Entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step, so before you choose childcare you may want to do some research.

Different kinds of care suit different children and children at different ages. You need to think about the special needs of your own children and try to find the care that suits your family best. Check out the kinds of care that are available in your area, meet the carers and talk about what they can offer your child.

Research is showing that the quality of child care is more important to a child's development and relationships with their parents and other children, than whether a child spends some time in child care.

It's always a good idea to visit childcare providers yourself - inspections and accreditation are no substitute for parental judgement.

When you do visit, ask plenty of questions. For an idea on the kind of questions you may wish to ask, print out our list of questions.

If you’re thinking of employing a nanny, you should be aware that government-sponsored registration and accreditation schemes do not apply to them. It is up to you, as parent and employer, to make sure that you hire a nanny who will look after your children well.