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I wonder what the percentage might be of new mothers caring for their babies during their maternity leave seriously contemplating the options of making it financially feasible for them to stay with their baby and not go back to work. Might it be 75 percent? Ninety percent? Even more? Many mothers spend a large part of their maternity leave crunching numbers to try to find a financial means to ward off the day when they must leave their new baby in someone else's care because they simply cannot afford to stay home from work any longer. There is unfortunately no other option for the majority of mothers. Often this realization comes with strong feelings of guilt before jumping into the analysis of available day care centers that must be undergone.

What do the best day care centers look like? How do you find such a place? First, a decision must be made as to what type of day care center is best for your situation. A well-reputed state-licensed daycare facility provides security, the latest curriculum and modern equipment. A home daycare setting involves a local mother whom you know and you also know loves kids and will probably care for your child as if it were her own. Nannies come to your home and care for your baby in his own surroundings, making it very comfortable for him. Then there is the loving friend or relative who would just love to care for baby Nicki and no, it's no trouble at all. Each category has things to like and things to dislike and these must be carefully weighed before a decision is made.

A state-licensed center is monitored by the state to a degree and gives your child a staff that has passed background checks and who have taken at least some courses in early childhood development. Such a facility will provide safety and security and the legal ratio of teacher to child. The disadvantages to this type of facility is that all the kids need a Kleenex, they are crying all at once and there are not enough people around to hug them and bounce them on their knee.

The home daycare scenario gives your child one major caregiver to cater to his every need and to become a bit of a surrogate mother. A strong bond can form between child and home daycare provider. This is a great thing until the caregiver gets sick or one of their own children becomes ill. You probably don't want her to tote your kid around while she performs necessary errands. When she and her brood go on vacation, what then? Your child may bristle when going to another environment after being so comfortable in this feathered nest.

A nanny might seem to be the best choice. This is someone that comes into your home to care for your child where he is most comfortable. An attachment also often forms with this type of care. But again, you must consider illness, vacations and days when your caregiver has personal business to attend to.

Taking grandma or loving friend up on their offers of kindness is always a carefree answer to your dilemma and fine for baby. The problem here is that you want your relatives and friends to have a life of their own and not be tied down to your house and child day after day while you are away at work. Your loved ones deserve to live their lives as they choose among and their own age group if that suits them.

There is no right or wrong answer for every situation. Parents must weigh all the pros and cons, and make that decision for their own family, but there are some considerations that apply to all of these options. Cost should never be the primary concern, but realistically, it needs to be considered. A stranger should never be engaged to care for a child without providing some kind of reassurance as to their character, be it a few strong references, or a state-sponsored background check. Many state child welfare agencies make this service available to private entities. Also, a caregiver should agree that a parent may appear at the daycare site at any time without prior notice. For older children, a discussion of discipline methods is a must, and expectations about use of time can make care for school-agers easier for everyone.

Planning for this situation ahead is the key to your success. This can never be a last minute decision. Parents should always expect some feelings of guilt, some separation anxiety and some tears, but a well- planned and realistic analysis of all the daycare options available will help alleviate the stress on parents and the entire family.