Au Pair or Day Care?

Question

As a parent do you believe an au pair or a day care would benefit a younger child more?

Answer 1

Au pair. While I was growing up, I met many people who had au pair's and were way better off. They had strong connections, and many of the au pair's protected the children as they would their own. I went to day care, and it was hard not knowing anyone and having so many children around with only a few adults.

Answer 2

You just say "younger child", that is quite vague.
A child under two has very limited need for social networking - so s/he'll be happy with a nanny at home, able to care for him and to cater to his nap needs. It is also easier for you as the parent, because you don't have to run after closing times (never convenient). Not to mention the household help you get... and if there are siblings, that is definitely a good solution.

On the other hand, an au-pair is typically young and without experience, so with a very young child you have to worry a bit - especially if you are going to be out of the home all the time!!! you may want to drop in now and then at least in the first few months.
With an au-pair, you also have to come to terms with the fact that a good day-care giver will actually build a strong bond with your child - sometimes you will feel left out!

It is a tough decision anyway. you may want to test both for a short time, if you can that would allow you to choose for the best.

Answer 3

First of all, I can definately appreciate how you feel and the tough decision making on this matter. Therefore, which ever you chose I pray is a good decision, it sits well with you, and works out well.

Do your homework. Use your instincts!!! God gave us those for a reason!!! With that said, there are many options with child care now. You need to evaluate what your child needs are, your needs are and what a daycare, stay-at-home mama, a small licensed daycare from someone's home, relative, or au pair can do for you!

Some suggestions as a mama and babysitter/child care/mentor....who ever will be caring for your child ought to be thoroughly interviewed and watched with your child. I'd say even with someone you 'know'.

If it were me and a relative or close friend is not an option, then I'd go with a SAHM (CPR certified) and set up a few visits and let the child interact with the individual, if you rather someone come to your home instead then make sure they have experience (with children of the same age as your child) and CPR certified; set up 2-3 visits while you're there and if you feel ok, run out for errands....if your child seems comfortable I say "GO", if not, keep searching.

A good place to search is Craigslist.org and post your needs. Then weed out the emails, lots of young girls wanting to be a nanny/au pair. Meet some where public like Starbucks for first visit...you can tell a lot by just talking to someone. HTH.

Hope all goes well.
Take care.
God bless.

Answer 4

Personally, I think a parent would be best, but if you need child care I would hire an au pair. The reason being is that the au pair can substitute the one on one time a child needs at home with a loving adult and also provide healthy social interactions by taking the child to play groups and other activities.

Answer 5

I would definitly go with the daycare atlesst there your child 9 times out of ten is on video so you know exactly what is going on you can ask to see the tapes with an au pair you have no idea what that person is doing to your child

Answer 6

i think an au pair is better because you will get to know your au pair more than you can workers at a daycare. personally au pairs are better because the are suppose to live with you and that is a 24 hour service.

Answer 7

Day care for 2 reasons, 1st your husband and 2nd you child needs to socially interact with children his own age!