Going back to work after having a baby is an emotional and significant milestone for many parents. While some may feel ready to reenter the workforce, for others, it can be a challenging and overwhelming transition. One of the biggest decisions new parents face is how to arrange care for their little ones. Not only are you entrusting your child with someone, else you are making a big financial investment as most childcare options are expensive. Whether it’s daycare, hiring a nanny, or exploring a nanny share, there are several factors to consider in making the choice that’s right for your family and lifestyle. In this post, we’ll share the things we love most about daycare and nanny shares as well as lay out a helpful framework to guide you through the process, covering key elements such as, commute, meals, socialization, and more—so you can make a decision that aligns with your family’s needs and values.
There are Numerous Benefits to the Various Childcare Options
Caroline and Kathryn went down different paths for childcare and each of us is happy with our current setup. Caroline chose a nanny share while Kathryn opted for daycare. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top benefits for each of our situations:
Caroline’s Favorite Things About A Nanny Share:
- The baby is at home longer, which makes the transition back to work smoother, especially for parents who can work from home or have a shorter leave.
- It’s easier to find a nanny who can accommodate your specific schedule, whereas daycare spots can sometimes have long waitlists.
- There’s more control over what activities the child participates in, what food they eat, and the environments they’re exposed to, offering a more personalized experience.
Kathryn’s Favorite Things About Daycare:
- The facility moves children between classrooms based on age and developmental milestones, ensuring that the activities and toys are appropriate for each stage, and that the teachers are trained specifically for that age group.
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided as part of the tuition at certain daycares, which saves a lot of time on meal prep.
- Daycare is great for socialization and independence, as children interact with different adults and peers throughout the day.
Commute
Nanny (share)
- ✅ Little to no commute—nanny comes to your home or share home
Daycare
- ⚠️ Drop-off/pick-up adds to commute; tied to location even if your job changes
Timing and Coverage
Nanny (share)
- ✅ Easier to find a nanny than secure a daycare spot
- ✅ Helpful for short maternity leaves or WFH setups
- ✅ Great option while breastfeeding
- ✅ Flexibility in preschool/school transition later on
- ✅ Some nannies travel with families
- ⚠️ Sickness = limited backup options
- ⚠️ Nanny’s vacation may not align with yours
Daycare
- ✅ Long hours (9–11 hrs/day) allow for flexible work days
- ✅ Sometimes open on holidays or days you’re off
- ✅ Can stay through preschool age if you’re happy
- ✅ Backup teachers cover when one is out
- ⚠️ Strict sickness policies = missed days + scramble
Environment
Nanny (share)
- ✅ Full control over setup and exposure to illness
- ✅ Nice to pop in during breaks if WFH
- ⚠️ Need extra gear (second stroller, play yard, etc.)
Daycare
- ✅ Structured playrooms and developmental toys
- ✅ More eyes on your child = more oversight
- ⚠️ More illness and conflict with other kids (biting, pushing)
- ⚠️ Higher illness risk at younger ages
Meals
Nanny (share)
- ✅ You control food and quality—great for allergies or preferences
Daycare
- ✅ No meal prep (if meals are provided)
- ⚠️ Not all daycares provide meals
Caregivers
Nanny (share)
- ✅ You choose the caregiver, strong bonds form
- ⚠️ If they leave, you’re starting over fast
Daycare
- ✅ Teachers trained for your child’s age group
- ⚠️ Turnover can be high
Babysitting
Nanny (share)
- ✅ Many nannies are open to evenings, weekends, and overnights
Daycare
- ✅ Some teachers also babysit—built-in sitter network
Socialization
Nanny (share)
- ✅ Close bond with nanny share friend
- ✅ Socialization without full-time school commitment
- ⚠️ Fewer daily interactions with other kids
- ⚠️ Experience can vary—vet both nanny *and* the other family
Daycare
- ✅ Surrounded by same-age peers all day
- ✅ Peer modeling helps with milestones (e.g. potty training)
- ✅ Built-in parent network
- ✅ Gets used to being with different adults—school is less of a shock
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