Our Daycare-to-Nanny Story: Honest Lessons from the Switch
If you had asked me a year ago, I would’ve told you we were Team Daycare forever. The boys had their routines, their friends, and honestly—it gave us structure. But life had other plans.
The truth? What really pushed us to make the switch was Brooks being dismissed from daycare for biting. Yep. Biting. Despite not having a biting policy and place, and it being totally developmentally normal at his age. But it was clear the center wasn’t the right fit for our family anymore. That moment—frustrating, emotional, and stressful—ended up being the push we didn’t know we needed.
Now, a couple weeks into having a nanny at home, I can confidently say it’s been the best move for our family. Here's a little more about why we made the switch, what I wish I knew, and how you might be able to make it work, too.
Why We Made the Switch
While Brooks' biting incident was the final straw, there were a few things already nudging us toward a different setup:
Logistics were hard. Getting both boys ready, packed, and out the door on time was not peaceful.
We craved more flexibility. With work-from-home days, sick days, and just general life—having someone in-home simplified so much.
The emotional toll was real. Daycare dismissals, even when handled kindly, are hard. We wanted to create a space that worked with our kids, not against them.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting
The transition takes time. Even though the boys were staying home, their rhythm shifted. It took a couple weeks for everyone (including both Greg and me) to adjust. The boys are still getting used to the fact mom and dad are working and not home to play, but I’d say they’re taking to it well.
A written agreement is gold. We outlined hours, expectations, even snack routines. It helped eliminate confusion and created structure.
You’re officially an employer now. Things like taxes, pay schedules, and time-off policies come into play. We used a payroll service to make this part legal and smooth.
It's weird at first—then it's not. Having someone in your space every day is an adjustment, but if it's the right person, it quickly starts to feel natural.
Tips to Make It Work (Even Financially)
This switch isn't always easy, especially cost-wise—but there are ways to make it doable:
Run the numbers. Surprisingly, once we added up daycare + summer camp + all the little “extras,” a nanny wasn’t that far off.
Consider a nanny share. You can split the cost with another family and give your child built-in social time.
Shift small expenses. We cut back on takeout, paused a few subscriptions, and said no to things that didn’t align with our new goals.
Look into tax breaks. If you legally employ your nanny, you may qualify for tax credits or use a Dependent Care FSA.
Final Thoughts
Our days are calmer. We aren’t sprinting our the door in chaos every morning. And most importantly—our kids are in an environment that feels safe, supported, and tailored to them.
Was it the easiest transition? No. But it was the right one.
If you’re considering making the switch or just navigating a childcare change, know that you’re not alone. I’m always happy to chat—reach out on Instagram @rachmurra, or drop a comment here.
We’re all figuring it out together. 🤍
XO—Rachel
