Publications
Partners
In-home childcare
Pro’s
- your child stays in their home environment - own bed, own toys, own routine
- you have more control over your childs day
- your child is not exposed to germs and illness from a very young age
- there is no rush to get dressed and ready, baby can sleep in
- baby builds a relationship with his caregiver
- you know where baby is at all times and know he is getting the attention he needs
- you don’t have to take time off work when baby is sick
- if your caregiver drives, she can do some household errands such as grocery shopping, arranging clinic appointments and meeting you there, etc
Cons
- there is no backup if your caregiver is ill
- if your caregiver is not trained or experienced you might worry about the stimulation your child is getting
- there is no-one at home to keep an eye on your caregiver - no peer support unless your caregiver joins a professional group of caregivers, etc
- if your caregiver does not take initiative, you might find yourself constantly telling her what to do.
Crèche/Daycare (note - not a nursery school)
Pro’s
- more than one leader per class so there is cover if the caregiver gets ill
- in some cases, the caregivers are trained in childcare and education
- your child receives stimulation
- crèches with webcams allow you to see your baby during the day
Con’s
- exposure to germs, illness, etc, on a daily basis
- your child will have to share attention with several other little ones, which is difficult for them in the first 2 - 3 years
- a rush in the mornings to get ready and to crèche on time
- you have little to no control over your childs day
- some crèches will change your childs daily routine
- your child sleeps in a communal nursery so may be disturbed by other babies
- your child may be over-stimulated and battle to wind down and sleep at home
