Childcare - advice and tips please

mumonashoestring

mrcow wrote: »

Are you a single mum? If not, then I would look to find a part time job that fits in with your partner's hours so that he can do the childcare. Your baby is too young to get much benefit from external childcare and you'll save yourself a packet.

My first part time job was a few hours at the weekend and it worked out really well. Plus the money was ours rather than having to hand it over to a nursery.

We'd both love it if that were a possibility but sadly the husbeast works varying shifts between 8am and 9pm plus some Saturdays We financially crippled ourselves to give me as much time off with Little'un as possible but that time is running out now.

That said, if a really well paid p/t job comes my way and the husbeast can find something p/t that would allow us to both go p/t and cover childcare between us we'll jump at the chance!

Some excellent tips and advice here though, thanks all

Seanymph

I found that nursery took more money than I earnt working part-time, especially once you added in travel, lunch, coffees etc...

I ended up working from home - once I had paid childcare, lunches and travel I wasn't earning that much actually -working from home I got to keep all my money, and fit around my littlies.

it may be worth a thought.

bellevie

My daughter went to nursery as a baby, she loved it. I loved the realibility of knowing they wouldnt phone in sick, I didnt have to take holidays as aside from christmas and bank holidays they were always open. Badside was my daughter got very very sick, she might have just been an unlucky one, or just too young she got every single bug going, every 2 weeks up the doctors for a year, I ended up leaving. I did love logging in to watch her when I could, I just felt better it eased my guilt at leaving her I think.

She is now with a childminder, I was lucky to find my childminder she is very flexible if my hours change. I opted for childminder this time round as when she starts school next year I wanted her to be picked up and feel comfortable at her house until I get home. I figured if she knows who is picking her up the big change of starting school will be made a little easier. Childminder has less children and for my daughter its like home from home. Bad sides are, if she is sick I have to take time off, I have to try and match my holiday to hers, if I cant I have to find someone else or take time unpaid. Somechildminders will give you all their holiday dates at the start of the year so you can try and match them, Id love my cm to do this as I do worry alot that I cant afford to take time unpaid. So far Ive been lucky and got the same days, it has been pure luck though.

Both options in my area cost roughly the same, though nursery wanted 'admin fees' and a larger upfront deposit.

If my daughter was full time I think she would prefer nursery, but as she is part time and already goes to preschool I think she is happy with the childminder.

As another pp mentioned, it is very expensive, if you dont qualify for tax credits you maywell be handing your entire wages to the childcarer (depending on what you expect to earn.) so might be worth while trying to work around your partner.

Best advise if you are sure about work, is look at both options, visit some childminders and some nurseries, compare how each setting made you feel aswell as costs, flexibilities etc.

pinkshoes

My DS has nursery 3 days a week, and childminder on the other two.

Nursery - more expensive, open all year, lots of children same age, gets used to more people, usually provide meals, have to pay for holidays

Childminder - cheaper, retainer fee over holidays, often not with children of same age, can take your child to clubs etc..., usually have to make pack lunch.

I had a nanny to begin with, as couldn't find either a childminder or a nursery with space! Nannies are often good value if you have more than 1 child under 5!

FBaby

mrcow wrote: »

. Your baby is too young to get much benefit from external childcare.

Interesting statement? based on what information?

mrcow

FBaby wrote: »

Interesting statement? based on what information?

My own opinion and experience.

jackomdj

When I went back to my company after maternity (I say that bit as it made things a bit more flexible), I went back for the equivalent of 2 1/2 days but did it in 2 days so saved half a days nursery fee.

The main problem I see with childminders are you have no cover if they are ill, no cover when they go on holiday and some of he things already mentioned.