The best you can do for a child when you're working is to make sure that he has good quality care from people you trust. It's crucial to trust your own judgement; you know what kind of environment will suit your child best. If you've got any doubts about the care they're receiving, it will only prove an added pressure so find something else more suitable.

But what are the options? What are the pro's and cons of each? What are the questions to ask and where can you look for help? . . .

The best you can do for a child when you're working is to make sure that he has good quality care from people you trust. It's crucial to trust your own judgement; you know what kind of environment will suit your child best. If you've got any doubts about the care they're receiving, it will only prove an added pressure so find something else more suitable.

Check out the Options

2. Childminders

• How long have they been doing the job?
• Will they be happy to provide references from other parents whom they have worked for?
• Whether they are registered with OFSTED.

3. Nannies

• Their experience and qualifications. Whether they will be happy to provide references.
• Why do they like working with children and why do they want this job.

Of others who use the same childcare:

• What's been their experience?
• Any problems?
• Any really good things?

Of yourself:

• Be honest with the carer from day one. Talk about any concerns with them as they arise.
• Be honest with yourself about the hours that you need childcare arranged for. If you work 9-5, take into account the travelling time between dropping your child off and picking them up. Being consistently unable to get there when you say you will only add more stress to your, your carers' and your child's day.
• Set a regular time aside to talk to the carer in more detail. Talk to them about how your child is getting on and listen to what they have to say.
• Arrange enough time in your schedule to help your child settle in without being rushed.
• Be prepared to change if it doesn't work out.
• Parents sometimes switch childcare arrangements with few negative effects on the child. Not doing it too much, and careful handling when you have to, is the name of the game:

If you're not happy about some aspect of your child's care;

• Raise the issue as soon as you can with the carer. Explain clearly why you are concerned, but also suggest some positive ways which may help to sort the situation out.
• Listen to what the carer says, but if you're not happy, stick to your guns until you are.
• Agree an action plan with the carer.

If you're still not happy, check out your rights. Make sure that you're familiar with any notice period that you have agreed to give and give some thought to any temporary childcare that you may need to arrange until you can find something more permanent.

Always remain calm, and try to set out the issues as carefully and objectively as you can. That said, you know your child better than anyone - and they are your responsibility - so don't give up on the issue until it is truly resolved.

Avoid the temptation to view childcare as a replacement for your time.

Don't ever imagine that the childcare your child is receiving can ever replace the time you need to spend with them. It's no good fetching them from nursery school or a registered childminder and assuming they've received their 'recommended daily dose' of human contact. In fact, rather than reducing a parent's need to spend time with their child, leaving them in the capable hands of child care professionals actually makes finding this time even more important. After all, you're still their mum or dad. There's no replacement for you.