Nanny vs. Daycare

Having experienced both having a nanny watch my children or taking them to daycare (I work part-time as an Aerospace engineer), I would definitely recommend a nanny and here's why:

1. With a nanny, they follow your directions and try to fit your style of parenting. With a daycare, you try to adjust your child to the care provider's style.
2. When you have two children like I do, the cost of a nanny is almost identical to the cost of a daycare center.
   
3. It's a LOT of work to bring bedding, clothing, diapers, drinks, food, medication, etc. to daycare every day in addition to the hassle of getting 2 kids out of bed, dressed, fed, into the car, and out of your arms and into the care provider's.
4. Swinging by daycare to drop off the kids extended my commute time in the mornings and evenings, which generally makes life more stressful (less time to make dinner, etc.)

The downsides of a nanny are:

1. You have to deal with a lot of tax paperwork and pay a little extra for social security tax.
2. The cost is a little higher.
3. They can quit/get sick/go on vacation which can put you in a bind if you don't have a flexible schedule (I do).
4. You have to make a special effort to make sure your kids get socialization from other children and learn what you want them to (their letters, numbers, music, etc.).
   

Overall, the benefits outweigh the downsides for me. One last tip: If you are looking for a nanny, put a post on Craigslist (www.craigslist.org). Write a bit about what you are looking for - experience, drive their own car, first aid training, etc. - and then include your hourly rate and a little bit about your family and your parenting style. I got 20 responses in 24 hours with several good possibilities (but I do live in a major city, so that probably helps).

Happy childcare hunting! Whatever you decide, make sure that you and your child(ren) are both happy with it (after maybe a week or two of adjustment time). It is possible to have complete peace of mind when your children are being cared for by others.