I agree - you need to visit some and see how you feel. I am a big fan of childminders, particularly as they offer more of a 'home' environment.
DD1 started with a CM when she was just 7 months old and it became like her second home - still would be if the CM had not stopped working and DD1 still goes to hers to play!
The CM closing coincided with DD2 starting with her at the age of 8 months - not linked! - and we now have another great childminder.
However, I did have to look around and did visit some nurseries - one was very nice and I have recently recommended it to a friend. Had I wanted a nursery setting, that would have been the one. However, I still really wanted a childminder for several reasons, some of which may be relevant to you:
- the home setting - it is organised but includes every day tasks, school runs etc.
- the mix of children - different children attend on different days but there is a solid little group with whom my two have become very friendly and we see their parents around, they go to each other's parties, we meet at the park or at the coffee shop on the weekend.
- the individual connection - although my childminder works with another one and an assistant, I get the feeling that they all know my girls individually and that my girls are never 'passed from pillar to post' (although not to say that happens in nurseries although the staffing does seem to change more)
- happiness to deal with the pickiness of my children - DD1 is a VERY fussy eater and the CM gives her the same food (with added extras so she can try new things) every day she's there! I am not sure a nursery could be so obliging - also helped by the fact that DD1 is now only with CM for 2 days a week as she has 2 days at pre-school and one with my mum.
- willingness to mix pre-school with childminder so DD1 (and eventually DD2) gets used to a range of settings.
- the fact that, with 2 children, they can choose to spend time together. This was the 'biggie' when we had to find another childcare option as DD1 was just reaching pre-school age and would not have been in the same room as her baby sister (2.3 year gap) at all. There are enough other children at the childminder's that they often don't play together, but I like the fact that they CAN.
I do think you KNOW when it is right for your child - it feels right, regardless of anything others say, although both my childminders were recommended (the first set us up with the second!) and the nursery that was a close contender was recommended by a friend, so I do think word of mouth is useful.
Good luck.