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Cheap, Gov't Daycare Or Chain Smoking Babysitter?

5 posts on this thread and the last post was on March 24th, 2006 2:59 PM
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krc - January 30th, 2006 2:43 PM
 [Original Post]

what if your a single parent like me and can't afford daycare but has to work? Im in a spot right now where I can save some money to not work for maybe 4 months but then obviously I'd have to quit my job. I'd hate going thru the job hunting process again but I can't bear the idea of putting my 1st child in a cheap daycare at 6 weeks ! I'd have to get daycare assistance and im afraid my baby would be neglected in one of these places for low income families. I have one other option, my ex's mother has agreed to watch the baby but...she chain smokes inside without opening up any windows. I quit smoking for my baby's sake...I couldn't imagine subjecting it to constant, second hand smoke. I believe a babys first thru 6 months is valuable and needs to be with mom as much as possible. Not just a few hours in the evening ! I also know you gotta do what has to be done but i'd feel better putting a 4-5 month old in daycare instead of 6 weeks. Any of you with minimum wage incomes and no support if any got any advice?

kris A. - January 31st, 2006 10:46 AM

If you are absolutely stuck between cheap daycare and chain smokin grandma - GO DAYCARE. Second hand smoke in newborns (as well as all babies - but newborns especially) can cause a whole host of serious problems not limited to asthma and respiratory infections, which can seriously compromise your baby's health. Even the cheapest daycare has to abide by govt standards so the baby will be cared for - try to find one close to where you work and drop in on your lunch hour, so they keep a closer eye on your babe knowing you may drop in. I put Wren in daycare at 6 weeks and it has worked well, but I wont lie, it is REALLY hard to leave her in the mornings - but she is a happy kid and the daycare staff takes GREAT care of her. I do just suck up the time with her in the afternoons and evenings! Good luck to you! :)

Lyd - February 20th, 2006 12:33 AM

I agree to go with daycare. I think there is also a link between second hand smoke and SIDS. If it is a head start goverment program, they actually have to meet more qualifications that private daycare as far as the hiring process. My friend works for one and is working on her masters in ECE.

My answer - February 23rd, 2006 11:18 PM

I would look into the assumption that government childcare assistance equals low quality daycare. I have worked in childcare centers for many years (I was co-owner of one for about 4 years)... we gladly took state funded daycare children. You should also look into licensed at-home daycares... many of these providers will happily accept state pay because it comes on the same day every month and is consistant, while private payments from some people are inconsistant and sometimes many weeks behind. Don't give up yet and assume you can't find good daycare!


chos - March 7th, 2006 9:00 AM

I too agree with trying to find a licensed at-home daycares. Maybe you could work flexi hours or try and reach an agreement to work part time until the baby is at least a year old. I would certainly not trust my baby with a chain smoker.

amanda103 - March 24th, 2006 2:59 PM

I know this thread is a little old, but I'm in a similar situation. I don't want to do daycare, but my parents both smoke in their house without opening any windows. I haven't talked to my mom yet, so we'll see how it goes, but why don't you talk to your ex's mom and see if she won't come over to your place to watch the baby. Let her know no smoking in the house. It's worth a shot.