Hello,
My husband and I are expecting our first child in May 2022. We currently live in London zone 1 and have saved enough to buy our first home, which we would like to do before baby arrives. We're looking into a few areas - namely West Hampstead and Clapham/Balham and have started doing viewings.
We're trying to work out what our daily routine will look like with a baby when they start going to nursery. Both of WFH 4 days a week at the moment.
We found somewhere we really like in WH and are considering putting down an offer. The closest nursery is 5 min walk away but extremely expensive and not guaranteed we'll get in. The other ones seem to be 15-20 min walk away.
I am wondering how do people usually take their baby to nursery without wasting 2 hours of their day when the nursery isn't down the road- is driving an option (we have a car)? Or is there really no solution to that and we should we prioritise proximity to nurseries when choosing a place? Really keen to hear people's experiences especially if you live in the areas I mentioned or similar.
Also - I always knew nurseries in London were expensive but prices seem to have gone up in the last year - seems difficult to find anything under 500 a week. Is it common to buddy up with other parents and share a nanny? Is there a good supply of childminders around?
Thank you!