Backup Childcare

dobbyisfree

So my mom brought up a really good point last night. My inlaws are going to be watching my baby a few days a week when DH and I are both off (I work 13 hour days and every other weekend, so I do have a good number of weekdays off, so it won't be every day) but we really should have something for backup. If FIL gets sick (he's retired, MIL still works) or they want to go on vacation, or anything at all happens, it makes sense for us to look into an option just in case. I just have no idea how to go about it. I know day care doesn't really work like that... anyone have any suggestions on how to go about finding and setting something up?

INmommy871278

Do you have friends or other family that would be able to help. My sister sends her daughter to an in home care provider, but if something comes up like illness or vacation for the provider she has backup set up amongst the family. My mom watches my niece on the weekend my sister works every month. That's all I have.

jessie55

I've heard of some daycares doing that, but it would be pricey and might be hard to find. You would have to call around. I know in my area there are two places that do drop ins, but only for older kids 18mo+, infant drop in is harder to find. I would think of any friends/family that you could ask, and if not, look on care.com or sittercity.com and find someone you are comfortable with, maybe a local in home day care provider.

PregsMcSnoozalot

I think I might just bring my baby to work with me if that happens.   :-/  

It would only be once in a while, so.....I'm not really sure if that would fly, though, haha!  I guess it depends on your workplace.

lamarei

Care.com might be an option. I am a child care provider and my rates for back up care are higher than a regular rate and a back up spot is not guaranteed. I can't hold a spot for a "maybe" or I wouldn't be able to stay home and care for children.

dobbyisfree

I definitely can't leave work, because I'm salary and can't just take a day off (unless I have vacation as backup) but DH could miss a day and just not get paid so that's a good thing. The rest of the family members work. I was thinking the local in home thing would be best - someone that's already watching kids and would be okay with an extra one in an emergency.  

tourqeyes

I would considering talking to other neighbors. You may be able to find a stay at home mom that is willing to step in with last minute notice. That is what we do for backup care if daycare is closed, my mother can't watch him, or his nanny is sick.

kjskjs

I would see if you have any friends or other family but then also I always consider us back ups. If something happens to our arrangements, I ecpect that my husband or myself will take vacation or call in sick.