Definitely try to find one that you are comfortable with, and mesh well with - similar ideas etc. I've had the kids in a few day cares, DS went to one from when he was 10 months old, and DD when she was 3 months old. I didn't like the first one of hers, so switched her when she was 6 months for a MUCH better one. I wish I could do half the stuff they do at day care with my kids!!! I just don't have the knowledge to do child care stuff at home and I think DS is really missing out. The day cares that I have put them in have been something like $63 a day - food not included.

My sister has her kids in family day care, but I didn't choose this option mainly for the fact that if her family day carer is sick, or needs time off for a holiday or something - my sister has to make alternate arrangements for the care of her kids - so she usually gets my mum to help out. We don't have any family support where we are now, so if I was working and my FDC couldn't do a day, I'd lose a day's pay because I would have to stay at home. I much rather send them somewhere where it doesn't become my problem if the kids main carer is sick/injured/wants a holiday.

Different situations work for different people though - you have to find what sits with YOU the best.

Oh and my kids went from 7.30am to 5.30pm - veryyy long days.