Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Advice Needed Birmingham!

Okay all you people in the 'Ham who know things when it comes to little ones, I need your advice. One day I would like to think I will be put together as this...


But who am I kidding? There is no time to dream right now, I am over half way through this pregnancy and the panic attacks are starting. I need help and advice when it comes to childcare!!!


I am looking for something that is not full time, but at least 3 days a week. I am thinking a nanny share/mother's day out combination is the way to go but I am open to any and all suggestions. Daycares you like, people you have used, or nice, normal, perfectly sane new or future parents who might be in the same predicatment that would want to share child care.


I appreciate all suggestions! If you don't want to leave the information in a comment please e-mail me - mariannestrong@aol.com. Thank you!!!

12 comments:

Lindsey said...

Being put together like that everyday would be so nice, and to have the people around you to help you do it: hair, makeup, wardrobe. ahh - must be nice!

Good luck finding something!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

I have a three week old and I'm still figuring out what I want to do:)

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Not near you but I highly recommend a nanny....not having to get the kids up and out is huge....esp. if you have a dedicated spot where you can work w/o interruptions. I found an older woman who was happy to not have to work fulltime...we only do like 20 hours a week. Plus, I like knowing she's got good experience from having kids of her own....who are grown now. Also, does your neighborhood have a mother's association? Both mine in VA and here in Dallas do....both had email groups where we can ask for recommendations from anything from a handyman to a housekeeper to a nanny. An invaluable resource. Finally, there is a site called sittercity.com where you can screen candidates and do background checks, see if they are CPR certified, etc. Good luck. There is nothing like being a first time mom....enjoy every crazy moment of it!

Melissa said...

Let me ask my friend if they are interested in a nanny share-- they have two year old twins, she is in school finishing her master's and they also go to a preschool 3 mornings a week. I think her nanny was looking for more work-- they live in Vestavia. She is a former teacher at the preschool who left to have more flexibility in her hours, and they love her.

Melula said...

You can always move back to Nashville where you have a sister-in-law and brother who work from home! Baby Strong can spend his days playing with Will and Ed-Al!

carolina postcard said...

Maybe you'll luck out and meet the perfect, responsible nanny at the grocery like me :) Stranger things have happened! Best of luck and it will all fall into place.

Julie said...

I went through a nanny agency to find my part-time nanny (she is coming to my house starting this week for the first time - eek!). I didn't have much luck finding one any other way, and the agency filtered everyone out as to who could do the days I needed. They also did background checks, etc.

Colin & Tammy said...

I hope you have the chance to spend each day with your child at home and savor your time together. A mother's care is always best, all the time. Enjoy these years.

Cricket said...

i'm not in your area, but i am an "expert" when it comes to finding child care. I have used nanny services in the past and found them very expensive and ultimately not worth it. this time around i used sittercity.com and care.com and THIS IS THE WAY TO GO!! you can have your pick of people to interview. start with phone interviews, then narrow down to in person interviews. i saw about 10 people i my house, mulled it over and chose one i LOVE!

good luck!

Carrie said...

I sent you an email but let me know if you didnt get it! I will be happy to recommend mine and I am right around the corner.

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

Ask your pediatrician for recs! Friends are the best resources for referrals. I nanny-ed for a year for 2 families prior to going to grad school and loved it!

Brittany said...

I do not have children yet (one on the way). However, I worked as a physical therapist in pediatrics and I had to go to a lot of childcare centers throughout Birmingham. I know you are thinking more of a nanny route but I thought I would give you great daycare options as well. Each of these facilities have part-time options available and one has mother's day out. My recommendations are Odyssey Early Center, Hand in Hand at UCP, and Mountain Brook Baptist (In order of most expensive to least). I worked closely with Hand in Hand but visited the others. I am making these recommendations based on the quality of the teachers, nutritious meals, time spent in indoor/outdoor play, and the general daily routine of the classes in each facility. Hope this helps!