This is a hard one. Having gone back to work when DS1 was about the same age (and again with DS2), I can say that the thought of going back is actually worse than the doing. But I can also say that you are spot on when you say that you will be very busy trying to combine work with parenting. It is hard work and it can take a while to settle into a routine that works for you all. If you are not comfortable with your child care options that it is also going to be an extra source of stress.

So I think you are pretty spot on with your options. Trying it to see how you go is a great way to see if it is right for you or not. Without actually giving it a go it is hard to know. But I also think giving yourself more time isn't a bad idea either. The only downside I see to that though is that sometimes it is easier for kids to adjust to your return to work when they are younger.

I think whichever one of those options you take is a good idea and I wish you all the very best with it.