<prompt> Human: Hey PF -My wife and I are expecting our first child in July! She will be taking 6 months before returning to her career. When she goes back we are trying to figure out if we will do day-care or a nanny for about a year after which we are leaning toward a Montessori program. It looks like day care in our area is about 1500 a month and a nanny will cost about 3000. We make about 330-340 with no significant debt. Curious if others have had a similar decision to make. I like the idea of the nanny also cooking and cleaning which will help with cost we spend a small fortune eating out, but its A LOT of money.  <response>: Our nanny cleans but doesnt cook. The baby doesnt get sick as much as my friends kids who are in day care. Day cares often dont take sick kids, and arranging backup care can suck.If you make 330-340, you can afford 36 employment taxes. We make a lot less but we make it work. 