Infant day care

I feel like a nut job being only 11 weeks along but I am already scared to death at the cost of day care. Please is anyone else already worried about this?  I HAVE to go to go back to work after the baby is born. :( How long does it even take to find a reputable place with openings? When should I begin my search? Even before the baby is born???  How much does it usually cost?

[have 2 kids]

I've always paid $100.00 wk for each child. Home daycare - I wanted our kids to have more one on one attention than a center can provide.  We had to pay whether or not our child was there.  I would definately start looking for daycare before you have the baby waiting lists can be long.  Good Luck!
I've also found it's best to go with your instincts.  If something doesn't feel right keep looking for a different place even if you can't visibly see something is wrong.

[Jenny77]

I am definitely still deciding what to do too. I would love to stay at home with my baby but if I do it will be a huge struggle for us financially. I know I will have to work at least part time though for us to make it. As for Daycare, I've found that it depends where you live and how well known the daycare is. Urban areas tend to be more than rural or even subrban areas. Sometimes you have to pay for the best too. I found one for $200 a week for an infant, but also another one that was still good for $115 a week. Just looking early though. Give them your due date and approximately when you think you'll go back to work and try to get on a waitin glist ASAP. Also, I found many daycares taht take infants at 6 weeks old. I've not heard of any taking infants younger than 6 weeks though. If you live in the US and qualify for the FMLA laws, 6 weeks is the minimum an employer has to give you off after the birth of a baby etc. I would definitely visit any daycare you were looking into to see if they are good and also try to talk to some other parents that send their babies there. GOod luck and hope you find a daycare that fits all your needs. I think I just started by getting on the Internet or in the phone book to find some Daycares. Even driving past them to see if they are in a good part of town or if it looks dirty or really kept up. The fact taht you want to do what's best for your baby already tells us you are a great parent.

[Harley-girl]

Did the majority of you pick actual daycares such as Kinder Care or did you look more into private daycares run out of homes but of course were licensed?

[kellym]

Geeze, not all of us can stay home! And it doesn't make us less of a mother to have to keep our children at daycare.
I am from Orlando and I say start searching now. I find them here to range from 170-180wk and everyone I spoke with will take them at 6 weeks. Most reputable ones have a waiting list here.  I interviewed a in-home daycare, but, I think I want more eyes and ears! Out of all the calls I made last week, Star Child seems to tickle my fancy. They were extremely informative over the phone, said they have 2-cameras per room and all of the rooms are glass windowed. The ratio in 4/1 infants to adults.

[froggies1]

I started looking because I have to change wher I take my daughter she is just a friend that has three kids and can't watch my DD and the newborn.  I found actually she is my old babysitter that will watch Brianna and the newborn for $160 a week.  But when I was looking at daycares it would of cost me $135 for newborn and $100 for Brianna so I was looking at $235 a week.  The place I am taking the two now includes diapers, wipes, and food, except formula.  I think that is a good deal.

[JJety]

I stayed away from "centers" and went to a house.  I wanted it to be more like he was hanging out at "Aunt Debbie's" house rather than going to a building like a school.  I wanted that homey atmosphere.  

You should be able to go to your state's website and print off a list of licensed daycare providers.  Then do drive-bys of their addresses and see if you even want to bother with an interview.

[JJety]

That is a great deal!

[momm2b]

any of you located in orlando area?

[sam2]

Never too soon to think about this.  With my first I was able to stay home for a year and with the second, she attended daycare at 8 weeks old.  Most centers take them from 6 weeks forward.  I think it all depends on where you live to determine the cost.  I live in NY and when both were in together it was $1300/month.  When it was one I spent $900/month for newborn care, it does get cheaper as they get older.  I think the going rate is around $200 - $250 weekly.  I chose a day care run out of a church as I did not like the chain centers which felt too institutionalized.  When you start checking places out, ask the staff how long they been there.  Turn over is important as you don't want your little one having a new caregiver every month.  My children are now in 1st and 4th grade and could not be doing better in school.  So from one working mother to another, it is not too bad.  I would always love to stay home with them, but it is not an option and I enjoy my work too.

[Harley-girl]

You guys have been SOOOO helpful and have set my mind at ease. I feel like a bad Mommy not being there but it is nice to know that I am not alone. :)

[sam2]

you are going to be a great mother!  You are already so concerned and you help a lot of people on this forum.  So you are already multi-tasking!  It will be a breeze for you.

[babyblues7]

most nurserys dont except children untill they are 3 months old. you are allowed maternity leave at any job. personally you must spend as much tim with your newborn so you can be there for them. i know it's hard and it will be a struggle but my opionon is there is no point having a child if you don't get to spend time with them. especially when they are learning of their new surroundings! i hope you don't take this the wrong way though. i'm sure there is some way it would work.

[jifnif]

we looked around since we found out we were pregnant.  most places were 175 to 200 a week.  I work for drs and our hospital does give a discount, i will have to pay 160 a week.  we checked out home day care which ranged from 100 to 175 but all were booked or didnt take new borns.  it sucks!!  i cant beleive how much it costs.  I have no choice, I have to work also.  I dont have maternity leave either and have to take my vacation I have been saving for two years.  but all in the name of our lil babies!!!

[kellym]

I do!

[JJety]

No, you're not stupid to starting thinking about this now.  Yes, start looking now.  It may take a while to find someone you like.  

Always go with your gut instinct about a place; never think you are being too picky.  If you find a great place, they very well may have a waiting list so get on the list ASAP.  

The cost all depends on where you live.  In mid-Michigan here, it's around $120 to $150 per week.  Some places charge more while the child is in diapers because there's more work involved with a baby versus a toddler/preschooler.

Good luck.  I hated every minute of it because I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him with a "stranger".  But it helped a lot once I found the place I liked and stopped thinking of her as a stranger and was able to get to know her.

[gonza]

$138 a week.  started searching as soon as we found out.  good luck.  you are no less of a mother.  as for the comment about why have them if you cant spend time, hogwash.

[dandeelyon]

I've lived in 4 different states with children at child care age.  The majority of the daycares have accepted children from 6 weeks on.  Some will not accept children until they are potty trained.  Those cater to more of the pre-school age children.

As for cost.  Daycare in the South has been much cheaper then what I paid up North.  In Orlando, I paid $103 for my infant daughter.  I would expect it's gone up a little since then.  It was a great daycare.  My infant son's daycare was $110 up until a year ago when he became potty trained.  I currently live in Tennessee.  Michigan and Minneapolis were crazy expensive.  I paid between $136-$198.

I've had my kids in both private and group daycares.  I personally prefer the centers.  I like that they are able to be with children their own age.  I also feel like they get more of the attention they need when they are little like that.

As for the "why have them comment"  Utter hooey.  I'm going to keep the rest of my opinion to myself at this point.  What I want to say would not be very nice.

Good luck with the daycare search.  It is very stressful and it's good that you are starting to research it now.

[Mikeal'smom]

I just wanted to let you know, as a home childcare provider, that you shouldn't count out license-exempt child care either.  I live in New Hampshire and am a license-exempt childcare provider.  In New Hampshire being license-exempt is different because I can only take care of 3 children (other than my own) at any given time.  I am CPR certified, and have college credits in early childhood eductation and have working in the childcare field since I was 18 (I am 26 now).  I will agree that there are some places that are no good, but if you find someone like me who is license exempt and you like them, it may not be such a bad placement.  Good luck with your search!

[snhjlp]

i agree you should start looking now so that you will find one you like and to make sure they will have a spot for your child i live in MO and i pay 70/week for a 3yr old im not sure how much infants are yet but good luck and amke sure you really feel comfortable with the surroundings your child will be in and that the people taking care of your child are the right kind of people you want to care for child hope this helped good luck

[greenpixie]

I have worked in childcare centers for over 10 years, and you are not a nut for looking now.  Almost every center will have a waiting list for infants.  Typically, the better the center, the longer the list.  My first tip of advice would be to go to www.naeyc.org.  NAEYC is the leading national  non-profit group that researches and advocates for quality childcare.  Many centers get accredited through their program.  NAEYC accreditation is a long, difficult, and expensive process so centers that go through it do not take it lightly.  The NAEYC website will let you search for accredited centers in your area.  You can also find what to look for in infant environments.  I agree, you should use a licensed center (unless you go with home-based care), but keep in mind that that has it limits.  Being licensed only means you follow the state minimum standards.  In most states, minimums standards are really poor.  You should be able to find minimum standards for your state online, too.  Perssonally, I would try to find a center that went above the minimum standards.  If they are NAEYC accredited, then this is pretty much a certainty.  OK, finally, look at as many centers as you possibly can.  Many people look at just one or two.  I think the more you look at, the more you will have a real feel for what is out there.  You'll also get a better sense of what type of childcare you think you will like best.  Good luck with the search.  I know how hard it can be to find good childcare.  Happy hunting!

[Harley-girl]

That was very sweet of you and I truly apprecate it. Thanks, you have made me SMILE!!!!

[ima1]

Honey, day care is only one of the mega expoenses you will expeience.  Wait till you start to buy diapers!!  But seriously, about the cost - depending on your income bracket and where you live, there are govt. run places that you can get vouchers to at little or no cost.  These places are usually clean and well run due to the govt. intervention.  I opted for at home care, due to my religious stringencies I needed my child to be int he home of someone who is of the same faith - and practicing (i am a religious jew and keep kosher, so my children wouldnt be able to eat just anywhere) and am very happy with the "homey" atmosphere they get.  It is a big deal for a baby to go spend the day with someone other lhtan their parents, and being in a house with a few children as opposed to a big building with classes and all age groups is easier to get used to.  At two years old I moved my daughter to a day care facility, and my son will be joining her there in September.  Untill two I deinately think care in a home environment is best.  Good luck to you and I really admire that you are allready worrying about what is in your childs best interest.  G-d Bless!!

[Emma1]

I'm not sure where you're at, but I live in S.C. I had to put Carrigan on the waiting list where Kennedy goes when I was about 4 months preggo. Carrigan is $110.00/week and then when she turns two it will go down to $75.00/week. It's expensive, but like you I had to go back to work. When our new little one gets here she will be in the same daycare with the girls. Good luck on your search. And I would suggest popping in on a day care to see what's going on. Don't make any appt., b/c they will be sure to do everything they way it needs to be done. You need to catch them off gaurd. I was lucky and knew the owners and workers where my girls are!

[anothergirl]

I know you may not be in Texas but we have a childcare search site:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/ppFacilitySearchDayCare.asp

It lets you find NAEYC facilities and ALSO look to see what kind of violations they have had on their inspections. Maybe your state might have something like this.

This is not meant to scare - just get you thinking. I understand some moms have to work but daycares (center and homebased) are risky environments for all children and until your little one can talk you don't know what can be happening. My experiences with the most expensive and reputable places in San Antonio lead me to stay home. A christian private school "forgot" to feed my friends infant and couldn't understand why she was crying when her dad picked her up at the end of the day. My daughter was potty training and Country Home would wait until I left to take her panties off and put a diaper back on her. When I worked for Rainbow Station a pregnant coworker held down a small child who refused to take a nap by wrapping her in a blanket and sitting on it. YIKES!! These places have waiting lists and charge between $150 & 200 a week.

JUST BE SUSPICIOUS! People are really good at pretending so follow your gut, if anything bothers you keep looking.

[greenpixie]

Your post scared me!  After working in childcare for so long I made up my mind long ago that I would not put my child in childcare.  I've been in some of the best centers and still wouldn't feel comfortable enough.  My DH & I live a very minimalist lifestyle, but it will be worth it.

BTW, this is NOT a slam on people who choose to use childcare.  I understand that there is a very real need for many people.  I'm just expressing my own thoughts about it.

[anothergirl]

I feel bad when I tell working moms true stories, but I hope it makes parents be really picky and on their caregivers butt all the time :)! I guess I'm hoping more moms that are aware of problems can keep them from happening. SOOOO many parents I know turn a blind eye to issues because they have to work and I only feel bad for the children who can't stand up for themselves. I say, be your child's advocate and demand GREAT childcare if you work outside the home, but remember no one loves them like you do.

[just_plain_fae]

Child Care Resource and Referral can give you a list of centers and home day cares in your area, along with prices and how many openings they have.  The information is free.  CCRR are located all over the US, so you should be sure to find one.  You can find them in your local phone book or at http://www.naccrra.org/.  Once you find a few centers or homes that you are considering, you can call your local child care licensing agency (should also be in the phone book).  They have records of how many and what kinds of toys are available to the children, background screenings on all employees, and any validated complaints or licensing violations the center may have.  Best of luck to you!

[MarineWife2003]

Is anyone here from eastern New Hampshire? I am a Mother of two girls, and my best friend and I are starting up our own infant daycare in my home. We aren't licenced yet, but I do have a large, smoke free, clean and safe home. Would you say their is a need?As Mothers, would any of you even concider me with out being licensed?