WIth regards to childcare, having worked myself as a nursery nurse, Nanny and now a childminder I can share with you what I would do. In order of preference to what I would use if I were choosing childcare:
Nanny would always be first preference, but they work out a lot more expensive if you only have one child. My reason for wanting a Nanny is that you are in charge the whole time, they are employed by you, you set your own rules, they can do the kids washing etc, and your child gets their attention rather than sharing with other children.
Childminder would then be my second choice but it is hard for me to say as I am a childminder myself so I guess I am biast. But I think as long as you are careful choosing then it is a better option than a nursery. I know that I personally give good childcare and do as much as I can for the children and their parents. I treat the children who I would want somebody else to treat mine. I do have downsides I am sure and some people might not agree with everything I do, but I am 100% open and honest with the parents so they know where they stand.
Nurseries - I personally wouldn't use one for a child under 2 or so. Yes it is nice and social but a baby doesn't need that. A Nanny or childminder should go to toddler groups etc which is enough for a young baby. They (IMO) just don't get the same sort of care as they would if they are cared for by one person. Ie, if your child won't sleep, there is nobody to sit and comfort them, they will more than likely to be left to cry, even if the staff don't tell you that. They simply can't sit by cots comforting more babies then they have hands for. Babies Ratio is 1:3. So you have a fire - how does one adult get 3 non walking babies out by themselves? And then during Lunch/sleep, more than likely there will be 1or2 staff with 6-12 babies while the other staff have their lunch. This situation actually arrised when I was on my own with 9 babies. Luckily it was a fire drill but had it been real, there wouldn't be much chance of me getting all 9 out .
Anyway, I know there are very good nurseries around, but I am yet to work in one where I would be comfortable putting my own DC in as babies. For older children, I do think nurseries are ok as they do really enjoy the social side and don't need the same sort of hands on attention that a baby would.
AND Baby rooms at nurseries are pretty much forced into doing proper activities with the children and I used to feel sorry for the young ones TBH. I am not saying they shouldn't do activities but most of the time the younger babies weren't interested, but had to do it anyway for something to show the parents iyswim?