Baby Safety Zone - Child Care

Child Care

Trying to make ends meet and maintain a comfortable lifestyle is forcing more and more mothers back to work earlier than ever. While laws in Europe allow mothers longer paid maternity leave, laws in the states seem to favor the workplace. It is not uncommon to hear of mothers returning to work as soon as 10 weeks after giving birth.

The child care dilemma

Leaving your young baby in the arms of anyone other than yourself can be heart-breaking and cause enormous anxiety for new mothers. However, with the pressures of bringing home a paycheck every month, mothers often have no choice. Some mothers on the other hand are keen to return back to work after the birth of their baby.

Thus, parents are faced with the task of finding the best possible child care for their child. Some parents are lucky enough to have an extended family to help care for their children while they are at work. The majority, on the other hand, must choose between day care, hiring an au pair, a nanny or a babysitter.

Day care: Reputable day care can be extremely pricey. However your child will be cared for by several care workers and will have the opportunity to socialize with other kids. This type of care can help your child develop good social skills and may help your child progress in other areas. Some parents believe this type of child care is not suitable for babies because the baby will not be exclusively with one care giver. However if you do your homework properly and choose a reputable and recommended center, your child will be cared for in a safe, secure and stimulating enviroment.

Au pair: We have all heard horror stories about young and inexperienced au pairs mistreating, injuring and even killing children in very rare cases. Au pairs live with you and are paid a minimal amount on a weekly or monthly basis. They are often inexperienced and from a foreign country. You are putting a lot of responsibility on their shoulders that they may or may not be able to handle. The choice is yours of course but many would advise against this form of child care.

Babysitter: Babysitters are often paid an hourly rate and used for shorter periods of time, frequently or infrequently. Again, babysitters are often young and may not be equipped to care for your child full-time. It is hard to monitor the type of care your child is receiving from a babysitter or au pair.

Nanny: Nannies are qualified professionals who can live-in or come in on a daily basis. They don't come cheap! Research and recommendations are vital in helping you choose the nanny that is right for you. Parents often choose a nanny to care for their children when they are infants because the baby can stay at home and have one on one care.

Selecting the best care for your children may seem like an almighty task. Don't be daunted however as there are numerous resources out there to help you make the right decision. Baby safety and child safety is in the forefront of all parents minds and your child's early years will help them prepare for preschool and life beyond so be sure to make the right choice for you and your family.

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