Childminder or nursery

[toastofthetown]

We're starting our childcare search again because the local nursery we'd chosen for him has closed. He'll be 12 months when I go back to work, and I'm weighing up whether a nursery or childminder is better?

It's a question that no one can answer for you. Best advice I can give is look at both options you have close to you and think about what is important to you and your baby.

Those things might be:

Commute time and distance
Outside space
Food
Costs
Ratios
Outings
Continuity of care
Holiday cover

Think about your child as a toddler and pre schooler too, not just as a 12 month old.

It’s a really individual choice. You need to weigh up lots of things.

Practically, what is available in your area and does it cover the hours you need? We had two nurseries within walking distance but no CMs so that limited it. I’d also seen CMs at local toddler groups ignoring their children, which put me off. But found a lovely CM once DD was at school who did our school drop off.

It was surprising how different the two nurseries were. We chose one and were very happy with it.

Whichever you choose, check what is provided. Nursery provided all meals, snacks, nappies, milk, suncream and activities in the price, which made life a lot easier and meant we knew DD had had high quality balanced meals rather than rushing round to do something quick after work.

Also found a relatively straightforward journey to nursery, home and work made a big difference as it’ll be something you’re doing every day.