Best childcare option for us??

[thedrunkenduck]

I work shifts and will be going back to work part time next February.

I know people may think I'm thinking through these things too early- but I want to work out what to do!!

I would prefer to have a nanny- tend to be the most experience, happy to fit in our routine and not to mention care from our own home. However, after paying a nanny the going rate I will be left with roughly £100 a month- nothing to worry about financially but I'll be left feeling I'm not really contributing.

Or do we go for a nursery or childminder, have more free cash but the care we don't really "want"?

Can you give some idea of what the shifts are? What time you need to leave home, arrive back home. How much does it vary day to day, week to week, month to month - is it a rota that changes or fixed?

Is there just you, or do you have a partner? Can they care for their child during any part of any day?