Health & Baby

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Choosing Child Care - Beginning Your Search

Think about what you need

When you start looking for child care, narrow down your choices by considering practical issues as well as your child's needs. Do you need an individual or group care provider? Or do you need an after-school program or camp to fill in gaps between school hours and your work schedule? Here are some other questions to consider:

Do you need part-time or full-time child care?
What days of the week do you need child care? Are the days always the same, or do they change?
During what hours do you need child care (include your travel time if appropriate)?
What are you willing to spend each month for child care? Keep in mind that well-paid caregivers are less likely to quit.
How would you describe your child's personality? Does he or she have any special interests? Do you think your child will do best in a small or large group of children?

Visit the care setting

Visit the facility or caregiver's home, and get involved in any special activities. Watch the interaction between caregivers and children. Make sure you feel comfortable with your decision.

Recommended Related to Parenting - Baby (0-12 months)

Forming a Bond With Your Baby -- Why It Isn't Always Immediate

Bonding refers to the special attachment that forms between a mother and father and their new baby. That bond is what sends parents rushing into their newborn's room in the middle of the night at the slightest whimper. It's also what makes parents want to instinctively care for and nurture their child. Sometimes, the bond is immediate -- parents fall in love the instant they set eyes on their little "bundle of joy." Other times, bonding with baby takes longer. Studies have found that about 20% of...

Read the Forming a Bond With Your Baby -- Why It Isn't Always Immediate article > >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 05, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.