Daycare

When I worked I let my mother-in-law watch my oldest, but when my second one came, I didn't trust anyone to watch them both, so I stay home and watch everybody elses, and when someone calls me I tell who else I watch for, and let them talk to the other parents, so they can hear from them how much their child loves coming over to my house. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS, If They have nothing to hide, they won't have a problem answering them, ask how they disapline... Ask how many people work there, and how many kids they watch, If they have people desinated just for the younge infants, they do require more attention. Make sure they can give your child the attention they deserve.

when i first went back to work i had my mom and 2 of my friends watch my son. i was perfectly ok with my mom watching him though both of the friends did many things i wasnt too fond of while they watched him. eventually i did put him in a regular daycare though. and i was very very lucky! they were great with my son and we had no problems! i think if you are going to put your child in a day care you really want to check it out first.. go and meet the ppl who will be taking care of him there and get a feel for them, also they usually will let u do a walk through so u can see what the day care is like.. try asking around and see if u know someone who has their child in daycare to see if its a good one or not. best of luck to you

Me I would want to spend at much time at home after the baby was born that my work would allow..As far as day care I would prefer to have a close friend or relative want my child but there are alot of daycare out there that are real good, we have to remember we can't judge ones bad experience and use it against all of the daycare providers that isnt'fair to them or us...If you do choose daycare just make sure that you check them out real good, ask around about them talk to the parents that have kids going there already. If you do all this I think that it would work out fine for you.

Research, research, research. Go with someone who has an established reputation. Go online and research the name. Have the child care provider furnish you with references from both past and present clients and then follow-up with them to get their opnions of the care their children received. Ask if there was anything they were displeased with or thought could use improvement. Also ask if they had the chance, would they use this child care provider again? Go in and observe the facility and how the staff interact with the children in each age level prior to signing your child up there. Get a written agreement specifying the child care and go through exactly what you can expect and what is expected of you in terms of payment, hours, etc. Once your child is in daycare, I would monitor your child's disposition daily. Also, do the odd "spot check" by dropping in unannounced. If there is no problem with the facility then they shouldn't have a problem with this. If they are angered by these actions, then I would be suspicious. Good luck and congrats on your new baby!

I agree with fluffyfrog, these things don't happen all that often, that's why they make the news. But, it's better to be safe than sorry, yes? Do your research.... if you choose a day care center, ask them what he child to staff ratio is and make sure you can pick up your child whenever you want. Any day care that blocks off huge chunks of the day in which they will not allow you to pick up your child, you may want to stay away from them. Talk to other parents who send their children to the particular school. Look at their credentials. What is the training of the staff? If you choose to go with someone in your home... what are their credentials? What is their training and experience? Check references!!! It will take time to explore all of these possibilities, but if you do your homework, you'll end up choosing someone that you will be happy with and with whom your child will be safe.

I know how you feel. My baby is nine months right now, but I struggled with that same question when I was pregnant with him. The only people I would consider to watch my baby with be my family but they do not live close and I do not trust people I do not know. I know that there are some good daycares out there but I decided to work at home and take care of him myself. It was kinda of difficult in the beginning because I was so used to working but I think I made the right decision. Working at home is a good option but if you cannot than I would ask for reccomendations and make sure you go there and talk to the people and check it out first. Good Luck~

My mother watches our children for that very reason! I don't trust them to be with a stranger. If that is an option for one of their grandparents to stay with them and watch them, then that would be my first suggestion. If that is not possible, you should be sure to check out the day care or person very carefully and make sure that you check and validate their references. You can't be too careful when it comes to your children these days! Good luck.

I work in day care and have for over 10 years. I think you just need to really check out different day cares and visit them more than once if you are interested in any. Just my oppion,but I think day cares a better. From the abuse factor there are a lot more eyes in a day care than someone coming into your home. Also the one I work at has cameras in the classroom. I wish you all the best with your baby and good luck on choice of child care.