Infant Care or Nanny/Babysitters?

Tyler has been in infant care for about 4 months now and I think he's pretty happy going to 'school'.

Here's a picture of him at the playing area of the center. This reminds me I have to get a playmat really soon!

We had experience some hiccups with the center but so far all has been resolved. Many people had asked me why aren't my parents or in-laws taking care of the little one since I had to return to work. Reason is simple. These days are different. Times have changed. Our parents are unlike our grandparents generation where it was probably a norm in the past for woman to stay at home and take care of grandchildren.

And yes, both mothers are working and I think it is important for them to stay in the workforce. Both are still pretty young anyway :)

So working mothers like myself will have a different set of woes when we need to make decisions between sending our little one to infant care or finding babysitter/nanny whom could take care of them either at our own place or theirs. The truth is you would only feel 100% safe if the little one is taken care by yourself.

After much research from reading through forums and conversing with experience parents from my office, we started scouting for possibilities when I was only about 4 months pregnant, consider that we had well embraced Singapore's Kiasuism. You will see why. I was completely stressed out on top of the mild-shock I'm getting from the pregnancy. 

Called 3-5 babysitter/nanny - Their rates were comparable to infant care or slightly lower and some were taking care of about 2 babies. Their location were also not within walking distance from my place. It was difficult to find nannies within the perimeter.

Called all 13 infant cares which are located within my estate - 12 were full and had long waiting list. Waiting list between 20-40 babies. Each infant care could accept approx. 12 - 18 babies. So doing the math, placing ourselves in the waiting list wasn't exactly a feasible (secured) option. 

Here's an overview of what we'd gathered:

There's no right or wrong making decisions for either. There's no answer to what's the best option for parents. Decisions had to made from what you deem best for the little one. So in my case, I selected infant care because I feel slightly safer sending him there. In the event if something crops up, I know I have the rights to request to see the surveillance cameras if that is really necessary. I do not really like the idea of scrambling for unplanned leaves if caregivers are unwell. I like that baby has many opportunities to mingle and play with other kids. I also like that they will do activities to help in his development. 

Every parents perspective is different and it's important to choose what makes it more comfortable for you. I hope this helps and good luck!