Top 5 Childcare Options!
Finding childcare can be a time-consuming and stressful process. Make sure you fully understand the options with our helpful guide. The main options you can choose from are registered childminders, family members and nannies, daycare centre and some families may also choose to use an au pair or a maid. We have listed the top 5 childcare options!
The type of childcare that’s best for you and your child depends on:
- How many hours a day and at what times you’ll need childcare
- Which days of the week you’ll need childcare
- Your budget
- Your child’s likes/dislikes, interests and behaviour
We have listed a top 5 childcare options for you!
- Babysitter
- Family Member
- Nanny
- Maid
- Daycare Centre
What does a babysitter do?
Most of the babysitters or childminders are parents themselves and will also have their own children to care for. Some will have children who are at school. Babysitters look after children in their own home.
Some parents choose to leave their baby with the babysitter during the working week. This could be because both their parents have time consuming jobs with long hours, one or both parents work out of state, or they feel this is the most economic and practical option for their family. This is commonly known as weekend parenting.
Can I ask a family member to take care of my baby?
It is possible to ask your family for help. Many parents ask a grandparent or another relative to look after their children. Informal arrangements with relatives make up the majority of childcare arrangements. It is low-cost and flexible, and it means your child will be looked after by someone he knows very well.
Relative care works best if you have a good relationship with a relative, and if they are willing and able to help. Your relative will need to be happy to do things your way, so you may need to lay out some ground rules about meals and activities.
If you can arrange for a relative to care for your child, it may give him more love and security than other childcare options. Some mums also hire a maid to assist an older relative.
What does a nanny do?
A nanny will care for your child in your own home. Out of all your childcare options, a nanny will probably be the most difficult for you to find, and you may find it difficult to justify the cost.
Depending on what you want your nanny to do, they may be responsible for the following:
- Planning a varied choice of activities to suit your child’s age and development.
- Shopping and preparing meals for your child.
- Cleaning your child’s room.
- Washing and ironing his clothes and bedclothes.
- Assisting in the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of your child. This means doing things such as taking him swimming, reading to him, taking him to playgroups, or supporting him in reaching milestones such as talking.
Your nanny carries a lot of responsibility in caring for your baby. So make sure you find a carer your trust, and that your child is comfortable with them.
What does a maid do?
A maid can care for your child or children in your own home. You can provide training and leave instructions for her to do things “your way”. Many Malaysian parents find this a good and practical arrangement as a maid is also available to clean up and do other household chores.
Because of the considerable responsibility you could eventually place on a maid, you should satisfy yourself that you have found a carer that you can trust.
Depending on the size of your house or apartment, and your own preferences, you can opt for a full-time live-in maid or a part-time maid who lives out.
What is a daycare centre?
Also known as nurseries, they are childcare centres which employ a combination of qualified and unqualified staff to care for babies and young children in a child-centred environment. The children are usually grouped according to age, and staff should be trained to create a safe and stimulating environment for them to enjoy and develop in while their parents are at work.
