Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?

DH & I are very lucky that my mom is going to watch DS one day per week and his parents will watch him 2 days, leaving us with needing daycare for only 2 days per week. Most big daycares such as Tutor Time will not do part time for infants, so we are seeking private people or in-home daycares that are registered. I just can't get used to the idea of my newborn in a daycare with other children. I know this sounds snobby, but I just feel that at this age he needs individual attention, which I doubt he will get in daycare with 5-10 other children. So I have gotten numbers of people who watch children privately and found a few who we are meeting this week; they are people who know friends or family members of mine, so not complete strangers - DS will be the only child there.

DH wants to go with someone licensed, which means, he will not be the only child, as this will mean going with a private daycare run out of a house - although they will be registered and licensed with the county or state. I'm just torn and was hoping I could get some feedback on what has worked for others. Also, some of these private people (the ones who are not licensed) might need to take DS out to pick up their children from school, not sure how I feel about them driving him in the car. I know I'm paranoid....

Re: Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?

It's really a decision that only you, as the parents can make. We're using a daycare center that has a 3:1 teacher child ratio instead of the legally mandated 4:1. I feel like my DS gets lots of attention because while one kid is napping, another can be with teacher. Also, I don't mind if he has time to play by himself as long as the teacher is nearby. There is always a teacher within about 3 feet of him. I go there and watch that sometimes. They are licensed. He is on a medication right now and I like the fact that only a certified person can give it to him. I would not want someone messing up the instructions and you just never know. I would not be comfortable with him going out in someone's car. I also like the fact that they follow strict rules as to how and when to clean everything. That said, I was glad that we did not start until he was about 8 months old.

Re: Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?

My sister uses a private woman who watches her baby, and watched her since she was 3 months.

She does part time, and you only pay for the days you use her.

She does not drive and take the kids out of her home to pick up any kids. any children she watches stays in her home.

The lady has been doing this for years and my sister found her because it is her best friend from High Schools mother.
So she really trusts her.

I am not sure where you are located but FM me if you want to know which town.

Oh and she is very reasonable

Re: Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?

One of the reasons why I preferred and chose a daycare canter like Tutor Time is because I really want my son exposed to lots of people, children and adults included, which is important for his social skills.
Considering you already have the moms watching him, it might be nice for your DC to have some extra child interaction.

I know it's scary to give your infant to someone to watch them, but for me it was something I got over pretty easily......once I saw how well he was taken care of.....

Re: Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?

Day care HAS to be one of the hardest decisions for a parent. My DS was in a big center, and I just found it was not the right decision for us. He is now in a small private liscenced day care, and it is the perfect fit. There are days he is the only child (besides her little girl) and there are days she has a full house (6). He absolutely LOVES the other children. It has been the best for him, and he is so happy. especially the other child that is about the same age, they both thrive and have fun with each other ALL DAY! I love walking in there, and they are all interacting...it's the BEST! Now in Jan. my MIL will watch him 2 days a week, and I feel sad that he wont have the kids those two days...so funny how your perspective changes. You will do what is right for you and your child, and it gets easier as you go.

Re: Day Care dilemma - why can't it be simple?