Finding Childcare When You Don’t Work 9 to 5

Finding appropriate childcare during regular work hours is hard and stressful enough, but what about when you have rotating shifts or overtime, or have to travel for your job? In this post, we will go over the options available for those working non-traditional hours and needing childcare, along with the benefits that each provides a working parent.

Hiring a Nanny

Hiring a nanny to care for your infant can be one of the more expensive options, but also allows for one on one care for your infant and a little more assurance. A nanny also allows you that much more breathing room- you don’t have to worry about opening and closing hours, or late fees. A nanny can be scheduled to fit your specific needs, so no matter what nontraditional schedule your job keeps, you’re able to fit in your childcare and know that your child is the sole responsibility and focus of a professional that you have vetted and hired. Many nannies can be hired to stay the night, and most have taken childcare courses, including CPR and First Aid, so that you don’t have to feel concerned leaving your little one behind to go to work.

Accepting Employer Childcare

Employer offered childcare can feel like a lifesaver to the working parent. The ability to negate an extra commute to a separate day care center is a huge benefit, and the cost is often much lower than traditional daycare. Not every employer offers childcare, but those who do are definitely setting themselves apart from the normal workplace. As the workforce broadens and employees have more opportunities no matter where they live, whether via remote or freelance work, more employers are offering benefits such as childcare. This benefit allows you to pop in and check on your child throughout your workday and can be a great option for breastfeeding moms. The greatest benefit, however, to employer daycare for those who work non-traditional hours is that these centers are mostly set up to accommodate the needs of the employee. You don’t have to worry about a set time of only nine to five; they will be catering to the schedules of people within the workplace.

In-Home Childcare

In-home childcare centers often have more of a personal touch and can inspire more confidence in new parents. Typically, people who choose to run a daycare center out of their home do so for the joy that they find in their work. In-home childcare often has more flexible times available to parents and are more willing to work with employees on nontraditional shifts than a normal daycare. Even if these options aren’t shown on the site, you can always reach out to the provider and discuss your specific needs to learn more.

Trying to balance work and a young child are difficult enough, and most families in America have two working parents to make ends meet. Not every job is on a typical 9 to 5 schedule, and many childcare providers don’t work with different schedules. Knowing your options allows you to make the best, most convenient, and most affordable option for your family.