The different childcare options for baby

Your maternity leave is coming to an end and the question of who will look after baby is starting to come up. Between baby's well-being, practicality, distance from home and cost, how do you choose the right childcare option?

There are lots of childcare options and you don't know which way to turn? Don't panic, we'll walk you through all your options!

 

The childminder: a flexible, family-style childcare option

The childminder is an approved early-years professional. This type of childcare is well known for its significant advantages.

Its main advantage is flexible hours. This flexibility can make organising your daily life much easier.

What's more, your child is looked after directly in the childminder's own home or in a shared childminders' setting, so hygiene and safety are closely monitored.

Another advantage is that your baby is rarely on their own. Early-years professionals usually look after other children of the same age, so the children can interact with each other.

Finally, you will find a more family-like, intimate atmosphere than in nurseries, which can sometimes reassure parents.

 

The day nursery

The day nursery is a type of childcare often known for its lack of places… To secure a place for your baby, pre-register as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. Some nurseries do not allow pre-registration before the 6^th month. It is only once your child is born that you must confirm their registration by providing a birth certificate. If they are accepted, they can start at the age of 2 months.

In addition, a nursery is a place that encourages baby's development: the facilities are designed for little ones and allow your child to build bonds with other children. However, given the large number of children in nurseries, your baby is likely to fall ill more often.

A nursery is a closely regulated place, so it complies with safety standards and the supervision of the children is very rigorous.

The food is also carefully chosen to meet the nutritional needs of your baby.

Here, the hours are fixed, so parents have to stick to them.

 

The jardin d'accueil (early-years playgroup)

This type of childcare is for daytime only, exclusively for children aged 18 months to 6 years.

One of its advantages is that it is 30% cheaper than a nursery.

The jardin d'accueil has a clearly defined aim. It should help children master language and give them a desire to learn.

 

A nanny at home: the most flexible childcare option

This type of childcare is one of the most flexible solutions. It saves a huge amount of time and makes organisation much simpler.

However, it remains the most expensive way to have your child looked after.

Finally, another drawback for baby's development is that they stay in the same environment and don't meet other children.

 

Nanny share

A nanny share is a good compromise between a nanny and a nursery.

First of all, agree with another couple to have your children looked after by the same nanny. Half the time, childcare takes place at your home, and the rest of the time at the other family's home.

Finally, this type of childcare is all the more practical as the hours are tailor-made.

 

The au pair: a childcare option like no other

 

An au pair is a childcare option like no other.

To start with, for this type of childcare you need an au pair. To find one, go through an agency, small ads or word of mouth.

Next, the au pair must be under 30 and of foreign nationality. She lives with you and helps you with your children at home.

Finally, she works 30 hours a week in exchange for accommodation, meals, pocket money and a travel card.

So now you know all about the different childcare options. It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your little one and your various criteria, whether financial, for baby's well-being or for your own organisation.

All that's left is to make your choice!