Babysitter vs. Daycare Center– Which Is Better?

For a new parent, choosing a child care option for their little one is an agonizing decision. The two most common child care options for parents are a babysitter or a daycare center. The best way to make an informed decision is to weigh the pros and cons between a babysitter and a Childtime day-care.

Advantages of a Babysitter

• Your child is in familiar surroundings.
• There is one-on-one care.
• You have more control over a babysitter and will be able to constantly monitor your child and the babysitter.

Disadvantages of a Babysitter

• It is a costlier option.
• A babysitter has no qualifications or training.
• A babysitter is not vetted.
• Your child has no interactions with peers and other adults.
• There may be an unhealthy attachment with the babysitter.
• A child may get spoilt with the individual attention.
• Child is not ready for regular school when the time comes.

Read Also: IS IT SAFE TO SEND CHILDREN TO DAYCARE?

 Advantages of a Child Care Provider

• Child gets exposure to the outside world and learns many values by interacting with others.
• They learn to communicate and learn social etiquette, learn to share and empathize.
• They learn to follow instructions and work independently as well as with others.
• A day care has vetted staff who are skilled and qualified.
• Child is better adjusted for preschool.

Disadvantages of a Child Care Provider

• A child care provider may not be able to provide one-on-one care.
• They cannot cater to a single child and sometimes your child may feel left out.
• There is less flexibility in terms of timings, rules and regulations.

If your child needs special attention or one-on-one care and you can afford it, a babysitter may be the better option for you. But, if you need a well-rounded experience for your child, interaction with other children and an atmosphere that can help your child develop socially and emotionally, a child care provider is the way to go.

If you are looking for a child care provider, you can find one near you quite easily by looking up, “Infant day-care near me” in your search engine.