Childcare advice for 9m old

[LouiseTopaz]

I'm planning to return to work in December, working four days a week, with my son attending nursery two full days 8-4. My mum and mother-in-law were each going to look after him one day a week, but my mother-in-law recently broke her arm, and my mum lives about an hour away. She's offered to care for him two days a week instead. Since I work from home, my plan would be to drive to my mum's around 8 a.m., work from there, and then head back around 5 p.m.

This is my first child, and I'm torn about whether I should drive to my mum’s twice a week or arrange for my son to attend nursery an additional day. I’m hesitant about him being in nursery three full days a week, but I’m also weighing the practicalities of driving. For those who’ve been through this, would it be better to make the drive to have my mum care for him, or would he be just as well off with the extra nursery day? I don't have a "village" and no other family support who can help. My son also adores my mum and stepdad and there genuinely excited about having him. I just wish she was close by!

Could you do two days in a row with him at your Mum's and and stay the night? That might help give you a bit of a break too if you get on well with your mum and she's the type to look after you.

Agree with the above- either stay overnight or do the extra day in nursery, will be too much driving otherwise. Tbh I would stick to one day a week at your mum's, she will probably find it tiring and long drive. Then if she is ever ill/on holiday your Mil might be able to help out once she is better.

I do something similar working from my parents house while they look after my 2, generally only the odd day during holidays though. I don't mind the 1 hour drive, its a nice break to unwind. My 2 are nursery and infants age though.

I would suggest staying over iaf you could.