Would really appreciate advice//experiences on this issue. I know there's been plenty of posts on this, but haven't found this exact question answered.
DC1 is 4 and just started school and I'm on maternity leave with DC2. I'm confused at the childcare options when I return to work and not sure what to choose.
DC1 has a place at a lovely wrap-around place, where he's been going to before whilst at nursery. However, they would not be able to take DC2 until they were 3yrs old.
I've been looking to get a childminder (or a nanny) for both of them, who'd be able to drop off and pick up DC1 and look after DC2 during days. This would probably be the most reasonable option cost-wise. However, DH is not keen on this option as we would then be tied with the childminder's holidays etc. DH also feels that this would make us too reliant on just one person - what if they got sick/pregnant or just decided to stop. This option would also mean giving up the wrap-around place for DC1 and we would not be able to get that back.
However, putting DC2 into a nursery would mean two drop-offs and two pick-ups every day. This would also be very expensive.
We were always happy with nurseries with DC1, but since reading Oliver James etc, who say that they are bad for under-3s, I'm feeling that I should not consider this option for DC2.
Please advise on your experiences on this. We have no family nearby that could help at all.