Weekend/ mixed days help!

[Apples6544]

Hi everyone I really need some help, I’m a FTM so no idea really! Basically I work 5 days a week has to be a mixture of weekend days but I do complete my own rota so do have some flexibility/ can work shift times that suit me for the most part, however these are usually different every week- no set days off, I do have at least 4 weeks notice though. Partner works 5 on 3 off rolling shift pattern so he always has 3 days off together but they are different every week. He works fairly ‘normal’ hours 8:30-17:30. Grandparents want to help occasionally but can’t really commit to a specific day. One of my days off will be a day when partner is also off so that we have a family day every week. My little girl will be 10 months old when I return to work in April. What the hell are my options! 😳 Feel like I’m in need of a unicorn 😬 any help/ advice gratefully received!

That is going to be difficult. One of you really needs to lock down shifts to particular days. I'd suggest you both apply for flexible working and look for other positions that are set days/hours.

Childminders can sometimes be flexible on weekdays, but most of them don't work weekends. It's worth ringing around though.

You may be able to combine a flexible childminder with an ad hoc nanny, but it's going to be expensive and they may not be reliable. Separation anxiety with babies peaks at 10mo too.

Nurseries generally aren't flexible.