Taking care of a child is a full-time job, but even stay-at-home parents can benefit from having extra childcare help from a professional. Many parents choose to either hire a nanny or send their child to daycare. But which of these options is best, and how do you decide which one is the right choice for your family?
Taking all the most important factors into account, here is a comparison of nanny vs. daycare for busy parents and their children.
Scheduling Flexibility
If you need a lot of flexibility in your childcare schedule, a nanny is typically the best way to go. Nannies can work around your calendar and be available when and where you need them. Meanwhile, many daycares require an upfront commitment, full-time attendance, and operate only during the daytime hours on weekdays.
Nanny vs. Daycare Child Development
Both a nanny and daycare can provide excellent child development opportunities, depending on what you’re looking for. A nanny offers one-on-one time with your child and lots of undivided, personal attention. Daycares often offer a structured space with preschool lessons and activities built into the day.
Your Child’s Health
Many parents choose to hire a nanny to take care of children in their home if the kids have immune system complications or just due to pandemic-related concerns. You will limit your child’s exposure to germs by having them taken care of in your home and not around groups of other kids who are often sick. If you send your children to daycare, chances are that they will get sick more often with colds, the flu, and other illnesses. But the benefit here is the opportunity to build up your child’s immune system for greater potential resiliency in the future.
Child Socialization
If more socialization is one of the main goals you have for your child, daycare is a great option. At daycare, your child will have the opportunity to interact and learn from other adults and children in a safe and controlled environment. However, a nanny can also provide valuable socialization lessons by taking your child out in public places, on playdates with other kids, and through one-on-one communication.
Nanny Cost vs. Daycare
Both nannies and daycares can be quite expensive, depending on where you live and the options available to your family. In general, nannies tend to be a little more expensive because of the personal level of service provided. But some daycares, especially in big cities, can be just as pricey (or more so) if they offer full-day care and employ highly experienced teachers.
Trust and Reliability
As you are thinking about how to decide between daycare and a nanny, you’ll also want to feel 100% confident in trusting the person caring for your child. It can be very difficult to trust a new person with your child’s care, which is why it’s important to get to know caregivers on a personal level and understand their backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Find the Perfect Nanny with Pavillion
If hiring a nanny sounds like the best option for your family right now, Pavillion Agency can help. We are the largest domestic staffing and household employee agency in the U.S. and can connect you to the best nannies in the industry.
Contact us to learn more about the benefits of nannies, or fill out our family application to start your search.
