@ethancaitlyn10172020 that's awesome if YH's parents are willing to help out. My mom helped out off and on for a short while with our son when he was young (few hours once or twice a week). She wasn't reliable every day care mostly because she has health issues and after a while found it too hard to carry around a toddler/kid.
Talked to the director at my daughter’s daycare today to reserve a spot for January 2023 as a backup. Got the spot reserved - January is the earliest they have openings in the young infant room so I’m glad I went ahead and had that conversation. Still hoping to have a nanny for at least the first year but at least we have a solid backup plan if that doesn’t pan out!
So my experience with child care is different than most of you ladies so I was hesitant to share because I wasn't sure any of you would relate/get value out of our experience...
DH has been a SAHD since DS was born. DS does go to preschool now but it is only for 2.5 hours M-TH, so DH is responsible for drop off, pick up, and care when DS is not at school. The plan is very much the same with Baby #2. DH will be responsible for care for baby and DS during the day. By the time baby is a year, DS will be in Kindergarten so it will only be for a year he will be dealing with both kiddos the majority of the time.
@darkrose88, we have the same arrangement but our almost 3 year old isn't in any programs yet, thanks covid. The plan was to put her in part-time but with covid weve opted out. Hopefully by fall things will be looking better and we can start doing some drop in programs.
@cas060 well, I mean, our part time care isn't that reliable due to covid. DS is actually out until January 31st because they shut down his classroom due to a covid exposure (thankfully he tested negative). We actually are mainly sending him because he qualified for the preschool IEP program (he is speech delayed) so the program is free and he gets time with other people to practice his speech. I'm really hoping by the time baby is born, covid isn't as big of a concern (yes, I know, probably a pipe dream) because I'd rather DS not bring home tons of illnesses and expose baby. But I'd highly recommend a part time program for toddlers. It really has been great for DS overall.
@itsme215 Nice! We actually planned on getting DS in part-time care at age 2 (& actually had him in a program 2 days per week for 2 months)... but then covid hit lol. So it didn't happen until age 3. I'm hoping with baby we can do part-time care at 2ish successfully.
@darkrose88 our plan was just a couple mornings to give mh a break and get her socialized.. but alas, covid. Hopefully come sept they'll at least have vaccine plans for under 5! 🤞
@cas060 oh I really hope so! DS turns 5 next January but I really want to vaccinate him before baby comes. I'll be fully boosted though so hoping to pass on immunity to baby through breastmilk. Also, I 100% get giving DH a break. We are actually looking into a part-time summer camp (3 hours, 4x per week) because DS's school is closed between May-August so DS will go stir-crazy at home & DH will need the break too.
I didn't realize there could be so many scenarios until reading through everyone's comments! We still aren't sure what we will do. My husband runs his own business and I work for a company 40 hours/week as well as help out with his business ( some labor and mostly paperwork/pay bills etc). I was hoping to stay part time enough to keep my medical insurance and juggle the baby between me and husband but with twins that will be much more complicated.. My work needs me as come spring I will be the only professional in my realm due to retirees and already open positions. I'm hoping to work something out just not sure what. It may come down to being a SAHM and buying medical insurance...
Re: Childcare Options
DH has been a SAHD since DS was born. DS does go to preschool now but it is only for 2.5 hours M-TH, so DH is responsible for drop off, pick up, and care when DS is not at school. The plan is very much the same with Baby #2. DH will be responsible for care for baby and DS during the day. By the time baby is a year, DS will be in Kindergarten so it will only be for a year he will be dealing with both kiddos the majority of the time.
My work needs me as come spring I will be the only professional in my realm due to retirees and already open positions. I'm hoping to work something out just not sure what. It may come down to being a SAHM and buying medical insurance...