Securing childcare is one of the most time-sensitive tasks for new parents. Demand for quality childcare significantly exceeds supply in most areas, with waitlists ranging from months to over two years for infant care.
17 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Start researching during the first trimester — For infant care (starting at 6 weeks to 6 months), begin immediately after confirming pregnancy. Infant spots are the most limited and competitive.
- Determine your care needs:
- Start date (when does your parental leave end?)
- Hours needed (full-time vs. part-time, early drop-off, late pickup)
- Type of care: daycare center, in-home daycare, nanny, nanny share, au pair
- Build a candidate list — Research options through:
- State childcare licensing databases
- Care.com, Winnie, or your local childcare resource and referral agency
- Recommendations from neighbors, coworkers, and local parent groups
- Employer-sponsored backup care or on-site childcare
2. Key Details
- Infant care waitlists 6 months to 2+ years in high-demand urban areas. This is why starting during the first trimester is critical.
- Toddler/preschool waitlists 3-12 months lead time is typical.
- Waitlist fees $50-$200 per center. Some are refundable, some applied toward tuition if enrolled.
- Cost ranges (2025-2026) Infant daycare center: $1,000-$2,500+/month. Toddler/preschool: $800-$2,000/month. In-home daycare: $600-$1,500/month. Nanny: $2,500-$5,000+/month (varies widely by location).
- State licensing databases Most states maintain searchable databases of licensed childcare providers with inspection reports and complaint histories.
- Dependent Care FSA You can set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax per year ($2,500 if married filing separately) to pay for eligible childcare expenses.
- Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Federal tax credit of 20-35% on up to $3,000 in expenses for one child ($6,000 for two or more).
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long to start the search
- Only applying to one center
- Not visiting in person
- Choosing solely on price
- Not checking licensing and inspection records
Pro Tips
- Join local parent Facebook groups and Nextdoor — parents frequently share wai...
- Some centers give priority to siblings of current enrollees
- Ask about age transitions — some centers guarantee spots when children move f...
- If your employer offers childcare benefits (backup care, childcare stipend, o...
- Consider a nanny share (sharing a nanny with another family) as a middle grou...