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Original poster

Pros and cons of using a childminder

31 replies

LindsayS79 · 17/01/2014 23:02

Hi all
I have a 6 month old DD and I need to start thinking about childcare once I go back to work Sad

I've always just assumed I would look at nurseries for her, but a friend suggested looking for a childminder. I'm not quite sure why I've never considered this as an option, so I'm looking for more info on the benefits of using a childminder.

Is anyone kind enough to give me the pros and cons of using one? And where I'm best to do research on the suitability of individuals?

Thanks

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Sirzy · 18/01/2014 08:39

and even if one member of staff is off they still have continuity and faces they recognise/environment they are used to.

Badvoc · 18/01/2014 08:45

Most of the staff at nurseries her are 17-19 and spend their time outside of the setting smoking and bitching.
All the CMs I have met have been lovely.
If it was me I would be looking for a CM or nanny.

glorious · 18/01/2014 08:50

I think a childminder is much more of a personal thing so you really have to like them and see eye to eye. We've been lucky enough to find someone wonderful who is really committed to development and has a similar style to me. DD is settling In atm and it's lovely to see their relationship developing. DD likes to get out so that's another pro. She also sends me pictures of what DD is doing and is keen to make her favourite food, structure activities around her interests etc.

I'm sure a good nursery can also offer some stability in terms of key workers and they can focus more narrowly on an age group. They will also do trips but generally nowhere near as often. Plus as others have said they're more reliable. When DD is older I'd like her to experience the more institutional setting in preparation for school.

I'm very happy with our choice so far and I'd suggest you keep an open mind, see a few things and see what your instinct tells you.

Confitdecanard · 18/01/2014 08:56

It really depends on the CM or nursery. DS started in a nursery that we loved. Really good continuity of care and a really nice setting. We moved house and he went to another nursery briefly. We moved him to a CM because at the new nursery there seemed to be different people looking after him every day and the key worker system didn't really happen. Lots of the children had snotty noses and no-one seemed to be bothered about wiping them. We found a fantastic CM who does lots of activities with DS, ratio is 2:1 on all but one day when it is 3:1. Other children are of a similar age. He has really benefitted from her care. However, we would have been happy for him to stay in the original nursery if we hadn't moved house. You need to visit a selection of both and get a feel for them. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a good childminder. Good luck.

Original poster
LindsayS79 · 18/01/2014 22:32

Wow, thanks so much to everyone for your feedback!

I have so much to think about, but I've made up my mind that I'm taking as long as I can off work!!! However I'm going to make sure that my DD goes to as many play groups as possible to get to know other babies!!!

In the meantime, I have a lot of research to do!!!

OP posts:
HSMMaCM · 18/01/2014 23:59

You might meet a CM you love at toddlers, or get nursery recommendations from other parents there.

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