare that helps your child develop, keep up & excel. Check us out!
Cost
The average cost of nannies is significantly higher than that of daycare centres.
However, the cost of hiring a nanny can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including location, the number of children, and more.
Consider participating in a nanny share with one or more other families if you are interested in hiring a nanny but do not have the financial means to do so on your own.
Lateness
If a nanny has a pattern of arriving late for work, this will cause you to be late for work. Because the Nanny will be coming to your house, you will not be able to control how late they are.
No Coverage for Sick Time
If your Nanny becomes ill, takes a personal day, or moves out of town, you will be responsible for finding alternative child care or staying at home with your children.
No Regulations
It is not necessary for nannies to have any additional training or certifications related to the growth and development of children. For instance, a lot of babysitters have their CPR certifications, but not all of them do.
Parents are responsible for interviewing potential nannies and conducting background checks on them.
You Are the Employer
You are considered an employer if you use the services of a nanny. It would be beneficial if you "kept your nanny on the books" and then paid the necessary taxes on your nanny's salary.
There are also tax breaks available to you, such as the Child Care Tax Credit and Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care, which you can take advantage of.
When hiring a nanny, it is important to have a conversation about paid time off for illness and vacation, as well as to create a written agreement or nanny contract.
Additionally, as the employer, it is your responsibility to provide feedback to your nanny and engage in open dialogue regarding their work.
Should I Enroll My Child in Daycare?
Daycare facilities can be split into two categories: those that are self-contained and those that are run out of the homes of individual providers.
Both ought to have licences in order to guarantee the highest possible level of trust and care. Before deciding on a daycare centre, parents should keep the following in mind:
- tour all daycares they are
- considering
- utilise a list of questions
- ask about teacher-to-child ratios
- understand hours of operation
- be aware of meal times and available
- allergy or dietary accommodations
Benefits of Daycare
The following are a few arguments in favour of putting your child in a daycare centre:
Social Skills
Children can learn and develop alongside their peers at daycare, which is an invaluable opportunity for their social development.
Children benefit intellectually from being around other children and significantly advance their social abilities as a result of the day-to-day activities they participate in at daycare.
Toys, Books, and Resources
The majority of daycare centres provide their clients with access to a diverse collection of toys, books, games, and playground apparatus.
In addition, daycare facilities offer children the chance to engage in imaginative play by providing materials such as art supplies, educational games, dress-up clothes, and building blocks.
Some child care facilities also bring in outside individuals to lead extracurricular activities like yoga or music.
These things are typically included in the costs that you incur on a monthly or annual basis, which means that you do not need to pay additional money for the supplies.
State Regulations and Accreditations
Daycare centres are required to comply with state regulations regarding issues relating to safety, staffing, sanitation, and space.
Inquire about the centre's most recent state licence and determine whether or not it has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (NAEYC).
Multiple Teachers
There are many daycare centres that employ wonderful teachers who have worked with children for a considerable amount of time.
There is a possibility that some have received training in child development.
The children will be under the supervision of multiple adults, and they will develop relationships with more than one person.
Cost
Since you are sharing the cost of a nanny with other families, the cost of daycare is typically less expensive than the cost of hiring a nanny. Nevertheless, the cost can change depending on the facility's location and category.
For instance, the cost of using an in-home daycare centre, which is also known as family care, is typically lower than the cost of using a conventional daycare; however, it also provides fewer benefits, such as resources and fewer teachers.
Vetted, Licensed Caregivers
These establishments are required to comply with the licencing regulations imposed by both the state and the federal government.
Verify that the status of your daycare is up to date and that there have not been any complaints lodged against the establishment.
Structured Space and Hours
Daycare facilities will provide a schedule of dates and hours that are intended to accommodate the needs of parents who hold full-time jobs, such as an extended day with early morning and late evening hours.
It May Offer Online Check-Ins or Monitoring
There are some facilities that provide parents with the opportunity to "visit" their children during the day via video chat or an online monitoring system.
It Benefits Social Interaction and Development
Time to hang out with your pals? Through socialisation with other people, including adults and other children, infants can develop important skills.
Focuses on Early Childhood Education
The majority of day care facilities also function as preschools, providing instruction in early childhood development that includes activities like teaching youngsters their ABCs and 123s.
Drawbacks of Daycare
While there are a lot of benefits to using a daycare, there are also some drawbacks. This is why you should not choose daycare for your child.
High Turnover?
As the infant grows, having a trustworthy and well-known staff is essential. Investigate the degree of consistency that the team possesses at your facility.
Structured Hours
This, too, is a potential advantage to consider. However, you are out of luck if you are running behind schedule at work or if you need to run errands on a Sunday afternoon without your children.
It Can Be Expensive
The Centre for Progress estimates that putting a baby in daycare full-time for one year will result in a financial burden comparable to that of paying the average annual tuition at a public four-year university. This burden can be as high as approximately $11,666.
Germs
In the long run, an exposed baby may develop a significant resistance to the illness, but in the short run, you should prepare for your child to have a lot of sick days.
It is important to keep in mind that if the baby gets sick, you will need to stay home with her and may need to miss work as a result.
Germs are widespread in daycare settings because children share so many toys, wipe their noses frequently, and then repeatedly touch the same objects. If you're looking for a Early Learning Centre Sydney that develops children's unique capabilities, you’re in the right place.
A child who attends daycare is more likely to become ill throughout the year than a child who does not attend daycare due to the increased likelihood of coming into close contact with other children.
Sick Policies
Daycare centres have stringent sick policies, which means that if your child falls into their "sick" category, you are required to take time off from work or make other arrangements for childcare when your child is ill.
In addition, if your child becomes ill while attending daycare, you will be required to pick them up and keep them at home until they are no longer contagious.
Accidents
Bite injuries and falls are fairly common in daycare settings.
4 When there are a lot of children present, it can be difficult to keep an eye on all of them at the same time, which can lead to an increased risk of injuries like bumps and bruises.
Inflexibility
If you are late picking up your child from daycare, you should probably expect to be charged an additional fee because daycare centres operate on specific hours.
It's possible that you require more flexibility than what a daycare can provide if you have a job that prevents you from quitting at a set time every day.
Your Kid's Personality
Because of the numerous changes and stimulations that occur at daycare, it is essential that you are familiar with your child's personality.
Consider whether they will be able to handle the level of stimulation in this environment or whether it will be too much for them.
Additionally, the actions and growth of other children can have an effect on the day of your child.
For instance, is there a chance that your child will be influenced by another child who requires more supervision?
What are your thoughts on the practise of teachers caring for multiple infants at the same time?
Questions to Ask: Daycare Vs. Nanny
How much does it cost, and what exactly do I get in return? For instance, in addition to watching your child, will the Nanny also be responsible for cleaning and cooking?
Is the daycare able to provide meals for the children? If so, are they made with fresh ingredients or with ones that have been processed and prepackaged?
Will this make things easier for you? Is there a daycare facility in close proximity to either my home or my place of employment? Or, would the Nanny be able to come to my home during the time that I will require her to be there?
What do my instincts tell me? Do I get along with the people who run the daycare or do I prefer the Nanny? Can I put my faith in them?
Is there a sense of trust between both parties? Do they intend to give my wishes consideration? For instance, will they be able to accommodate my decision to use cloth diapers or have my breast milk in bottles?
What is their availability and how fast do they turn over their staff? How long have the individuals who provide care at the centre that I'm considering working there?
How long has this particular Nanny been employed in the field of child care? Who is the caregiver and what are their long-term plans? Keep in mind that it is in the best interest of the child to continue to spend at least one full year with the same caregiver.
In the end, the decision regarding which option is best for your family rests solely in your hands.
The most important thing is to look for a location that makes you feel good about yourself. This is the most essential consideration for the entirety of the family.
Conclusion
The majority of mothers are faced with a choice between daycare or hiring a nanny to look after their child while they are at work or away from home.
The most well-liked alternatives if your grandmother doesn't live nearby and can help are daycare facilities and nannies.
Being a stay-at-home parent or asking relatives to watch one's child are also viable options.
The cost of childcare in some places can be similar to the price of a second mortgage, but an experienced and well-respected nanny can be fairly high.
The best way to find a reliable babysitter is to use the services of a professional nanny agency or to ask trusted acquaintances, family members, and neighbours for referrals.
Employing a live-in nanny is an option for families who are able to provide their child with their own bedroom as well as a private bathroom.
The vast majority of nannies remain with their families from the time the child is born until they begin school. You can get help choosing a trained caregiver who can give references by using websites like Care.com.
Because your nanny works for you directly, you have entire control over her schedule, allowing you to arrange the hours according to your needs.
The average cost of hiring a nanny is significantly higher than that of daycare centres.
Nannies are typically the more expensive option, costing between $500 and $700 per week for full-time care, according to the International Nanny Association.
It is in your best interest to look for someone who shares your approach to parenting and continuity of care provided by various adults is absolutely necessary for the growth of a child.
Content Summary
- The majority of mothers are faced with a choice between these two undesirable options.
- There are a lot of mothers who are not mentally prepared to go back to work, but their companies offer either a short or no maternity leave policy.
- Many parents are put in a position where they have few choices because there is no paid maternity leave.
- The two most common options for providing care for one's child are sending one's child to daycare or hiring a nanny to look after the child while the parent is at work or away from home.
- You can help yourself make the best decision for your family by conducting a thorough analysis of the benefits and drawbacks associated with both choices.
- This holds true regardless of whether you need full- or part-time care.
- However, when it comes down to it, deciding whether to go with daycare or a nanny depends on your family as well as two important considerations that will come into play: time and money.
- The truth is that, contrary to popular belief, choosing a babysitter or daycare should be based on what is best for the infant as well as the parents, especially the mother.
- But consider this: about a quarter of young children under the age of five are enrolled in some kind of organised child care, like a daycare centre.
- It can take some time to locate a nanny, and daycare centres frequently have waitlists that can go on for several months.
- When making decisions about childcare options for your infant or toddler, the "you are plotting out when" part is extremely important.
- While the price of childcare in some places can be similar to the price of a second mortgage, the expense of employing an experienced and well-respected nanny can be fairly high.
- In the end, the decision may be determined for you by the amount of money you have available for child care.
- The truth is that it takes working women an average of 10.3 weeks to return to their employment, despite the fact that some businesses have made progress in the area of parental leave.
- According to Griesemer, "the majority of employers require you to get back to work as quickly as possible, which means you'll need to secure childcare for a baby who is three to six months old."
- Employing a live-in nanny is an option for families who are ready, willing, and able to provide their child with their own bedroom as well as a private bathroom.
- In that case, your other choices are either a nanny who lives in your home or a nanny share, in which two or three families take turns using the same nanny and split the costs.
- Having a nanny who works in the home provides many parents with the flexibility and control they desire over their children's lives.
- You will have a greater degree of control over the things that your child is exposed to, the places they go, the foods they eat, and the schedule that they follow if you employ a nanny to work in your home.
- A nanny is an excellent choice if you place a high value on this aspect of your life.
- Your child's individual requirements are the primary focus of your Nanny's attention.
- The presence of a primary attachment figure, such as a nanny, is beneficial to a child.
- Being a working parent is made a lot easier when you hire a nanny to come to your house and care for your children.
- You can give your Nanny a call if there is something important at home that you forget to do.
- These responsibilities lighten the load that you carry as a parent.
- You can find a nanny who is flexible and willing to work with your schedule if you start work later in the day and work evening shifts.
- In the event that you become delayed due to traffic, your nanny will be waiting for you at home.
- The majority of nannies will care for your child in your house, giving them an environment that is familiar, dependable, and secure.
- Because your nanny works for you directly, you have entire control over her schedule, allowing you to arrange the hours according to your needs.
- You are free to choose the salary scale you will provide your nanny as long as it is within the parameters and guidelines established by your neighbourhood.
- This implies that you are also in charge of deciding what duties the nanny will perform.
- If you have two or more children or if you decide to share the cost of a nanny with other families, hiring one may be more affordable for your family.
- Your child will be the Nanny's sole priority, which may provide you with a sense of calm as a parent.
- Conflicts in parenting styles and difficulties with regulation are inevitable when nannies are involved.
- You have the nanny cams set up, but when it's just the nanny and the baby, there's no natural way for you to know exactly what your child does during the day.
- Nannies are typically the more expensive option, costing between $500 and $700 per week for full-time care, according to the International Nanny Association.
- This is the case even if your nanny is caring for multiple children at once or is participating in a nanny-share programme.
- As your Nanny's employer, you are responsible for paying her Social Security taxes and filing a W-2 form on her behalf.
- When searching for a nanny, it is in your best interest to look for someone who shares your approach to parenting.
FAQs About Nanny And Daycare
The price of daycare tends to be more affordable than a nanny since you are sharing the cost with other families. ... An in-home daycare center, also known as family care, is usually less expensive than a traditional daycare (but also offers fewer benefits like resources and multiple teachers..
A study published this month in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that daycare children are better behaved and socialized than children who are cared for in at-home settings.
- There are no regulations, so parents have to screen nannies before hiring.
- No back-up if your nanny is sick.
- Hiring a nanny tends to be more expensive.
- Having a nanny is like managing an employee. ...
- You may disagree on things like your child's nutrition, activities, sleep schedules, discipline, etc.
Drawbacks of childcare programs:
- Attending a childcare facility often results in illness.
- There's less individual attention.
- Waiting lists are common.
- Childcare programs can be costly.
- Childcare facilities often face high staff turnover, making it difficult for children to form healthy attachments.
They Have A Positive Behavior
When your child is happy in a daycare, they will be excited to go there every day. They will enter the daycare without crying or hesitating. This is one of the first signs to tell you if your little one enjoys their daycare.