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Expectant moms are no stranger to checking off a to-do list. Baby registry created? Check! Setting up the nursery and washing all the clothes? Check! Attending prenatal appointments before baby’s arrival? Done! But there’s one thing many pregnant people often overlook: researching their childcare options during pregnancy. If you think pregnancy is too early to start thinking about childcare, we’re here to tell you that you’re mistaken. It can take up to 12 weeks to secure the right childcare and sometimes longer if you are on a daycare waitlist. At Hello Nanny!, the premier nationwide nanny and household staffing agency, we’re here to help demystify the childcare conundrum, lay out your options and clue you in to the optimal time to look for childcare (hint: it’s earlier than you may think).
They say the early bird gets the worm and for parents who start researching their childcare options early this rings true. While it may feel premature to interview a nanny before you even have a baby, starting your search during pregnancy is one of the best ways to reduce stress later on. Here’s why getting a head start matters:
By having a plan in place before your baby arrives, you’ll spend less time scrambling and more time soaking up those newborn snuggles. You’ll be able to truly unplug during parental leave without the looming stress of “What happens when I go back to work?”
Great childcare providers—especially nannies and popular daycares—often have waitlists or book months in advance. Planning early means you’re more likely to get your top choice, not just what’s available.
Knowing what type of care you’re leaning toward helps you map out your finances in advance, whether it’s setting aside funds for daycare deposits or adjusting your spending to accommodate a nanny share.
With a plan in place, the transition back to work (which is hard enough on its own) becomes a little easier. You’ll already have built trust with your childcare provider and have systems in place to support your daily routine.
So much about becoming a parent is about planning and anticipating what you need ahead of time and finding the right childcare is no exception. Treat it as seriously as you would any other big decision you make in pregnancy.
The first trimester is the best time to have a serious conversation with your partner or any other main stakeholders in your family to discuss and identify what type of childcare solution would work best for your family unit. The first thing to consider is the amount of care you’ll require: Some families may need full-time care, while others require part-time or more ad hoc care from a family member.
Once you identify the volume of care, you can then move onto researching your childcare options, which can include:
The responsibilities of a nanny and the role they play in your child’s life is very different from what a daycare provides. Each is different in their own right, and that’s ok! It’s a matter of finding what works best for your family’s specific needs. If you’re unsure about how each option may fit your family, we have valuable resources that discuss nanny responsibilities and how to find a nanny. Our team is always available to chat with you about your family and what option might be best for your lifestyle and budget.
Speaking of budget, the first trimester is also an optimal time to review and figure out your family’s budget for childcare, which may influence the type of childcare you end up going with. Rates for nannies can vary by region, especially in places like the Bay Area where cost of living is high. Working with an agency like Hello Nanny! can help you identify your market rates to ensure your expectations and budget are aligned.
Now that you’ve landed on the type of childcare, it’s time to schedule interviews with nannies and in-person visits to daycares. Or, if you’re planning on relying on Grandma or another close family member for childcare, it’s time to discuss schedule and expectations with them.
For daycare centers, ensure they are licensed (remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask to see their license and call up your state’s licensing board to check their history). Many daycares have long waitlists so be sure to ask about them and their process during your initial outreach. Erin L., mom of two, says, “I reached out to a local daycare center and they told me not to bother visiting and even getting on the waitlist since it was 2 years long. I was 3 months from my due date. While I was a little flummoxed, I appreciated their transparency so I could move on to the next option.”
For nannies, hiring can take up to 12 weeks so now is an optimal time to begin. Hello Nanny! offers a white-glove concierge placement experience where our expert team handles the hiring process from start to finish. If you're looking to be more involved in the hiring process, we also have tools and resources that enable families to hire with confidence. Check out our hiring toolkit where you can check out all the resources you need (think: interview tips guide, attorney-drafted work agreement, and offer letter guide), and ignore the rest.
While every family's hiring journey will be different, expect some commonalities including:
Working with an agency will help streamline many of the above steps for you, allowing you peace of mind as you navigate the hiring process.
Congrats, you’re almost there! As you start nesting, it’s time to secure your chosen childcare option by completing necessary paperwork and deposits (if going with a daycare) and extending an offer with a lawyer-drafted work agreement and solidifying a start date and onboarding plan (if you’re hiring a nanny).
Talk logistics with each childcare provider, including schedule, start date and any other onboarding must-knows. This might include a transition period where your baby is cared for by your nanny a week before you officially return to work. If you'll have a nanny or family member in your home caring for your child, now is also a great time to prep your home for this childcare arrangement. You likely won't know every single thing you need before baby arrives, but at least start thinking about any changes or adaptations you’ll want to make to your home to accommodate a nanny.
Parenting is all about trusting your instincts. And when it comes to finding childcare that works for you, lean into those instincts and choose an option that is right for your family. Whether you choose an in-home licensed daycare, a full-time nanny, or perhaps a hybrid of both options, researching and identifying your child care solutions early will give you the time and clarity to make a confident decision. And, the earlier you start, the more options you'll have—and the more peace of mind you'll gain knowing that when the time comes, your child will be in safe, trusted hands.
Parenting is all about trusting your instincts. And when it comes to finding childcare that works for you, lean into those instincts and choose an option that is right for your family. Whether you choose an in-home licensed daycare, a full-time nanny, or perhaps a hybrid of both options, researching and identifying your child care solutions early will give you the time and clarity to make a confident decision. And, the earlier you start, the more options you'll have—and the more peace of mind you'll gain knowing that when the time comes, your child will be in safe, trusted hands.
Hello Nanny! is a modern childcare agency offering everything from full-service concierge placements to flexible, affordable DIY tools—like job ad creation, background checks, interview guides, and more. Whether you’re hiring a nanny, family assistant, or household manager, we help you take the next step with confidence, no matter your budget or bandwidth.
