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Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I'm trying to make childcare plans for my baby once my maternity leave is over. How do I decide whether daycare or a nanny is right for me?

Re: I'm trying to make childcare plans for my baby once my maternity leave is over. How do I decide whether daycare or a nanny is right for me?

The Bump Expert

Both strategies have their pros and cons. Daycare is less expensive than hiring a full-time nanny, and baby will be surrounded by other children in a stimulating environment. However, no daycare center will be able to provide the level of personal attention that a nanny can.  Also, if you and your spouse leave for work early or stay late often,  it might be difficult to find a center to accommodate your hours. A nanny is more likely to be flexible -- provided you pay her for the extra time. Finding the “perfect” nanny is tricky, though. (Um, there isn’t one... but you can come pretty close.) The only way to decide what’s right for you is to visit a number of daycare centers and interview a number of nannies. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few options that work with your schedule and budget, go with your gut for the final decision.

Paula Kashtan | May 15 , 2009 2:43 PM

re: Q: Nanny vs. Daycare

I work at a daycare and personally I would say it depends on you and your personality. Are you the type of person that things have to be done at certain times like you have a real strict schedule or are you going to be a little lax (for lack of a better word) on some stuff? I work in the toddler room and some parents come in with all these demands and I have to tell them "I can't do that I have 9 other children besides yours and I can't always give special attention to one" Also I work at an extremely expensive daycare (in my opinion) and I think if you're going to pay that much you probably have a day nanny maybe not a live in one but a day one and they will be able to give your baby one on one care. Either way you're going to be paying a lot because at daycares like with nannies you have to buy/provide diapers, wipes, extra clothes, medicine, etc etc. Plus also think about it; with a nanny if it works out your baby will have the same caregiver until they go to school whereas with daycare by their first year, they'll start transitioning to new teachers every six months or so.

LadyNieto | August 21 , 2007 2:33 PM

re: Q: Nanny vs. Daycare

One other important issue: daycares are inspected and licenced by the state; there is no certification or licensure for nannies in this country. Also with a daycare you have other sets of eyes (i.e. those of the other parents); with a nanny, it's just whatever you see going on unless you use a nannycam!There certainly are advantages to having a nanny--more flexibility with hours, you get to choose your schedule, your toys, your crib, your rules...

iluvmadbiker | May 17 , 2008 4:49 PM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I'm looking for a list of best questions to ask potential daycares for our infant. I only found questions for a in-home nanny.

| August 18 , 2009 8:35 AM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I've nannied for 6 1/2 years, before I had my own LO. One of my best girlfriends worked in a daycare for 1 year in the infant room. She quit because of the poor level of care the babies are given. In a high end daycare you have 6 babies to 1 adult. Think about it how would YOU feed and change 6 babies?????? Their isn't time for holding and playing. Cuddles and faces yea right! For the price you pay for infant daycare you could easily get a nanny. To care for and love your infant like their own. Your baby in a daycare could have 10 different caregivers in a week. Or 1 Nanny that knows them and keeps there schedule. Plays with them, hugs, and teaches the skills they need. I believe that kids need security of the same caregiver. You can go through a nanny sites that screen, background check, to find the perfect nanny. You have no say over who watches your baby at a daycare!

adhdfashion | November 16 , 2009 12:52 PM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I'm a SAHM but my good friend has both her LOs in a small, in-home daycare. I've gone with her to pick them up and it really seems like the best compromise between a large institution care situation and a nanny. The caregiver is a grandma-type and is helped out by her daughter, so the teachers don't change.

titania9 | January 02 , 2010 11:48 AM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I'm currently trying to decide between an in-home caregiver (6 kids to 1 caregiver) and a full center-based day care and found a couple of the answers above inaccurate, at least in my experience. I have not yet found a nanny that charges anything less than $450-500 per WEEK. So to say the least, the options in the original question are not just interchangeable: the financial implications of this decision are huge. We're well under the nanny price range so are looking at day cares and in-home day cares only at a range of $200-$275 per week. I'd like to know if anyone has any input about the benefits of both. I think the continuity and bonding of the in-home caregiver is significant, but the additional available eyes within a center-based day care are important too. In Texas the government keeps up a web site with the licensed/regulated in-home caregiver and we'll ONLY go with one who is in full compliance with the state just like the center would have to be. But past that I want to weigh all the pros and cons before we decide. I just can't seem to figure out what's best for my baby!

emharm | January 20 , 2010 6:44 PM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

I am the director of a developmental center for children. I have worked at this center for 8 years and it is always difficult for parents to place their baby, toddler, or preschooler in the care of others. In response to the question "What questions can I ask a provider for infant care?" I would recommend the following for all age groups: 1. What are your state licensing standards? (This would tell how the program standards are meansured.) 2. What is your teacher turnover, and how long have the present ones been here? 3. What are your ratios? 4. What are the education requirements are teachers? 5. What curriculum do you use? (Then you should research it!) Also, word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisment for childcare! When you meet with the director, note how you are greeted, the health and sanitation score, does the place smell and look clean, what are the children doing, etc. I hope this helps! Good luck!

tlbryant93 | January 24 , 2010 8:29 PM

Q&A: Differences between a nanny and daycare?

Having a live-in au pair can be quite affordable in comparison to a nanny or daycare. For approximately $350 a week per family, you can can up to 45 hours of childcare and a schedule you set. No more getting your child and yourself out of the house in the morning or having to take the day off from work if your child is sick and daycare wants him/her to stay home. With the schedule you set you can even have some time for yourself or date night with your significant other. I hope this helps. If you would like more information in hosting an au pair please contact me.

krelstab | February 05 , 2010 3:54 PM

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