Daycare Shortage

[Delaney21]

DH and I were planning on TTC this summer, but I think that's been pushed back now. There was just a big article in the paper that said there is a daycare shortage right now for babies under 18 months old. Basically they said it was nearly impossible to find a daycare for babies. What would you do if you were in this situation? Would you still TTC even if there was this chance? Would you look into getting a nanny?

[houseblend]

A friend of mine is expecting in September. Back in February, she put her child on 3 waiting lists. None of them are guaranteed even now. And we don't even life in a NYC type of place.

I hadn't even thought of waiting to TTC because of daycare. Can you go ahead and call to put yourself on the list? Chances are you won't be successful right away, so maybe by then there will be an opening?

It's probably best to start researching all options, though I'm not sure if it would delay me TTC. Then again, I'm 31 so I've got other pressures. :D I'm not sure where you live or what career you are in, but could you consider finding a job that provides daycare? Some of the larger companies are doing that these days.

ITA, it sucks, though.

[Delaney21]

What happens if you put your future child on a waiting list, but then the baby isn't here yet when a spot opens? Do you stay at the top of the list, or do you have to start over at the bottom again?

I'm starting a new job on Monday (tomorrow), which doesn't provide childcare. Its a great company and a great job, and I don't want my resume to look like I'm a job jumper, so I can't look for anything else for a few years. I guess if it came down to it, I could be a SAHM, but I'd like that to be my choice instead of being "forced" into it.

[SilverDecember]

Infant care is much more expensive (for both the parents and the daycare since infants have to have lower child/teacher ratios), so daycares try to keep their infant care at a minimum. Plus, there is SUCH a demand for infant care across America.

Start calling around to area churches to see if they have a daycare or mother's day out program. We have several area MDO programs and many families will join all of the MDO programs so their child will have somewhere to go (but the bad thing is your child might be in a different center every day). Get on all of the GOOD program waiting lists. Each center will have a different waiting list policy, so you'll need to check with every center. Also, don't forget about family daycare homes.

Good luck! I am the director of an afterschool/summer care center for school and on any given day, I will receive 2-3 phone calls asking if I have an infant spot open. The shortage is everywhere!

[Delaney21]

Thanks for the responses. I will try calling around to the daycares to see what their policies are. Hopefully I will be able to find something relatively close (with excellent care of course!) that will have openings!