As a mom, finding the right childcare can feel overwhelming. How many times in the past year have you had to excuse yourself from work to come home early because your usual caregiver canceled? Or how often have you found yourself juggling phone calls and visits to daycare centers, only to realize they don’t fit your schedule?  

With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of choices, especially when each option seems to come with its own set of pros and cons. The search for trusted and affordable childcare often adds to mom burnout, making it crucial to find reliable childcare solutions that allows you to not only achieve work-life balance, but more importantly work-life harmony as a mother.  

Let’s walk through the different childcare options together, so you can feel confident about making the best choice for your little one. 

What to Consider when Choosing Childcare 

Before diving into the options, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing which child care is best for your kid, your family, and you: 

• Cost: Child care is one of the largest expenses for families, sometimes costing as much as housing. The average full-time childcare cost in the U.S. is around $12,000 per year per child. (source) 

• Schedule: Do you need part-time flexible childcare or full-time? Some child care providers are flexible, while others stick to strict hours. 

• Values & Preferences: Does the caregiver’s values and beliefs align with your parenting style? 

• Location: Proximity matters. Do you want a child care provider near your home, workplace, or somewhere in between? Searching for nearby daycare options can help save time and energy. 

• Time: Finding the right childcare can take time, and not every parent has extra hours to spare. Some options are more straightforward, while others require more effort to arrange. 

Affordable childcare that meets both your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle play a significant role in shaping your daily routine, peace of mind, and ability to manage work and personal life. You’ll want a solution that fits both your child’s needs and your lifestyle, so you can focus on what matters most without the added stress of unreliable care. 

Real Facts about Childcare

• Around 15% of parents who hadn’t worked in the past week reported they were unemployed to care for their children who weren’t in school or daycare. 35% of them are parents with young children (0-4 years old). 

• About 1 in 5 (21.8%) parents in the United States reported childcare was provided by a relative other than a parent, regardless of income. 

• Almost 90% of parents (87%) who stopped working to care for their children were women. 

• Working parents spend an average of 20% of their household income on childcare, which makes it one of the biggest financial burdens for families. For single-parent households, the number could go as high as 75%. 

• Many parents struggle to find childcare. For suburban parents, only 39% can access childcare within 5 miles. For rural parents, that figure is only 26%. (source) 

• Nearly a quarter (23.1%) of families in the United States can’t find or pay for childcare. 

With child care being such an important part of family life, these numbers highlight the challenges many families face when seeking care. It’s clear that finding the right fit involves considering both your child's needs and your family's lifestyle. Let’s explore the different options available to find what suits you and your little one best. 

Childcare Options and their Pros & Cons 

1. Daycare Centers 

A daycare center is a facility that offers child care in a group setting, usually outside the home, and is typically licensed by the state.  

Cons: 

• High cost. The average monthly daycare cost in the U.S. is around $850 to $1,100 for toddlers and $1,230 for infants. 

• Large child-to-caregiver ratios. Less one-on-one attention for your child. 

• Sick policies: Your child may be sent home if they’re sick, which can disrupt your day. 

• Long queue. Many daycare centers have long waitlists due to high demand. 40% of families in the United States who are looking for childcare have been put on a waitlist, with an average wait time of six months. Some experts even recommend joining waitlists since pregnancy. 

2. Family Daycare 

Similar to daycare, family daycare is a child care provided in the caregiver’s home, often with a smaller group of children than a center-based daycare.  

Pros: 

• Home-like environment. It can feel more comfortable and less institutional than a daycare center. 

• Smaller groups. Children may receive more personalized attention. 

• Affordable. Family daycare tends to be less expensive than traditional daycare centers. 

Cons: 

• Less oversight. Family daycares may not be as tightly regulated as larger centers. 

• Fewer resources. There may be fewer toys, educational materials, or extracurricular activities. 

• Unpredictable closures. If the provider is sick or on vacation, you’ll need backup care. 

3. Nanny or Nanny Share 

A nanny is an in-home caregiver who provides personalized care for your child. Nanny share means you split a nanny’s time with another family. 

Pros: 

• One-on-one attention. Your child gets individualized care, which can be tailored to their needs. 

• Flexible hours. Nannies can offer flexible childcare schedules, including evenings and weekends. 

• In-home convenience. No drop-off or pick-up hassles. 

Cons:  

• High cost. Nannies are one of the least affordable childcare options. The average hourly rate for a nanny in the U.S. is around $20-25.  

• More responsibilities. Hiring a nanny means managing taxes, contracts, and benefits. 

• Social isolation. Your child may miss out on peer interaction unless you arrange playdates. 

• Spending time to find the right nanny. Finding a qualified nanny can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to interview candidates and check references to ensure a good fit for your family. 

• Unpredictable schedules. While nannies can offer flexibility, this may lead to unpredictable schedules. If your nanny has personal commitments or emergencies, finding immediate backup care can be challenging. 

4. Au Pair 

An au pair is a young adult from another country who lives with your family and provides childcare in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. 

Pros: 

• Cultural exchange: Your child can be exposed to a different language and culture. 

• Affordability: An au pair is one of the more affordable childcare options compared to a nanny, especially for multiple children. 

• Flexible hours: They usually work up to 45 hours per week and can be available for early mornings or late nights. 

Cons: 

• Limited training: Au pairs may not have formal childcare experience. [formal one might be more expensive] 

• Rooming: You need to provide a private bedroom, which can be a space constraint for some families. 

• Temporary solution: Au pairs typically stay with a family for one to two years. 

5. Babysitters/Part-time Care 

Babysitters are typically hired for occasional, short-term care, either in your home or theirs. 

Pros: 

• Flexibility: Ideal for parents who don’t need full-time care. 

• Affordable: Hourly rates are usually lower than a nanny’s salary. 

Cons:  

• Less consistency: Children may struggle with different caregivers on different days. 

• Less structure: Babysitters may not provide the same educational or developmental activities as daycare centers or nannies. 

• Stress on finding available babysitters. Finding a reliable babysitter, especially on short notice, can be stressful for parents. Coordinating schedules can be challenging, especially during evenings or weekends when many babysitters may not be available. 

6. Communal Care (family, friends, neighbors) 

Informal care or communal care means  child care is provided by close family members, friends, or neighbors in a non-professional capacity. 

Pros: 

• Low cost or free. Communal care can significantly lower childcare costs as families share the responsibility. 

• Familiarity. Your child is in the hands of someone they know and trust. 

• Flexible. Relatives and friends are often more willing to accommodate last-minute needs. 

• Support network. Parents can rely on one another for help, reducing feelings of isolation, mom burnout, and caregiver fatigue. 

Cons: 

• Guilt. You may feel uncomfortable asking family or friends for help too often. It can be tough to navigate the balance between seeking support and feeling like you're burdening those around you, even when they are willing to assist. 

• Unpredictable schedule. They may not always be available, and cancelations can leave you scrambling. 

• Different values and preferences. Sometimes even people closest to us can have different ideas about parenting or discipline, leading to potential conflicts. 

• No regulation or vetting. Since this is an informal arrangement, there’s no formal background check or oversight. 

Choosing the right childcare can bring both comfort and challenges, regardless of whether you opt for informal care or a more structured setting. While having a familiar face can provide reassurance, unpredictability and differing values can complicate things. 

At Abulé, we’re all about making childcare easier for you. We believe no one should be left alone to handle it all. Think of us as your village, connecting you with your families, communities, other parents and care givers who share your preferences, so you can relax knowing your little one is in good hands.  

Here’s how we help address those common challenges: 

• Curate your own care tribe. Connect with family, friends, and community members who share your caregiving needs. Support each other and fill gaps when needed, while also meeting new people in your area who are eager to help. 

• Automatic schedule matching. No more endless searches for available caregivers. Abulé automatically matches your schedule with potential care givers, saving you time and hassle, and reducing the stress that contributes to mom burnout. 

• Personalized care options. Sort caregivers by values, experiences, interests, and lifestyles, so you can find someone who aligns with your parenting style. 

• CARE$ tokens. Show appreciation to family members, friends, neighbors, or care givers who have helped you with child care by gifting them CARE$ tokens, which they can use for future care needs or cash-out. 

• Vetting and communication. All members authenticate their profiles with ID verification, and you can request additional background checks for peace of mind. Our platform also encourages collaboration and direct communication with care givers, so you can get to know them better before making a decision. 

Child care is challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With Abulé, finding the right flexible and affordable childcare for your family is simpler, more personalized, and more secure. Let’s tackle mom burnout, go beyond work-life balance, and achieve work-life harmony together.