Nanny or nursery ...

[pugh]

I am due back at work after dc2. They will be 3&1 by the time I go back full time. Full time means 3 days regular commitment (800-1800) and unpredictable night time work ( during week & weekends a couple of times a month). Plus occasional meetings on non work days.

Currently dc1 is in a nursery -prev full time when I was working to cover unexpected needs. But an expensive option for the occasional need. We don't have any family etc who could do short notice /flexible help out. Plan was for dd2 to go to same nursery.

However, I have bend contacted by a person that has childcare qualifications& knows us & the kids re the option of being a nanny.

Our biggest worries are the usual :drop off& pick ups. DH's job is changing and tho he did the majority of kiddie drop offs previously,his new work will involve a bigger commute. He ight also be doing more travelling

What are the feelings of having a nanny? My worries include

1. Cost? though we are fortunate enought or be able to consider this. TBH full time nursery will be quite expensive too (~£1500/month)
2. I was thinking could have a nanny for the 3 days I work but organise extra flexibility when needed or is that being too hopeful?

3.kids not hanging in out w other children though there will be the two of them

1. Having someone in my house all the time/kids getting so close to one other person
2. Being someone's employer
3. Depending on one person entirely-what if they are sick etc
4. Planning leave around your childcarer

I have only listed negatives while I also feel there are many positives (but that would make the post even longer !)

Thoughts/advice & experiences appreciated.

if you can afford it I would definitely prefer the nanny. You probably will be able to find someone a bit flexible, it's much less stressful than trying to do nursery drop off. Especially for the little one, i think they benefit from the one on one care. presumably the older one will be getting free nursery hours soon anyway?

A nanny will also be able to take the kids out more, so it's more like being with mum I guess.

And I wouldn't worry about them getting two close to someone else. My kids are happy being cared for by a range of people (me, their dad, nanny, granny, aunt).

Also, I have had nannies on and off for 4 years - and had only 1 day when I had to stay home because of nanny illness.

Hi - I would go nanny if I had the choice -where you thinking live in or live out? If you have room for live in that might both be cheaper and give you more flexiablilty have a look in the nannies section on here for more advice. Also I can only think its good for young children to just have one carer and also nannies should take them to toddler groups/play dates etc