I think Sarah's idea is great. My concern with only using occasional care one a month is that it does not really give them a chance to settle in and get to know the carers. So if once a month is all you want and/or need then swapping babysitting with a friend would be more suitable. With DD1's first go at occasional care I had to pick her up after an hour as she was very upset, it was suggested to me then that she should go in at least once a week rather than every now and then to get used to it. Once she got used the idea of care she began to enjoy it. When we moved we used occasional care whilst waiting for a long daycare place, she enjoyed the place so much so that I would often put her in even if I did not have any need for her to go.