You’re weeks away from your baby’s arrival, and you’ve got your prep game on lock. Adorable onesies? Check. High-tech super stroller? Check. Dependable child care? Uh oh.

Whether you have a few childcare options in mind, or you’re starting at square one, we know that finding childcare can feel overwhelming. And while it’s never too late to find great child care, we’re here to tell you: the earlier you start planning, the better chance you’ll have at making sure your child care situation is exactly what you want – not just what was available when you needed it.

Babies don’t come with user manuals, that’s true, but experts suggest starting your child care planning as early as your second trimester.

“When it comes to planning ahead for child care, there really is no such thing as too early,” says Gretchen Richer, head of family experience at Vivvi. “From the labor shortage in the childcare world to the long, long waitlists for daycares (think 12 months or more!), there is a lot to consider and a lot to plan for.”  

Since the early bird gets the child care, we put together a helpful list of things that might impact your child care search timeline.

Consider your location.

Where you raise your family plays a huge role in finding good, quality child care. Even if you live in major metro areas with lots of child care options, like New York or L.A., you may still live in what’s considered a “child care desert” – aka, there are not enough child care seats for the population of babies. Check around at your local daycares and find out the average waitlist time, then build your timeline backward. Keep in mind you may not need child care from Day 1; rather, your timeline should reflect the day you plan to return to work or need support. 

Pro Tip: You may be able to gauge wait times by posting in your local parenting listserv. It’s also a great place to find nanny recommendations or potential nanny shares—and meet some new mom friends while you’re at it!

Plan for busy times of the year.

Here’s something you might not have thought about before you got pregnant: there are specific times of the year when finding childcare is even harder. Fall can be the trickiest time to find child care since CDC tracking shows that most babies are born between July and October. If you’re due during this busy season, start searching your local parent listserv for in-home caregivers or get your name on a list a bit earlier than you thought necessary.

Pro Tip: Vivvi’s in-home program takes the guesswork out of hiring a nanny, with full or part-time care for children 0-12. They can find and manage the entire process for you (including payroll and insurance!) or take care of placement only and let you manage the relationship directly

If you’re looking for center-based care, ask about waitlists.

As childcare facilities struggle to staff in the midst of a major childcare labor shortage, waitlists continue to grow and grow. If you are interested in a very specific program, get on that list as soon as possible. In many places, these waitlists can be up to a year long. Your first trimester is not too soon to get on a waitlist, especially if your baby is due in the fall.

Pro Tip: If the waitlist hasn’t opened up at your dream childcare situation in time for your need, stay on it anyway. You can bridge the gap with a different child care center or nanny until the waitlist opens or join a nanny share in the interim. Who knows, you may even like the alternative enough to stick with it!

Think about your work schedule.

If you’re eligible for and plan to take parental leave, you might not be thinking about locking in child care for those first 12 weeks or so, but it can be incredibly helpful to have a trusted caregiver in place before your return to work. Child care does not have to be used exclusively for your time at work; it can also give you time to sleep, shower, or spend important one-on-one time with the older children in your home. Beginning child care before you return to work can also help ease separation anxiety for both you and your new baby, by allowing you both to get used to a new routine and a new person in a more flexible way than just dropping off and hoping for the best on your first day back to work.

Pro Tip: Try starting with just a few days of child care as you shift into work gear, then add more days as you need them. Vivvi’s campuses welcome babies as young as six weeks and can accommodate 2, 3 or 5-day schedules. 

Now that you’ve determined it’s the right time to start searching for child care, here’s how to make it happen: 

1. Make a list of childcare preferences.
   Write down anything you can think of so you have all the options in front of you. Maybe this looks like child care facility #1, child care facility #2, nanny share, bringing in grandma, private nanny. Seeing your options written down will calm your mind and show you that you do have options.

2. See which options fit your timeline.
   Once you have a list of your ideal options, make phone calls or send emails to see which options are actually available to you. Childcare facility #2 might be on a 9-month waitlist, and if that doesn’t work for your family, you may have to mark them off. Continue down the list.

3. Discuss each option with your co-parent.
   If you have a co-parent, include them in the conversation. Talk through the pros and cons of your remaining options on your list, including finances, facilities, approach to child care, and even your gut feelings. 

4. Make a commitment.
   As soon as you have made that decision, make a commitment. Securing your place with a childcare provider either through a signed contract or deposit will lighten your mental load to an unbelievable degree.

This article was written in partnership with Vivvi. Vivvi is reimagining child care and early learning for today’s families. We have five campuses in New York City, and our In-Home program brings exceptional caregivers into the comfort of your home in select cities across the US. At Vivvi, we meet families where they are. 

Often wonder whether you’ll be a “chill mom” or an obsessive compulsive stress-ball? Or if you’ll sleep train early and let them cry their lungs out or nurse on-demand and co-sleep ’til puberty? While we all think we’re the masters of our own parenting styles, our most fundamental parenting archetype might already be written in the stars.

So from free-spirited Libras to the dreamiest of Pisces, here’s our handy astrological guide detailing what kind of parent you’ll be depending on your sign, and how you can best use your natural parenting style for good. And while nothing’s ever set in stone, you can pretty much count on a Virgo to manage the school fundraiser and a Leo to manage the playlist at the after party….

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You’re a natural born leader, which means your kiddos will always know who’s in charge of any situation. You’ll guide them through all of life’s hurdles – from a nightmare to a failed test to a flat tire en route to grandma’s – with optimism and grace. But, where there’s the confident Aries, there’s always the bull lurking behind. Mind your short temper and stubborn point of view, because quite frankly, there’s no arguing with your 16-year-old daughter on her period.

Taurus (April 20 – May 19)

You’re fiercely loyal, super dependable, trustworthy and you value order and keeping a beautiful home. Your children will feel safe sharing their troubles with you at the end of the day, and they’ll totally love their chic upholstered headboards. But dear Taurus, you also value the finer things in life and are quick to spoil just to keep everyone happy. Tighten up that spending habit of yours, lest you end up breaking into their 529’s.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Geminis are children at their core, and true individuals who love to learn and stay engaged, which is actually an amazing quality considering how un-engaging playing with a toddler can be (dinosaurs…again? yay.) Just remember that sometimes, you have to let your children be children on their own, and not overstep just to feed your own creative endeavors. If you’re feeling stifled, sign up for a pottery class.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

For Cancers, family is everything. As the nurturers of the Zodiac, we wouldn’t be surprised if your secret dream job is class parent and PTA president. You’re quick to kiss the boo-boo, wipe the tears away and offer a shoulder to cry on. Hey, you might even join in the sobfest. But keep in mind that their problems are not your problems. Parenting is all about boundaries, of which you’re known to have few. So try and remember to be strong for your kiddos without dissolving into their angst, as well. 

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

As the life of the party, Leos know how to create an exciting, fun home environment that all the kids want to be at. Your knack for planning over-the-top birthday celebrations will get you very far with the under six yet, and your family will never be bored with you at the helm. Always keep in mind, however, that you are no longer the center of it all, and as much as you want to have the last cookie, or tequila shot, it’s really not about you anymore. Even the wildest Leo has to grow up eventually. Not to worry, you can go back to dancing on tables on your next girls trip.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

You dream in logic and order and have this whole parenting thing down to a science. PTA forms filled out? Check. Toddler soccer class sign up? Check. You’re first to drop off, first to pick up and you never fudge the dates of pre-k admissions, unlike other parents we know (ahem, Gemini). Just remember, dear Virgo, that sometimes the magic of parenting (and especially childhood) lies in total spontaneity and whimsy. You can’t plan for everything, so your work is to let both the good times and not so good times play out how they will.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Whether it’s choosing a restaurant or a pediatrician, you’re relaxed and peaceful in everything you take on. You create harmony in the home, and can communicate beautifully with your children even amidst the biggest tantrum. Just remember that your role is to create safe and clear boundaries as well. Although the whole “discipline thing” might come hard for you, try not to err on the side of being too ‘lax, as your kids actually crave structure and rules, even if you don’t.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 22)

Your expectations are high and your patience can be nil. Tough Love is your M.O., fiery Scorpio, and you’re determined to teach your kids those same qualities. But not everyone is signed on to your parenting philosophy and your little lovers, especially in the form of Cancers or Pisces, might need a more gentle parenting approach. Remember that not all grievances can be solved with fire. In fact, very few.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22)

You’re an adventurous soul who’s always up for the next trip or exploration. You understand and tout that learning often takes place outside of the classroom by experiencing new cultures, people and ideas. All true, dear Sag. But remember, there’s also value in order, schedules, and for children to know what’s coming next in their day. As much as you want to go where the wind takes you, for your children, give them the best of both worlds: the comfort of plans with a strong dose of spontaneity. 

Capricorn December 23 – January 21

You’re known for their rationality, logic and ability to prove any point. Your kids won’t ever worry what the next item on the to-do list is or what’s happening next. Reliability is your comfort zone. But even if you’re busy baking 200 cookies for the bake sale or heading up the PTA, remember to make time for your kiddos, and that not everyone operates at your level of get-it-doneness. So be patient.

Aquarius (January 22 – February 21)

You’re free-spirited and outgoing and believe in parenting with a long leash. Right on, dear Aquarius. Giving children freedom and liberty is a very underrated quality, and one you excel at. Just remember your roles and responsibilities, and that maybe sending your five-year-old out for milk can be a questionable decision at best. (“But they do it in Japan” isn’t a good argument, either). You’ve got a million ideas for raising little bohemians, but keeping them safe is your primary goal.

Pisces (February 22 – March 21)

Pretend play is a lot more interesting in your house and you’re definitely the “cool parent on the block.” You’re also artistic, empathetic and can connect to others on a soulful level. But sometimes as a parent, you must remember to tuck your heart back into your sleeve and wear your best poker face in tough parenting moments. Your child relies on you for strength in the face of setbacks, so at times you must toughen up for their sake, and you can cry when they go to bed.