What childcare should I have for the day that I am working from home?

[piemaker]

I am going to work 3 days a week in the office and 1 day a week from home.

For the 3 days that I work in London, I have employed a nanny. I haven't arranged any childcare for the day I work from home yet. I definitely needs some sort of childcare in order to get work done, but I think I don't need a nanny full time that day as I will be home and it is quite expensive. One of the reason I have employed an nanny is my long commute.

Ideally I would like someone to come in like some sort of mother's help, who will keep an eye on DD (10 month old) and do the cleaning. It might still be expensive, but I then won't need to pay for a cleaner separately. I don't know if someone will be willing to do that and how to go about it?

For those of you who work from home, what sort of childcare do you have?

Thanks!

I'm able to choose my own hours on the day I work from home so fit in 2 to 3 hours when DS naps and make up the rest when DH comes home at 5pm. Do you have any flexibility? (Doesn't help with housework, of course, and I know I will need to alter these plans once DS drops his naps.)

A mother's help would usually be looking after the baby OR be doing some light cleaning. They don't normally do a full clean like a cleaner would do (ie bathrooms, kitchen, floors etc) though you may find some one that will fit in as many of those jobs as they can while your dd has her nap.

The day that I work from home, my DC are in nursery/preschool. It's too hard to concentrate on work and take phone calls if they're around (I have tried and felt a fraud because I wasn't being very productive!).

I then use the extra time that I would be commuting and my lunch hour to put on the washing/whizz round with a hoover etc.

I've also found it was quite useful to keep a foot in the door at the nursery, in case of emergencies or if our nanny is ill.

I would have thought that a nursery may make more sense longer term... even if it's just 3 or 4 hours... it gives you a definite time when you are able to work. If DD is around at home, then will you really be able to work?

As OfflineFor30Years says, nursery could also be a useful emergency care provider if your nanny is ill.

maybe the nanny could work a shorter/half a day that day - most nannies would jump at the chance of a 3.5 week

you say you dont need a nanny that day as you will be home, but thats the dilemma - will you be working or looking after your active 10mth old - you will def need some sort of childcare

a mothers help wouldnt be able to clean and look after your dd that day - apart from the time she sleep 2/3hrs a day

Thanks very much for all you advice,

I think the suggestion of nursery for a day is very good, it is a lot cheaper than my nanny. I can drop off DD at 9am and pick up at 5pm.

Hi, I have this exact arrangement. My nanny works three days and is at home with me on the forth. For me it's perfect. I get to see my ds at break time and lunch time, I don't have to drop him anywhere or pick him up and I reduce my nanny's hours on the day. It really is the best of both worlds as I get to see Him and also see her with him. She takes him out in the am and pm so I can get my head down. I really recommend this option if it's ok financially. Good luck!