Nursery vs child minder?

[Rosebud1302]

Hey all,

Up until now I have only really considered putting DS into a nursery when I go back to work - for no other reason than I didn't even consider there to be another option. But a few people I know are going with a child minder.

So does anyone have any experience of one/both who would be willing to share some pros and cons?? I would be grateful :)

Professionally I have visited many nurseries. I haven't seen many that I would put my children in, although the odd ones have been lovely.

Personally we used a childminder. She was older and very experienced. My children adored her and she taught them all kinds of things I knew nothing about. It was literally a home from home. Infeltni really wanted a cosy homely environment.

I went with a nursery because I work with child abuse victims and wanted the extra accountability a good nursery brings (worth pointing out that child abuse by childminders/nannies is very very very rare). DS has absolutely flourished at nursery - they have him in a great routine, they managed to get him sleeping in a cot, he just seems to be having the best day of his life every day I pick him up.
I did visit quite a lot of nurseries before choosing the one he is at though, including one where the babies (under 18m) were all sitting in a room watching Cbeebies on a projector (ICT time supposedly), and one where they had a "cot rota" and all the babies had a turn in the one cot. Oh, and one who asked if I would consider formula because they had "trouble with breastfed babies" - I didn't ask her to elaborate.
I'd suggest seeing what nurseries are in your area, either close to home or close to work, whichever is better for you. And then also having a look at which childminders are around. See what you feel most comfortable with once you've seen a few.

best day of his life every day when I pick him up. I do pick him up every day - promise!

I'd suggest seeing what nurseries are in your area, either close to home or close to work, whichever is better for you. And then also having a look at which childminders are around. See what you feel most comfortable with once you've seen a few.

Good advice.