daycare back up?

angelsnight

My dad is retired and thankfully is over the moon about watching our LO when we go back to work.  He doesn't get sick often, and if he goes on vacation I am certain we can either count on my inlaws, or MH or I could just take the day(s) off work if we get in a pinch.  But a friend suggested we have a daycare on hand for times when we need someplace should any of the above not work out.

Do people do that?  I can't imagine our LO would need to go to a daycare more than once in a six month period....do most daycares allow random drop ins like that?  Would I even want my LO going to a daycare that we're not familiar with aside from the once in a blue moon that we'd need it?  I also would not want LO to go to daycare say, once a week in order to keep one on hand, I don't really feel that socilization outside of family and friends is needed until she's older, and I'd view it as a waste of money when we have people willing and wanting to watch her for free.

VanessaBee

My work has an emergency daycare contract with a nearby daycare center. I think I get six or so "drop in" days a year. I didn't even know it was a benefit until I researched the heck out of it. Maybe you or SO have something similar? I think that, plus my nanny, plus a sitter, will do me...but we'll see!!

smchik

We have the daycare backup throuugh work - 10 a year. It works great. There are also nanny agencies that have nanny backup care (which are great if the kid is sick). We have one of those lined up as well. Because, well, the only times we have needed backup were when one parent was out of town and the other had a major work commitment. It's just how it always works out

We also have my mom who can generally come down and watch when needed.

smchik

Oh check out Bright Horizons, if they are in your area. I think they do a lot of the backup corporate care.

MA&CB

If all of the options you listed for back-ups fell through, you or YH would just take the day off to be home with the baby - that's what we do.  I think it'd be weird to have a back-up daycare for as rarely as it sounds like you'll need it

BrideNamedMeg

I know some daycares around here have daily drop off rates, providing there's room and everything, but it's really expensive.  I've heard up to $90 a day and that's for a toddler, infants are usually more expensive.

KariB509

I don't know about your area, but I've never heard of a drop in daycare in my area.

DTNZ4Ever

My parents watch DS 1 day a week, one day with me and 3 days at DC. In the 4+ years we have only used an add on day at DC once. Typically DH or I take the day off if my parents are on vacation, in the summer my sister is back up she is a teacher, my ILs are available too. So we are good. I think the one add on day was prior to my MIL retiring. Also my parents back up each other when they are sick so that is helpful so we typically only need to back up when they travel.

Yenemous

BrideNamedMeg said:

I know some daycares around here have daily drop off rates, providing there's room and everything, but it's really expensive.  I've heard up to $90 a day and that's for a toddler, infants are usually more expensive.

This. There's a place like this near me. They provide both full and part time care as well as random daily drop offs but they only charge $45 for a daily rate. Pretty reasonable if you're in a pinch. You might find something like that in your town too.

Excitedmum35

Just my opinion but if you aren't planning on taking your LO to daycare than I would think it would be stressful for both of you to do random drop off days. We sent DS to daycare at 12 months for two days a week at first and we did an orientation were I stayed with him for a few hours there for a couple of days and then did half days for a week or two.
It sounds unnecessary to me.
Another opinion- just an opinion. Socialising outside the family is so beneficial- and I found daycare was brilliant for that. As a school teacher I've read studies that kids that spend some time (not full time) in daycare as well as some time with extended family and obviously time with parents- are the ones that do the best socially- and in turn- do the best at school.
I was hesitant to send DS to daycare but I am so glad we did it. If has been so good for him and he LOVES it. He goes to school next year.