Uneasy about child care
 

With my current job search, this means that I'm probably going to have to find day care for my daughter, but only for a few hours in the late afternoon/early eves...I'm really uneasy about putting her with someone else besides family. She's only 3 months old and if something happened to her in the care of a stranger...well, I just won't go into what I would do but it would NOT be good...anyway, for those parents out there - how did you get over the child care jitters? Did you have any? How do you find the best daycare out there? Has anybody used some of the household names like Kindercare?? My boyfriend and I switch off now where he works at night and me during the day but I think with a new job, I'm going to have to work a few extra hours and there would be an overlap...what to do, what to do..

Hi! Sorry to invade your thread but I know where you're coming from and I wanted to help out. When I had to put my daughters in daycare, I checked with my church. They keep a directory of members who are licensed daycare providers. I found a great woman that way! Good luck :)

I sent my daughter to KinderCare. I really enjoyed the experience that she had there. However, she was 4 years old at the time. They seemed to be good with the babies, they were always rocking them, and holding them... but you just never know.

When I initially found out I was pregnant, it had been my intention to take my baby to a local nusery that "did" infants. However, when she was born , I realized that there was no way that I could turn that little helpless creature (who couldn't talk, yell for help, or run) over to strangers.

I hope that if you are forced to go that route that you find dependable, capable, and experienced help. Personally, though, I ould continue to switch of with the dad, so that I could know that my baby was being taken care of properly, and in good hands.

I know what it's like to have an unconvenient childcare situation, but better safe than sorry.

Good luck on your decision.

I suggest going off of a refferal of a friend. That way you will have more knowledge as to what your child will truly experience. I sent my daughter to home daycare during her first two years and it was great! I felt comfortable with dropping her off and I knew that she would be well taken care off. Like you, I was very leary of daycares, so I sent her to an elderly lady who treated my infant daughter like she was her own. She cooked her home cooked meals and gave her alot of personal attention. I hope this helps you out!

This post is right on time
 

My husband and I are going through this right now. We moved to NJ and my family is in Brooklyn (that's not close for you non New Yorkers). Daycare or a nanny is the only option for us also.

I'm not a mom, but I can tell you what my sister and brother-in-law did with my 3 year-old nephew. Before he was first born, they got a referral from a co-worker and got him into a licensed at-home daycare.

When he turned 2 last November, they put him on a waiting list of the college run daycare where they graduated from. He was enrolled this past summer. The daycare is set up like a real school with students who are education majors assisting as well.

I wish you and your husband luck with whatever decision you make.

I don't have kids, but good friends of ours recently had to go through this, and let me tell you, it ain't easy! Someone else suggested get referrals from friends and I agree, but you can't stop there. Drop in the center/home unannounced from time to time. What are the kids wearing/doing? Just because it's a home day care does not mean the kids are well taken care of! Do back ground checks and/or ask about the background checks they do or their staff. Stope by in the evening and talk to parents as they are picking up their kids to see what they have to say too. A new thing in my town seems to be day care centers with cameras and internet hookups so the parents can watch their little ones while at work. Hope you find what you are looking for!

I can relate...
 

I had to put my daughter in daycare when she was still an infant, and it was hard initially. I went by the daycare to visit and get to know the lady who would be taking care of my daughter. I chose the daycare because it was right down the street from where I worked, and I could go by at lunch to visit or just drop in as necessary. Also, they had this service at the daycare where they had cameras in the room. When you signed up for the service, you were able to see you child's room via the internet. The camera provided still pictures only vs. moving pictures, but it still made me feel more comfortable because an independent company had tapes of everything that was going on in the rooms. So, there was less chance of anything mistreatment or wrongdoing going on.

It was a bit expensive, but I felt very comfortable leaving her there.