Not nearly so expensive as going to medical school then not working as a doctor.



Depends on the center; some are quite flexible. At our daycare center, there's a minimum number of hours required for each room. It's 30 hours/week in the younger rooms; 20 once they hit three or so. You are allowed to design your schedule however you wish. I suspect for a single day of care, you might be better off with a part-time nanny or a nanny share?

I just want to add that high quality day care is AMAZING and we love that our son goes to a place where he gets socialized, plays outside, learns songs, colors, etc. If you do some research perhaps you can find a place that you feel comfortable sending your baby to.

As for hours required, at ours the minimum is 2 days per week which is what our son does. It works out well for us!

Usually daycares start taking babies at 6 weeks. Agree it's expensive, but Far less than what you'd be making over the same time! I have trouble trusting people with my kids too, sobi prefer daycare to nannies (more supervision) although for an infant or young toddler, a good nanny would be worth her weight in gold!