Ad hoc childcare for a newborn

[funchum8am]

I would like to use all my Keeping In Touch days during my 5 months of maternity leave. My first DC is due in Sept and I will go back to work late Feb (am a teacher, so after half term). Most of the KIT days will be Tuesdays, say every 2-3 weeks, and I don't have family close by who can do that day of the week.

Is it likely that I am going to be able to find a childminder who will do this strange an arrangement? I am in outer London so lots of options but they don't always say on their website whether they do ad hoc for very young babies, or whether they have any spaces for this autumn.

Obviously I'll contact local childminders myself but thought you experts might be able to help me see if I'm asking for the moon on a stick!

I was given this link but haven't actually used the service yet

www.likeminders.co.uk/babysitting/london-and-surrey/

Thanks - based on a really quick look that would do very nicely. Nice to know there is a service of this kind out there - some of my colleagues seem to think there is no such thing as emergency or short notice childcare so I will share with them for the future!

I would imagine if a childminder has the space it wouldnt be a problem espcially if one you want to place your child with when you return to work

alternatively if you plan to use a nursery am sure they would offer ad-hoc sessions if you had reserved a place

other option is a nanny who does ad-hoc work or a maternity nurse between jobs or a doula (often happy to do sole charge work as well as supporting new parents)

Likeminders are great, very thorough with the reference and CRB checks etc, I have worked for them in the past.

Thanks nightnanny I hadn't thought about the doula/maternity nurse or nanny options but if between jobs they might be happy to help.

I would ideally want whoever I place the baby with to be their long term childcare option once DH goes back to work (he is also a teacher and he is taking 5 months after I go back to work, then we have the summer off together, and then will need part time care as he will likely go PT).

So much to think about! Thanks for your advice.

If you want a cheaper option. How about a nanny with their own child.

Someone who is taking maternity leave too but will want longer/ full time later. Most would be happy and fully able to look after two little ones one day together every few weeks, and then maybe they could go full time later when yor both working

Generally save 10% as nanny brings own child too but is a great companion for your child if they are similar ages