Nanny vs Daycare - Night Owl Nanny Care

Whats right for your family?

There is no right or wrong answer in choosing a nanny over a daycare, or vice versa. One will suit your needs more. It can be different for every family. Its a big decision and you want to weigh all the pros and cons of each. When it comes down to it, a lot of parents are choosing price over all other aspects.

The Pros and Cons of Daycare

Daycare Cons

Daycare cost roughly $972. a month for one child.
Your kiddos will be exposed to lots of germs.
Staff turnover can be very high.
You will have to get your kiddos dressed, fed (some daycares provide breakfast), and out the door.
Daycares have set hours. Working late? Daycare doesn’t care, you need to pick the kids up within a 30 minute block of closing time.
When your kids are too sick to go to daycare, you end up missing work as well.
Your kids can pick up bad habits at daycare. Example: Kicking, screaming, bad words, etc.

Pros of Daycare

If staff is sick or out, somebody will fill in. Your children will still be supervised by a teacher.
Your kids will be exposed to social interaction and learn some great growth and personal skills. Social skills, sharing, and working together.
Your child will be supervised by multiple adults at times.
No need to pack a lunch. Daycare provides lunch and snacks.
Set hours can be very helpful. You can always rely on having coverage for your kiddos Monday through Friday 7:00 am-6:00pm. (Hours can vary per daycare.)

The Pros and Cons of a Nanny

Cons of a Nanny

Price is roughly $2,820 a month for one child.
If your nanny calls out, you will be staying home with your kiddos.
Nanny’s don’t always have a lot of learning activities through out the day like daycare does.
It can be hard to find a good fit/nanny for your family.
At first you will have a stranger in your home, and thats scary for most parents.
Theres no guarantee your child won’t be mistreated.

Pros of a Nanny

Nannies do light housework and child laundry.
A nanny helps build consistency and stability with your child.
A nanny will provide bonding and caring with a parental surrogate. This helps with child development.
Your child is less likely to become sick from your nanny.
Your child will form a one on one bond with their nanny.
There is no rush in the morning to get your child up early, dressed and fed.
Your nanny can feed the kids breakfast in the morning.
Nannies tend to be more flexible with their schedules when you need to work late, or leave early in the morning.
Your nanny can schedule play dates for social interaction.
Your nanny will most likely become apart of the family.

Nannys and Daycares all have pros and cons. Pick what suits your family’s needs. If you have suggestions or feedback we would love to hear it. Comment below on how you chose one or the other.

Night Owl Nanny Care