Nanny Vs. Crèche – What’s Best For Your Baby?

Nanny vs crèche, that is the question. Leaving your small baby with another person is a terrifying thought, regardless of who you decide that person to be. My son went to crèche when he was four months old, and although I couldn’t be happier with my decision, there are pros and cons to crèches and nannies. If you're battling to make a choice, then hopefully this post will be of help to you.

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Nanny vs Crèche: The Crèche Argument

Pros

• Your child will be in an environment specifically catered to his or her needs.
• The carers are trained in childcare and have the skills to put your mind at ease.
• The carers are not distracted by household chores. Their sole focus is on your child.
• Safety and security are of utmost importance.
• Many crèches supply food and formula, which is a lifesaver for an already overworked parent.

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Cons

• Your baby will be exposed to more germs and will potentially get sicker quicker.
• Operating hours are strictly enforced which means little room for error when it comes to traffic or late meetings.
• They can be very pricey.
• Some parents may worry about the carer/child ratio.
• If your child falls ill and can’t go to crèche, you will need to have a backup plan in place.

Nanny

Pros

• Your baby will be looked after in your home, which means no uprooting and change of scenery.
• A nanny can double up as a helper.
• A live-in nanny means an on-call babysitter which allows you to have late meetings without worry (be prepared to pay extra for additional services that don’t fall within your nanny’s role or hours).
• A nanny provides a one-on-one experience and the bond between her and your baby can be extremely special.

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Cons

• A nanny might not have all the necessary skills to stimulate your baby.
• She may be distracted by household chores.
• Your baby may not be as socialised as other crèche-going babies his or her age.
• When your nanny goes on leave, you will need to have a backup plan in place.
• If you require a live-in nanny, you'll need to keep additional costs such in mind, including water, electricity and groceries.

Ultimately the decision you make between a nanny vs crèche will be the best one for your baby, and for you. Do your research, ask around, get referrals and always trust your instincts.

On a budget? Check out our guide to buying baby stuff on a budget.