babysitter VS daycare??????????

Where would you rather have your child, with a babysitter(not a close family member) or at a daycare?
Just curious(ESPECIALLY TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH BOTH)

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

If it wasn't a close friend of family member I think I would rather the daycare. I would feel he was a little "safer" there.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

I agree...
I think I could only trust family or a close friend for a babysitter....
I work in a daycare actually...
But I HATE my daughter going to daycare also... She gets sick with EVERYTHING..
In fact we are now going through the wonderful coxsackie virus

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare. More socialization and more sets of eyes in case something happens.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare. They have standards in place for most of what they do. They have a lot of toys and things to do. DS's room has tons of windows, so the director or parents can be looking in at any time. The only negative, as mentioned above, is that there are so many illnesses that go around in day care. My child is in day care part time and with family members part time. I'm glad he gets so much time with grandparents. They take him to parks but he also watches soap operas with them and I would not like that for every day.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare, if your babysitter is sick, you are screwed, also, babysitter might want vacation time, Daycare isn't closed. My son has only gotten sick once and he has been at daycare for about 18 months, so not all kids get sick. I trust my daycare facility with my son, they don't take him out to the shops, he has TONS of other kids to play with, lots of activities. I personally would worry that with a babysitter my child wouldn't interact with other kids, and imo, thats the most important part of daycare.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

I used to think babysitter but after my horrible experience, I have to say daycare.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare, without a doubt.

I like that it's a group setting so my daughter can socialize with babies/toddlers her own age, and form bonds with her peers. I also like that it's a highly structured environment with lots of classes, from sign language, yoga, soccer, swim classes, to drama classes, hebrew immersion classes, etc. They bring in guest speakers and shows every week, like the reptile guy, the dinosaur man, bug week, etc.

And I adore that she's forming bonds with several adults, rather than just one person, day in and day out. It forces her to socialize not just on her own level, but with adults as well which I think will serve her well when she goes to school. Every year she is moved to a new class, with new students and a new teacher, and while sometimes it can be a sticky transition, it's GREAT preparation for when she goes to elementary school.

Last, I am more comfortable with the group setting - I think there is less of a chance of abuse in a daycare setting where there are lots of eyes, rather than relying on one person to watch your child. I know there is no guarantee, but I love the school we've chosen and it does give me a certain degree of reassurance and comfort.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

My son's were with my mother as infants. Because I was lucky enough to have that option I jumped at it. Despite the anxiety about our differing ideology on child rearing from time to time - she LOVED my children. And as infants what they needed most was LOVE. So it was a no-brainer for me.

I transitioned them to Daycare when they were 2 (Robbie was almost 3) - because I felt they were then ready to socialize, get some structure and learn a little bit more than what my mom would offer.

My mother passed away in 2005. If I were to have another child, I am not sure what I would do. Rob's parent have offered to watch his sister's children - but have made it expressly clear that the same offer would not stand for us. If Rob couldn't stay home until they were at least a year, I think I would have to put them in Daycare.. but ONLY because I would want a licensed facility taking care of my child - someone who knows 'back to sleep' and all the 'rules' and isn't going to bend them because she can.

Message edited 8/26/2008 7:34:03 AM.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

If money wasn't an option then I would say Daycare. But in this day and age we had to get a nanny. Saves us close to 1000 a month. I feel safe that they are home. I don't have to worry about them getting sick all the time.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

For an infant, a nanny. As they get older and there is a benefit to being around other children, I would opt for daycare.

Right now, I have a nanny for my 2. It's much cheaper then having 2 in daycare. Plus, my kids like to sleep in so I don't have to wake them at 7 to get ready for the day and leave. They can wake at their own pace. They also don't have to go out when the weather isn't good.

I have enrolled my 2 year old in preschool so she will get socialization from there.

As for sick time, my children get sick a lot more often then my nanny. I would have to take off if one of my kids was sick if they were in daycare so I just take off when the nanny is sick instead.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare works for us for the following reasons:

socialization
dependable (no one calling in sick)
school setting which I like

I used to think I wanted a nanny but I think he would be bored all day at home. If I was home with him I would drive him places, but i wouldnt allow a nannny

I have also heard horror stories of "close" family members watching the baby. Often the baby makes connections with these caretakers and it is hard for some mommies to watch their DC want that person more than them (i.e. myself included--I hate when DS wants my cousin instead of me--I am jealous)

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

I have experience with both in home sitters, daycare and grandparents. When they are infants I feel the one on one time is key and 100% prefer a sitter or nanny if family is not avialable. The thought of my infant having to wait her turn crying to eat or get a diaper change just doesnt sit well with me. After 12-18 months then I like the structured acpect of daycare and the interaction they get.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

My experience so far has ben with a large day care facility, a family member as a babysitter, and a small group day care.

By far the small group day care has been the best. Yes, there are times she may be closed, but it is RARE! My DS gets to socialize with other children, just on a smaller scale, and he is sick a lot less than in the big day care. the small day care is also MUCH more reliable than my family memeber babysitter...MUCH!

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

I prefer in home care and that is what I use....more one on one interaction and my dd still gets to socialize with other kids

the best of both worlds

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

If the baby-sitter was not close family or friend definately day care. Unfortunately through second hand experience I know there are some not so great care takers out there and I would not be able to stand the thought of what was going on when I wasn't there. Not to mention my BIL was screwed on a few occassions when his nanny just stopped coming or quit with little or no notice.

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Re: babysitter VS daycare??????????

Daycare for me. I have dropped DS off at a childcare center to be watched while I have doctor's appts. and such. And we hired a babysitter this weekend. While I was nervous leaving him both times, I can say hiring the babysitter was harder. She was great as it turned out, but there was something more comforting about having more than one person with him.

Also, I think the socialization they get in daycare is sooo important. Especially if they have no siblings or cousins (as is the case with my DS). When I go back to work, he will go to daycare in all likelihood.