Have you used both a childminder and a nanny?

[HeadFairy]

Not at the same time of course.... ds went to a childminder at 8 months and although she's fab, a family friend and has looked after my sisters two dds it broke my heart leaving him every morning. Was that because he was my pfb? When I go back to work later in the year I'm probably going to have to use a nanny because of my shift hours etc. I'm not sure what to expect, did you find it easier leaving your dcs with a nanny, ie in your own home, than with a childminder?

I used a childminder until DD was 14 months and then switched to a nanny. I'm not sure if leaving her was any different. But, my life became much easier when I didn't have to do the childcare run anymore. DD is now 7 and we have had a full time nanny ever since.

We loved our CM and are still in touch with her now. But, I just could not hold down the full time (and then some) job and do the childcare run, bag packing, laundry, and all the other things I can now ask a nanny to do.

If cost is not an issue, I would say life with a nanny is far better. But, you do have to take on the burden of managing the nanny, which can at times be hard work. And, as your child grows, with a nanny you have much more control of what activities you would like him/her to do.

Thanks Strix, I think that's what I'll appreciate most. I work 12 hour shifts with at least an hours commute each side, so doing the childcare run is really hard for me to squeeze in too.

I'm sure I was being overly sentimental with ds, I'm a hardened working mother now

With a nanny you can also have him/her make a nanny diary, complete with cute pics, etc. from the day. Makes a great keepsake.

my childminder already does this, it's fantastic to read what ds has been up to all day!