An Inside Look at Navigating Childcare Options from Moms in the Trenches Childcare 101 with Vivvi.

By Babe | Photo by Ilsa Wynne-Hoelsche

This article was written in partnership with Vivvi.

As moms, we know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the perfect childcare option for your little ones. It’s a bit like trying to assemble a puzzle with too many pieces – safety, teaching methods, cost, availability, and so much more. It can be enough to make your head spin, and that’s why we’re here to help shoulder some of that burden and simplify the process for you.

We recently teamed up with our good friends at Vivvi to host a virtual roundtable chat. 

Moderator by Vivvi’s Julia Steele, our panel was filled with truly insightful conversations from our guests – Lisa Roth, a psychiatrist specializing in perinatal mental health, Janelle Lloyd, a brand new mama navigating the childcare world, and Meredith Wing, a working mom juggling a busy career and two young children.

The conversation was a treasure trove of wisdom, covering everything from how to find the right childcare options to building trust-filled relationships with caregivers. Our mom-on-the-ground, Meredith Wing, shared her real-life experience finding a childcare solution for her preschooler, Parker. She opted for a mix of nanny and preschool care, offering Parker the chance to mingle with other kids, while still enjoying the personal attention a nanny provides.

First-time mom Janelle Lloyd shared her journey and the things she’s keeping in mind while exploring childcare for the first time. She emphasized the significance of finding a caregiver who shares your values and parenting style and can provide a nurturing and engaging environment for your little one.

Dr. Lisa Roth brought her professional perspective to the table, shedding light on the common anxieties many of us parents grapple with when it comes to childcare. She underlined the necessity of focusing on what works best for your family while acknowledging the tightrope many working parents walk to balance work and childcare.

The panelists also compared the pros and cons of nanny care versus daycare, discussed the ideal time to transition from one-on-one to group care, and touched on the critical role of clear communication and relationship-building with caregivers.

The floor was then opened for questions, with attendees curious about how to evaluate daycare options and manage childcare costs as a single parent. The panelists shared wisdom on these concerns, providing actionable advice for parents in similar situations.

Whether you’re just starting your parenting journey or have been in the game for a while, the roundtable was a goldmine of practical advice and strategies for making the best childcare choice for your family.