Nanny or Nursery school?

Thank you Nikki. Does she do any domestic chores for you as well, or do you have someone else for domestic work.

Flowergirl, this really is one of the hardest decisions, I have been lying awake at night & in tears several times over this! I just feel that I really cannot afford to make the wrong decision for my little one.

Thank you ladies for your posts I really am finding it such a big help!

Hi Widget

In my opinion, this is one of the hardest decisions we have to make for our kids!! It is definitely not an easy choice.

I feel the same as Niki, re: 1to1 care until age 3, but that only works if you have the perfect nanny. So it is a catch 22 really, because it is probably "safer" to leave your baby at a reputable daycare facility than with a nanny who you most likely wont know much about For me, the best thing is to find a nanny that has been with a family for MANY years and is only leaving because they no longer need her because the kids have grown up.

I am lucky in that I have my mom to look after Emily (now 2 years old). She will be going to daycare halfday (9-12) from January when she will be 2.5 years old.

I am in the process of assisting my friend find a daycare for her 1 year old as they have had to change nannies 3 times in the last 9 months already!!! They are working through an agency and still cannot find someone reliable

So, for me - IF you can find the perfect nanny, then thats first prize!!! Otherwise, a daycare is probably better.

Good luck with whatever you decide - as I said this is the hardest decision a parent has to make in my opinion.

Hi Widget,

A nanny is about the same cost ( if not a bit cheaper) as Creche as far as I understand.

When our nanny started with us she was on R2 300, with two years worth of increases she is currently on R2750 per month, she lives out and works from 7:30- 3:30 ( suppose to be 4:30, but she has a problem with transport and so I dont have an issue with her leaving early as I am finished working by then)

You can get away with paying less if the Nanny is live in as she gets accommodation and doesn't have to pay for transport

Thank you Niki, it really is a big help.

I find it very interesting what you said about one-on-one care until 3 years of age.

Is hiring a nanny more expensive than putting them in a day care, or do you pay them more or less the same as you would pay monthly for a day care? I just can't seem to get an idea of what the going rate is for a nanny.

Hi Widget,

This really is a personal choice and so I will just tell you about my choice and experience.

I was not keen on a creche or nursery school, as you say the kids get sick non stop- I know this will happen one day when Paige starts school (at age 3) but I would rather she gets sick when she is older and has a more developed immune system.

I also read some books and research around child care and one of the books I read spoke about a number of studies that show that children need one on one care until age 3 and that a nanny/ grandmother/ mother taking care of them is the best option. Although I know there are many children out there who thrive at creche, we decided to Keep Paige at home until age 3. She is now 2.

We used an agency (Edu Care) and hired a Nanny when I was 6 months pregnant, so we had time to get to know her and then my mom took care of Paige from age 4- 8 months while I returned to work and then when she was 8 months old, I started my own business working form home and the Nanny started caring for her. So I can pop in and out and see her , but generally the Nanny watches Paige from 7:30- 2pm every day.

Either way you go, just vet the situation properly, ask plenty of questions and get references, I contacted two previous employers for my Nanny and checked on her previous performance and asked if there were any issues with her watching kids etc.

Our Nanny has a great back ground, she actually came from a nursery school where she assisted the teacher, so she gives me great advise on potty training etc and is very reliable. She has been with us for 2.5 years now and we are really happy with her.

When she is sick I have to make another plan ( but this only every happens maybe 3-4 times a year) - if your child is sick and cant go the creche then you have to make another plan in any case.

I also like the fact that I decide when Paige does things ( like Potty training, rather than a school deciding that at certain age all the kids must conform)- same with nap times etc.

We have our own routine and I have put together a box of goodies with a file full of activities so that Paige gets the stimulation she needs 9 physical, arts and crafts etc) they do a different activity every morning. we also have a regular once a week play group and I take her swimming twice a week so she gets to interact with other children and socialize.

Either way you just have to find a situation that works for you, good luck

Hi Everyone!

I have a question with regards to childcare as I find myself with a bit of a dilema as to what to do when my little guy comes along next year March.

I have to decide which childcare is best. Stay at home with a nanny (one you can trust!! ) or a créche/ day care??

Chréche seems easier and less stressful to me...but a nanny feels more personal/ controllable and less exposed.

My friend put her little girl in a chréche at 4 months and she is now 7 months (half-day 4 x a week). Her baby is contantly sick. The poor little thing had measles just recently!

How do you decide what care is best for your baby?? Other than you staying at home with them but unfortunately that is not an option.

Any advice/ experience or opinions will be much appreciated.