Going back to work after having a baby is tough for most new mums. But having the right childcare in place can help ease the transition from baby talk to office gossip.

Did You Know?

Children whose mothers worked before they were one year old didn't do as well in reading tests. Children of full-time working mothers performed better in maths tests.

Nanny

• Either comes to your home on a daily basis or lives in.
  
  
• Gives your child one-to-one care that fits into his normal routine.
  
  
• May be qualified, but not necessarily.
  
  
• Can work out expensive at between £100-£300 net a week and, as her employer, you must pay her tax and national insurance.
  
  
• At present, anyone can work as a nanny with no formal checks. Campaigners are currently calling for the Government to set up a national registration scheme of all childcarers, including nannies. New guidance for nanny agencies, promoting good practice in areas such as the checking of candidate's identities and backgrounds was recently announced.
  
  
• You should also take out employer's indemnity insurance in case of an accident in your home.

Childminder

• Looks after your child in her own home, often with other children including her own.
  
  
• Is registered and inspected annually by the local authority.
  
  
• Is limited to the number and ages of children she can care for at any one time, including her own.
  
  
• May not be trained, although she may choose to take professional qualifications organised through the National Childminding Association.
  
  
• Is self-employed and charges between £1.50 and £3.50 per hour per child.

Did You Know?

Babies looked after by several people (such as a day nursery) who are familiar with a wide group of people, show fear of strangers at the same stage as babies brought up within a more limited circle.

Day Nursery

• Offers a lively and stimulating environment.
  
  
• Is open five days a week, usually 8am-6pm.
  
  
• Is registered and inspected annually by the local authority.
  
  
• Has a strict adult-to-child ratio - usually one carer to each 3-5s, one to four 2-3s and one to three under-2s. At least half the staff must be qualified.
  
  
• Can be expensive, particularly if you have more than one child, at £80-£180 a week per child.

Close Relative

• Offers one-to-one care from a family member.
  
  
• Can usually be flexible.
  
  
• Has the chance to develop an extra special bond with your child.
  
  
• May prove awkward if your view on childcare differ.