Child Care: Costs and Options

Child care is necessary for a large number of families, and there are quite a few options available these days! And while it's nice to have choices, sometimes it can get a little overwhelming.

Here are some general guidelines regarding various child care costs and options.

1. Daycare

For children under preschool age, this is the option many parents think of first. And then they think of cost! It's true that daycares can be pricey - they range in price from $350 to $1,500 a month for a baby or toddler - but financial help from your local government or community is a real possibility. You'll likely need to produce proof of income and other financial documents to find out if you're eligible, but it's worth a try to see if you can get some financial help.

Besides cost, here are some other things to consider about daycare.

Cons:
* There may be a waiting list to get in.
* Few daycare centers accept newborns.
* Babies and kids in daycare tend to get sick often.

Pros:
* Staff is professionally trained.
* The facility is held accountable by a higher agency - they must be licensed and regulated.
* Kids get to socialize before school age.

2. In-Home Babysitter

Many parents like the idea of a babysitter who comes to their home every day. This might be a cheaper option, but not necessarily. You can save some money by offering to pick up and drop off the sitter, and by providing meals. Younger people (such as teenagers) tend to cost much less than an older, seasoned babysitter. You'll pay more if you ask the sitter to do housework and/or drive his or her own vehicle.

Here are some other things to think about when hiring a home babysitter.

Pros:
* The kids get to stay in their own home.
* The babysitter can be a trusted family friend or someone highly recommended by other families.
* In-home sitters are more flexible than a daycare with set hours (and you can come home at odd hours if you feel the need to check up unexpectedly).

Cons:
* Leaving someone in your house all day may make you uncomfortable.
* Unless the sitter brings her own kids, your kids won't get to be with other children.

3. Nanny

Nannies are generally the most expensive option. They are professionals, and they often live with the family. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $700 a week for a qualified nanny; if she lives with you, it may be a lot less since you are providing room and board.

Here are some pros and cons of nannies.

Pros:
* Children get to know one caregiver.
* There's more personalized attention.
* Children stay in familiar surroundings.
* Nannies can go with you on vacation, errands, etc.

Cons:
* Expense
* There may not be regulation or supervision by a higher agency.
* Taxes and paperwork for hiring a nanny can be extensive.

4. Family

Family members will often watch your children without asking any pay. You may feel more comfortable paying something, however, so you don't feel obligated. Giving gift certificates or buying gifts of appreciation is another way to "pay" for family member help.

Here are some other things to think about with family member care.

Pros:
* Relatives get to spend time with their cousins/nieces/grandkids/nephews.
* Family members have a personal interest in your kids.

Cons:
* It can be hard to establish a "working" relationship where the parents are respected as the rule-makers.
* There may be tension if your discipline or care philosophies differ.
* Active kids can wear out senior relatives.

5. One Parent at Home

Even if you think this isn't an option, think again. Given the high costs of many of the other options, it may be a more affordable choice than you think. Sit down with a pad and pencil to figure out the difference in income if one parent stays home versus one of the above child care options. You may be surprised at what you find!

You can also do a combination of any of the above. Perhaps a parent can stay home several days a week, while a babysitter comes on other days. Hopefully, this information will help you make the right decision for your family.