Is it typical for Childminders to take children out in their car?

[olivestree]

I need to start looking for a childminder for my 9 month old DD for my return to work in October. I know I am being neurotic, but she is my first baby and I feel really nervous about it.
As I have been looking about I have noticed that some childminders take the children out on car trips. This is just a step too far for me just yet, and I would prefer my DD not to be taken out in a car with someone whose driving ability I know nothing about. Are trips with childminders commonplace? Am I going to struggle to find one who sticks to walking excursions which I should be just about able to deal with ?

This is so pathetic coming from someone who was a nanny for 10 years, but I can't help it... she is mine!

Unhelpful & bitchy Ripeberry. I can only assume you've never had to leave your PFB in someone else's care whilst you went to work because if you did you'd know quite how much these sort of off-the-cuff comments hurt.

I know of one childminder in my village who doesn't drive, but all the others do. I go out every day in my car with the children to activities in nearby villages. I totally understand where you are coming from though, and I think it would be possible for you to find one who didn't drive. Asking one who did drive to stay on foot may be where you would stumble

I don't drive, am a CM... We have loads to do locally sans a car, it's great. I don't do school runs, only look after little ones. Have a good look around at CMs and nurseries, go with your gut feel.

I felt like you too so chose a nursery when ds was small! Since 3 he has gone to a childminder, she drives, I really prefer the childminder. She is more flexible, has a much more consistent approach to discipline and his behaviour is much better! My dd has started with her and there have been no settling in issues as we have just done things gradually. Yes, your child is out and about! When my son shouted hello mrs x to an old lady I didn't know and she waved and said hello ds, and looked so pleased I realised that actually being part of the community is really healthy for him.

Dd1 went to a nursery - a lovely one, but I still wish I'd used a childminder from the start. I felt the same & wanted to know she was safe in one place. Nurseries are quite noisy & busy & there's obviously much lots of children to less adults, so sticking to your routine etc is more difficult.

When ds1 came along it made sense to use a childminder for the baby all day & for collection dd1 from school nusery unit. I much, much prefered having a childminder. He went out to local groups, so no fast roads & I obviously trusted the cm.

Dd2 is with a different cm & we are delighted with how happy she is. She started there in march aged 9 months & her face literally lights up when I say cm's name to her. Dd2 toddles in happily & we have never had tears - much better than nursery where relationships are not so close between child & carer.

Have a look around, but I would seriously consider a childminder as a better option.