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Original poster

Nanny or Nursery

12 replies

Parapluie · 17/11/2008 18:13

Not sure if this is the right forum - but it is connected to going back to work so ... nanny or nursery for a baby (only child)under 1 year? My DD will be 7 months when I need to put her into childcare. I do not really feel it in her interests to have a childminder due to the ages mix. Any opinions welcome

OP posts:

BlueCowStillWondering · 17/11/2008 18:27

but with a childminder it'll be like a family if there are different ages...

One nanny with a little one might turn out to be mass-nannying with all nanny's friends as there's not so much to do with a 7 month baby.

But nursery? Would always be my last choice.

Sorry, that didn't help you at all did it?! Hope someone else will be along soon.

ThingOne · 17/11/2008 18:31

I'd get a nanny if you can afford it.

BirdyArms · 17/11/2008 18:40

I agree with blue cow's comment re nannies maybe being a bit bored with one baby and it turning into mass-nannying. I think you'd need to pick a nanny carefully to try to make sure that she genuinely enjoyed being with a baby and to try to see how important socialising with other nannies is. Not that she shouldn't socialise but you should make sure that she proritises your childs naps overy her social engagements - this happened with our ex-nanny, though not the reason she's an ex! If you can find the right person and afford it nanny would be my first choice.

You should also consider childminders - I think they are a great option if you can find the right one.

MarshaBrady · 17/11/2008 18:45

Nanny definitely.

Or if too expensive try nanny share with one other baby.

ThingOne · 17/11/2008 19:04

If you are planning to have a second child soon, a nanny for two children cna be cheaper than nursery or a CM.

fridayschild · 18/11/2008 13:52

We've had a nanny since I went back to work 5 years ago.

Sometimes we both need to work late/ start work early, and nanny just does overtime and puts the DCs to bed. This flexibility is really a plus for me, but it depends on your work.

Also, a nanny will do all DC-related laundry, cleaning and cooking, which is a big plus.

Yes, you need to find the right nanny for you - but equally, if you went for a nursery, you would look at a couple to find the right one.

LadyG · 18/11/2008 14:02

Second nanny share-worked briliantly for us with 2 same age and meant the two little ones had company. We had an excellent nanny and the wee ones had same nap times etc so she got a bit of a break as I can imagine some might find 2 babies at the same time too much.

flowerybeanbag · 18/11/2008 14:08

We have a nanny, she's been with us since DS was 12 mo. Flexibility is crucial for me - if I need her to do extra hours, swap her days over, babysit or whatever, it's fine. She does all DS's laundry, cooks him lovely meals and cleans and tidies his room.

They go out everyday, he goes to 3 different playgroups or similar socialising activities, which is great for her, him and also for me as I work at home.

madeindevon2 · 18/11/2008 16:09

my LO goes to nursery full time since 15 months old (was 1 day a week from 7 months old) and it works well for both of us.
From my perspective i considered nursery more like "pre-school". He gets to mix with other toddlers, do structured activities, bond with key workers.
I would have felt very jealous of a nanny spending all day with my little one while i worked but somehow i get my head around nursery a little better. Maybe thats crazy but its just the way i felt.
i am very lucky as i have a sister (who is mummy to 2 boys) nearby who takes my little one to nursery with hers and picks him up giving me greater flexibility re work.

abbyarmand · 19/11/2008 11:08

Each to their own on this one I guess but having experienced both I have to say that nursery was best for their overall wellbeing.
First nan was a secret smoker, the second a party girl who fell asleep twice whilst my 18m boy ate coal and ruined the settee.
The nursery opened up their personalities and they did seem to learn faster. Still you have to get the right place, we used Kiddi Caru which was v good.

Best of whichever route

kkey21 · 19/11/2008 11:19

I'm a Childminder but with 10yrs Nanny experience and only registered myself for two other children at the start to give more one on one care besides my own ds....

I now have my 2nd ds and plan on only having One other child in my care when/if i return in the New year...

Maybe a Childminder like me is an option to you if you were worried about a big age range/large amount of children?

I do charge slightly higher for this but both the parents were happy for the arrangement.

cnutdibbler · 19/11/2008 11:26

My DS has been at nursery since he was 4.5 months old. TBH he has thrived on it, and I've never worried about his care. These were relatively small nurseries who prioritise continuity of care for the babies. He's now 2.6 and adores nursery.

A friend has a nanny, and it works really well for her as she needs a lot of flexibility, and has older children who need some care, but mostly ferrying around. Nanny does a lot of activities.
Downside was that when the nanny got ill, friend was left in a really difficult situation that took a lot of sorting out.

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