Hello-
This is my first time at this. I need some advice please. I am expecting a new baby with my partner who lives and works in Wiltshire. Baby is due in early April. I work in Central London, and unfortunately do not live with my partner. Although my house is on the market, for the time being I live in Hertfordshire.
My partner wants to use some of her maternity leave for a second job to top up her income, and insists that I take responsibility for childcare on those days, which might be 2-3 days /week from June onwards. She's not intending to work every week, but maybe for a total of five weeks before the end of the year.
We have a nursery place near my partner's home for January 2017 onwards when she goes back to work. I am not sure how best to take care of my son on the days when I need to look after him.
i) I could base myself in Wiltshire on those days and try and take him to a local nursery, but that would mean getting to work late and leaving early (to get the trains). I wondering if a childminder would be able to do longer hours than a nursery or could do wrap-around care for me.
ii) I could take my son into London each day with me on the train, but then I'd need to find a nursery or childminder near my work.
iii) I could collect my son and bring him to Hertfordshire when needed and find a local nursery, but I'd still need him to be in care for long hours and there is the problem of getting him to and from Wiltshire mid-week.
In either case, the problem is the fact that I won't need childcare every week. Has anyone been in this situation before and what would you recommend? I have just started my own business so I can't afford to take much time off. Do you think my best bet is to find a nursery, a childminder or a nanny? Should I look for care near my partner's home in Wilts and commute from there when needed or near my home in Hertford? Or should I commute with my son (the world's youngest commuter) and find childcare in Central London? I have looked online but it is hard to see the wood for the trees. I don't know whether any nursery or childminder would accept such irregular days.
Any advice would be gratefully received!
Thank you.
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Dad-to-be needs advice
10 replies
julianrcrump · 24/01/2016 10:39
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