Regardless of what kind of child care you select, your choice is based first and foremost on the quality of attention given to your baby. Here's the bottom line question: is the person or day care center you have chosen to watch your child loving, responsive, and skillful at interacting with your baby?

You may find only one situation to which you can confidently answer “yes” to the basic question, in which case your choice is easy and you will make your arrangements based on that decision. But more likely, you'll have a variety of options and then you have to decide which one best meets your other criteria of cost and convenience.

Don't assume that a higher cost will give you better care. You will need to carefully interview the caregiver(s), as well as inspect the facilities. You will want current references and you want to personally interview other families who have hired the caregiver or enrolled in the program.

There are three basic child care options:

• A day care center. An institution, private or public, that operates a full-workday schedule.

• A family day care home. Typically a woman who watches a few children in her home.

• In-home child care. This is a sitter (nanny, au pair, grandparent, etc.) who comes into your home. She may live-in or come in as a daily worker. She may also be responsible for household chores.