How much for full time infant care?

[blessedby3]

I kept my SIL's kids years ago (for about 3 years) and I was taken advantage of. I would just be careful about it being family. My BIL would go home after work, relax, mow the yard, etc. and then pick up the kids later when he was scheduled to get them by say 4pm. Never did this to the previous sitter. Also the money issue was another one. They didnt want to pay if they didnt bring the kids (but the parents were getting paid sick leave and vacation). When I sarted keeping 2 other siblings and not my family it went much better. They were always on time and paid if their kids were there or not. They DID NOT have to pay when I scheduled time off or vacations. It worked out great and I kept those kids for 3 years too. Its a lot of work to keeping kids, but I did enjoy staying home with my own and making some money too.

 

[skw444]

I pay $225 a week and that includes breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks. I provide formula, diapers, wipes. The rate goes down to $208 when she moves into the walkers room (around a year old). I'm in the Atlanta area.

 

[Kies99]

Ours currently is around $4.75 an hour. Comparing to other daycares around the area (some are hourly and others daily or weekly), they all average about the same. Parents supply all food/diapers/etc...

Luckily my first DD is starting K this year so we can start cutting down costs and our second DD starts next year. I literally have paid for a college education for these two just for daycare for the last 6 years or so.

 

[Skatermom23]

I just called one of the national chains in our area and they are charging $168 per week with a ratio of 4-1. I guess that is the state allowed ratio that all daycare centers follow. I was thinking that IF I did this, I wanted $35 per day, but only if I had the baby on that day. I guess I wouldn't be saving them any money. It is just the personal one on one care that would benefit them. Maybe this is a sign to not do it!

 

[mom2aredhead]

I've always used a daycare center for my son - I find its just easier - clear expectations on both sides, no money questions, set schedules, etc. But my SIL's have made arrangements to watch each others kids in the past (mostly over summer breaks) and it has not gone well. Each feels taken advantage of by the other, bickering over 45 mins here and there, not agreeing on parenting stules, etc. Also, if this is their first child, they may be nervous/unrealistic/controlling about leaving the baby with anyone (we've all been there) and if you're used to being a more laid back mom of teens at this point in your life, it may become a very stressful situation for ALL of you.
However, I know there are many times when daycare is closed for a holiday or if the child isn't feeling well that a back-up person is absolutely necessary. Maybe you can do that instead?

 

[dfarner]

I've always used a daycare center for my son - I find its just easier - clear expectations on both sides, no money questions, set schedules, etc. But my SIL's have made arrangements to watch each others kids in the past (mostly over summer breaks) and it has not gone well. Each feels taken advantage of by the other, bickering over 45 mins here and there, not agreeing on parenting stules, etc. Also, if this is their first child, they may be nervous/unrealistic/controlling about leaving the baby with anyone (we've all been there) and if you're used to being a more laid back mom of teens at this point in your life, it may become a very stressful situation for ALL of you.
However, I know there are many times when daycare is closed for a holiday or if the child isn't feeling well that a back-up person is absolutely necessary. Maybe you can do that instead?

You made some very good points for the OP to think about!

 

[sdrsdd]

The home daycare where I send my daughter to charges 185 per week....they get paid vacation days and you pay regardless if they come or not. They do provide meals/snacks. (I live in Missouri.)

 

[dementia412]

At my DD's school/daycare it's 182 a week for infants plus joining fees. I think they pay for formula and baby food unless you need something different like Soy formula. That is only because it is run together with the university... they get funds from the school so they can charge less. I think the place they went to before was 215 or so for infants, and it was not a particularly nice one.

 

[barkley]

my youngest is 10 1/2 so it's been a while-but i was paying 'back then' close to $900 per month-and it included NOTHING. no diapers, wipes, meals (had to provide everything). in addition to this there was about another $500 in registration and fees each year.

i agree it can be bad if you are a relative provider (can be great for the parent though)-you can find that the hours are not what you agree to (and since you are'nt charging $5 for every five minutes mom or dad is late picking up like most of the day cares in my are charged then and now-there's nothing financial to discourage it), you can get dogged over parents paying when the child is out (round here weather the child is in or out you pay)-and the biggie-you end up caring for a sick child whereas a daycare would never permit a sick child in (and unless you've been around little ones recently you do end up catching everything they 'share' with you ).

the parents may find that even if you give them a financial break, unless you are going to claim the money on your taxes (and do the social security and other self employed things) they won't be able to do the tax write offs and take advantage of the child care credit-which can make the rate you charge them actualy higher than what a center would charge.