Aupair or extra nursery day while on maternity leave?

[nickname7890]

Hi
Would really appreciate some advice! I have a 3 week old and 22 month old. I plan to take off a year.
My dc1 is currently 3 days a week full time 8-6. She has so far been really relaxed around baby but she is at a tricky age most notably leaving the house with her is a nightmare getting her dressed and getting her in buggy is really tricky. I can't yet bargain with her (too young!) and she can't go on reins or buggy board as she runs off and has tantrums throwing herself on floor or hops off when moving! Not all the time
But as a possibility I can't take risk when solo with the two kids

We have an aupir at the moment who needs to leave in feb. She loves my dc 1 and my dc1 loves her back. I do struggle at times when Aupair is around as I like own space and sometimes I feel a bit cornered in the kitchen and stuck in a conversation when I'm so tired I just want to go collapse in bed in my short amount of time off! But generally I am happy with the Aupair

Anyway we have a decision to make now I'm not being paid. 2 days out house st nursery plus aupir or 3 full days out house at nurser.

I love idea of having support with my second so eg I could go out for one hour and have Aupair look after dc2 on days dc1 at nursery. Or I could play wth dc1 for an hour while dc2 being watched and feel I spend time with her on mat leave as well.

I don't like 1. Having dc1 around extra day could be really tough 2. What if new aupir doesn't work out and we have already lost the our place for 3 days at nursery? 3. I do like my own space and would need Aupair not to expect too much from me esp when I am post partim ( has pnd a bit last time so have to be really careful of my energy levels and having "off time" to recharge where possible)

1. Would it be nice to -once have life back a bit and dc 2 sleeps ...- have baby sitting and be able to go out and have someone living in who knows the kids?
2. Is it better to have dc1 out the house 3 days and give her consistency away from me and baby?
3. Another consideration is there aren't loads of child classes where I live so Aupair would be a bit limited in activities with my dc 1 to eg rhyme time at library , walks, maybe a music class if I can find one

Any thoughts and experiences so so welcome
And example of how many hours likely needed and what sort of hours/times could work would help so much
Thank you!

Personally I'd do 2 days at nursery and then one day with a nanny. The nanny would let you have half a day with DC1 without her sibling and then you could have half a day to get stuff done whilst she looks after both children. Then you have the house free and a couple of days alone with both children.

At 22 months you just need to cajole them into the buggy. I knee between their legs works fairly well usually.

Thank you
That is a real help
What sort of hours would you get ? I'm just wary of cost but that could work I guess if 10-12 max per hour!
Thanks for tips on buggy
I'm so Netvous how I'll handle this s once my oh goes back to work without resorting to tv and staying in house as much as possible

I remember feeling the same nervousness too, however, you will be able to do it and its very empowering when you find that actually you can cope fine!

Nanny-wise 8-7 maybe so they can help with breakfast and then baths etc?