Nanny vs childminder and vice versa?

[OrchidFlakes]

I've found a great childminder and about to start settling etc ready for my return to work I. September but now I'm thinking a nanny may suit DS (11.5 months) better....

Any thoughts or advice to offer to help me decide (excluding cost) I'm in such a pickle my head is spinning

A nanny can provide 1:1 care but that can mean a lack of other children to socialise with, until they meet people at toddler group or people you already know.

Nanny is your employee so you can tell them what to do, when to do it and even how to do it.

Childminders are self employed so your child will follow their routines but they are very social settings with a variety of ages and provide great learning opportunities in a family setting

A nanny would be your employee so should work to your routine and can be much more flexible but they do have to seek out opportunities to socialise with your child

A nanny will look after your child if they are sick where as with a childminder you will need to take time off to look after them. A nanny will do child related tasks at home so no children's washing/ironing/room cleaning or at least very little needing doing in your time off. They will cook for your child and probably batch cook so there will be meals in the freezer at the weekend if needed.

A nanny will get out and about and go to groups era so the children will get to socialise but won't have to go out on school runs (unless you have a school age child) possibly slightly more flexible with start and finish times.

With a nanny you have only yourself to get ready and out of the door in the mornings - no rushing breakfast/dressing of the baby etc.

A nanny can be more flexible about times - starting early or working late.

If it is a lateish finish nanny can have the baby bathed and ready for bed leaving you some quality time with your charge.

child not charge

Thank you all. One if the nannies I am considering would bring her own DS (2yr old) with her. What could the negatives of this be?

I'm really struggling to see the wood for the trees!

Their child is ill - what happens then?
Their child beats up your child? On the other hand they could become best mates.

Later on, their DS would go to school, thus then meaning your child goes on the school run. Later on, your child starts school and may be at a different school, with exact same start/finish time. So it may not be a long term thing.

Additional equipment needed? Double buggy?

Thanks Cindy, I hadn't thought of the double buggy... Or if the kids don't get along, that could be v stressful for DS, but then I guess that's the same as being at a childminder who will have 2 other preschoolers and then 2 school aged kids in the afternoons?

Though with a childminder the other children may not be there all the time, as not all children do full time.

Your child is not having to share their toys with the childminded children, they share the general toys for all the children. Where as at your home, it is your child's own toys which are being shared.

Another great point re toys. Thanks Cindy, this is all so helpful