Advice re childcare for maternity leave with toddler Post Reply

[ClaphamNewMum]

I am expecting my second child in December, when my daughter will be just over 2, and I would really appreciate some advice re childcare while I’m on maternity leave please. My daughter is currently in nursery 3 days a week and we have a nanny the other 2 days. However, from January, my daughter will start pre-school 3 mornings so I’m not sure what other childcare to arrange. We could look for a nanny (or possibly even our existing nanny if we can sort the hours) for full days on non-preschool days and also a couple of afternoons, or try to find a nanny-share for some of the time. Alternatively, my daughter could potentially stay at her existing nursery one or two days and we then find an afternoon nanny for other days to help with both children.

We don't have family to help so we'll have a maternity nurse for a few weeks at first but after that I'm looking for a balance between time with both children and being able to spend time with either child individually. However, I am a bit nervous about how it would work having a nanny in the house with me and my daughter, and also whether it might just be easier for my daughter to be out of the house for more time given she's used to 3 full days in nursery. I'd also like advice on how tough bath/bed times are to do on your own with 2 children and what time it would be good to have a nanny until.

Thank you so much.

[ClaphamNewMum]

Any advice would be really appreciated please.

[2009Kat]

I don't think there is an answer to this beyond what suits you! If you're lucky enough to be able to afford help when you're off then that's brilliant. Bath and bed can be hard work but once you are used to juggling you just crack on. Maybe you could organise care for the first month/6 weeks/8 weeks/ whatever and then reassess once you've all settled down a bit? Don't worry too much at this stage, you've got plenty of time and options.

[topmama]

When my second was born my first was only 16 months old. I kept my son in nursery for 2 full days throughout my year off and yes the bedtime routine was hard to start....I think a 4-7pm help each day would have been useful in the first 3 months but that might be hard to find

I think my son would have felt a bit put out if he was in nursery or with a nanny while I at home with the baby. Two is not that hard to juggle once you sort the feeding and bedtime bits, most people cope with two some of the time.

I always found the weekend the hardest when my husband wanted a rest and so did I....and there were no toddler activities!

[ClaphamNewMum]

Thanks very much. It's a good point about the weekends.
Regarding part-time help for the first couple of months, do you think that is actually possible to arrange?