Back-up Childcare

Only one day in all the years of child raising did we leave my step-daughter with a woman from a company like this. She was 2 years old and mostly recovered from an illness, but not able to go back to daycare yet. It worked fine, the woman was older and very capable. I don't remember the company name.

When kids are sick, it's best to have a parent home. I would check both your and your husband's company policies, but I would think between the two of you, you could stay home with a sick child, especially the first couple of years.

I had never heard of this company, but their website looks nice and well put together. However, I don't know that I'd be able to leave my baby with a stranger... even though they work for this company, I wouldn't have the chance to meet them and do any "screening" on my own. My 7 month old is in daycare as well, and if she is sick we trade off staying home with her. Members of our extended family have offered to watch her if we need backup, but I guess I'm just not comfortable with that yet! Good luck!

I'd be kind of nervous about a stranger that I haven't met coming into my house and caring for my child - especially one so little that can't speak yet. I would actually check into one of the childcare centers in your area as a lot of them offer backup care. It might be more expensive but I like the fact that there are lots of people around, secure doors and cameras everywhere.

I have never used this service but my daycare provider, New Horizon, recommends them and vouches for them.