Shift Work and Childcare

[dsb76]

Does anyone have experience arranging childcare for variable shifts? Both my husband and I work shifts (he rotates days and evenings -sometimes to midnight) and my schedule can be completely random - days, evening, overnights. In addition my schedule is not set - it is completely different one week to the next. So how do we arrainge childcare?
Here are the options I've thought of:
- quit job - dh will not do that in a million years. he is not stay at home dad material and I am main earner in household.
- nanny or au pair - Our home is not big enough for a live-in nanny or au pair and I really don't think we can afford a live-out nanny fulltime - especially for the weird random hours we would need.
- nanny share - I think our schedules are way too kooky for that to work.
-mishmash of multiple childcare options -
Right now I'm thinking we will do a group daycare part-time and hire one (or two) childcare providers for afternoon, late nights, and weekends. I'm hoping I can find a friend or enlist my mother to take baby to daycare in the am as the daycare centers in my area all open after 7:30 and our day shifts usually start at 7 am.

Sorry this is so long. Does any one have a similar situation? Any other options that you can think of?

[ShwarmaQueen]

We were in a similar situation to you just a couple years ago. I'd go to work at 4:30 most days, sometimes 7 though. DH would get up later, take DD to babysitter, I'd pick her up when I got off. The babysitter was an unlicensed home DCP, but I loooved her (and still do) because she was flexible to our needs and she treated DD like her daughter.

You should ask around and see if you can find a home-based place as they might be easier to work with. Try asking friends or co-workers if they know anyone, that's how we found ours.

[AlwaysByMySide]

I found a girl who is pregnant, and stays home anyway. She watches my kids for $50/day, no matter what time of the day or for how long. I just shoot her an email when I need her.

You might do best looking for a SAHM to help you out. Try posting on craigslist in your area?

[dsb76]

Thanks for the advise. Hopefully I will find some other young families in my area to network with as I get closer to my due date.

[bremen]

another option is to ask neighbours about renting a nanny space.
either if someone nearby has an extra room,
orif you get 2-3 families, and you can all chip in together and rent an apartment for your nannies.

[wednesday]

I agree with PPs -- I think your best bet is a home-based provider who doesn't mind being really flexible. But also cultivate some sitters who can come to your home at odd hours that your main provider may not be available. Once your child is over a few months old it's really hard to leave them somewhere new (or even somewhere they don't go often), so it's better if your backup providers are people who can come into your home.