Here are a few things you ought to know:

• Roughly a third of the Indian population (roughly 400 million) live in nuclear families

• Roughly a quarter of children in urban areas do not have the oversight of a skilled attendant

• Over the last 45 years, there has been a 20% increase in working women in urban areas

When both parents are working, they usually do one of a few things:

• One of them (more often the mother) works flexibly

• They invite other family members, like the child’s grandparents, to stay and oversee the child

• They seek the help of a professional – this may be a nanny, a daycare, etc

Judging by the increase in the number of daycares that seem to be established in cities, this seems to be the more popular option. As such, this shows a very common trade-off between the parents’ income and the cost of professional assistance.

Childcare Options In India

Daycare Centres

Perhaps the most popular and traditional option, daycare centers are getting increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Also called preschools, pre-kindergarten, and so on, this is a form of early education for children as young as six weeks old, and can go up to when they turn four, at which point they may start kindergarten.

These daycare centers must adhere to government standards and regulations to ensure the safety of the kids enrolled. Though in any case, most private establishments try and maintain high standards to appeal to more parents. Here, children are taught basic skills like speaking, writing, reading, and math in more fun, palatable way before they enroll in kindergarten.

Finding the right daycare for your child need not be difficult at all, as there is no shortage in such establishments, and you often seek the assistance of other parents and communities.

Home-based daycares

structured environments and might be next door or down the street.

This is a common system in India, where people often run a daycare in their own homes. Though not all of them are licensed, some of them are and are overseen by territorial child care agencies. Though these daycare centers often lack the polish and sophistication of private establishments and often take in a considerably less number of children, they provide a more homely feeling, which a lot of parents find more appealing.

These daycares also provide a more flexible timing, which can be a huge advantage to working parents.  One of the best ways to find the right place for your child may be to ask around since home-based daycare centers often rely on good word of mouth to reach more parents.

Nannies

A nanny, or caregiver, may work part-time or full-time, and may even stay with you and dedicate all of their time to taking care of your child. Though this is a usually more expensive option, some parents may choose to go with it anyway if they trust the nanny, as it can be more secure for their child. Parents may even employ a babysitter temporarily if the situation calls for it.

It is important, however, that parents verify the identity and conduct background checks on their nanny for added security. There are also nannies sent from agencies that may also be a more secure option (though this is also usually more expensive). Also, it is strongly advised that you set up a good legal contract with the nanny as well.

Anganwadis

Meaning “courtyard shelter” in Hindi, these are a rather common form of daycare centers in rural parts of India. It was started in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services program. They serve to provide the child with proper education, nutrition, and the development of other abilities and cognitive skills.

How Do You Make The Right Choice?

Conduct elaborate and thorough research as early as possible, even before the baby is born. Consider the following questions:

• How many hours a day of childcare will be required?

• How much money can you afford for this purpose?

• What form of childcare would you prefer?

• What form of childcare seems best suited for your child?

• How many children of yours need care, and how would you go about dedicating time to them appropriately?

• How reliable and reputed is a particular childcare center/nanny?

Characteristics Of A Good Caregiver And Setting

Good caregivers often show the following characteristics:

• They understand children and how they grow and develop

• They know how to provide your child with a stimulating environment for learning

• They know how to respond to the child’s emotional and physical needs

• They know how to work with you and will address your concerns

• They would seek to help your child achieve their goals

A good childcare setting can have the following characteristics:

• It is safe, clean, and has a good staff to children ratio

• It has professionally qualified staff with a good background

• It can facilitate both indoor and outdoor activities, at least to some extent

• It has a nice, quiet space for naps

• It is free of smoke and other pollutants that may affect the child's health

• It has regular but also flexible routines for your child

• It has a variety of toys and other instruments, that are both safe and sanitary

• It serves healthy and nutritional meals

• It allows you, the parent, to check in regularly 

Having A Good Relationship With The Caregiver

• Establish a proper, healthy line of communication. This can be through the phone, email, texts, and so on

• Communicate effectively regarding your child and any problems they might be facing at home – be it a lack of sleep, improper diet, and so on. Try and arrive at the steps they can take to help

• Properly voice your concerns and address them regularly, and healthily

• Establish a proper menu for your child's diet so that you can work to complement it at home

• Respect whatever illness policy is established by the caregiver. Make alternative arrangements for your child as required

• Do not intrude on the caregiver’s boundaries and personal time