What is more cost effective?

We are expecting our first in May, so thinking of going back to work in Sept. We both have non traditional hours - I work 9-5 2 days and 11-8 2 days. DH's job varies day by day with no set schedule. I don't even know if a at home/center is possible because I don't know of any that would still be open at 8:30 for me. I was thinking of having someone come to the house and paying a flat salary instead of day/hourly as it is possible several times a month for DH to come home earlier, but they would have to commit to my hours (does that make sense?)

What do you think is the best way to handle this? How much should I expect to pay for a in home sitter for the month?

Re: What is more cost effective?

Another option is to do daycare and then pay a baby-sitter to pick your child up on the days you work late.

Re: What is more cost effective?

I personally like nannies for infants. We put our 1st DS in preschool at 2.5. Then we put DS#2 in the toddler class at 18 months. They both have been thriving.

Although i definitely feel the school is benefiting them, it was MUCH more convenient when we had a nanny. It takes time to feed them breakfast, dress them, gather all the extra stuff they need for school, pack them in the car, etc.

I knew people in Manhattan who had a bright horizons in their actual building but thought it was too inconvenient so they opted to get a nanny instead. The nanny would then take the older children to preschool and watch the baby.

eta: it terms of cost effectiveness, daycare is probably cheaper. maybe you can find an in home daycare with flexible hours? if it isn't a center, you may be able to work something out with the care provider.

Message edited 3/28/2013 11:41:27 AM.