Childcare near home or work? How to make the best choice for your family
You're looking for childcare — and location is one of the most important factors to consider. Do you choose a childcare center close to home, or one near your workplace?
It might seem like a straightforward decision, but it has a big impact on your daily routine. The good news: there's no right or wrong answer. There's only what works best for your family.
In this blog, we walk you through the pros and cons of both options.
Childcare close to home
Advantages of childcare near home
A childcare location in your neighborhood brings peace of mind and flexibility for many families.
More flexibility
On days off or half-days, you don't need to make a special trip to your workplace just to drop off or pick up your child. That saves both time and hassle.
Less travel time for your child
A short journey — or even walking or cycling — is often much nicer for young children, especially on long days.
Handy in unexpected situations
If your child needs extra care, or you're held up somewhere, a partner, babysitter, or family member can step in much more easily.
Works well with working from home
If you work from home (fully or partly), a nearby childcare location is usually the most practical choice.
Disadvantages of childcare near home
You're further away during work hours
If something happens at the childcare center, it may take longer for you to get there.
Fewer chances to pop in during the day
You'll typically only see your child in the morning and at the end of the day.
Childcare close to work
Advantages of childcare near work
More choice in childcare locations
Instead of limiting your search to locations near your home, looking for childcare along your commute or near your workplace opens up a wider range of options. Work areas often have a higher concentration of childcare providers. Locations along your daily route from home to work can also be very convenient and give you even more to choose from. This means more variety in terms of childcare type, educational approach, opening hours, and facilities. That's why Kiddie.nl lets you search not only by your home address, but also by your work address — so you can easily compare all your options in one place.
Close by if something comes up
If your child falls ill or there's an emergency, you can be there quickly.
Quality time on the go
The commute together — by car or bike — can actually be a lovely moment: chatting, playing a game, or simply enjoying each other's company.
Practical with fixed working hours
If you work in the same place every day, this option can fit seamlessly into your routine.
Disadvantages of childcare near work
Extra travel on days off
Even when you're not working, you'll still need to travel to your work area to drop off or pick up your child.
Less flexible if things change
If you change jobs or start working from home more often, the location may no longer be as convenient.
More travel time overall
Longer journeys can be tiring for both you and your child.
What works for your family?
The best choice depends on your situation. Ask yourself questions like:
- How many days a week do you work, and where?
- Do you work from home, in the office, or a mix of both?
- Do you have fixed or flexible working hours?
- Is there support nearby (a partner, family, or babysitter)?
- What matters more to you: flexibility or proximity?
- Do the opening hours of the locations match your schedule?
- Are you breastfeeding or expressing milk?
Pay close attention to the opening hours of the locations you're considering. If you choose childcare near home, for example, make sure the hours align with when you need to drop off and pick up your child. Also factor in rush-hour traffic or bad weather — arriving late for pick-up often results in a fine.
Breastfeeding or expressing milk is another factor worth considering. Under Dutch law, you are entitled to use up to 25% of your working hours for breastfeeding or expressing milk until your baby is 9 months old. If you plan to take advantage of this, having childcare close to your workplace can be especially convenient.
There's no universally 'best' choice — only the best choice for your family. Many parents make different decisions at different stages. Some opt for childcare near home when their child is very young, then switch to a location closer to work or school later on. Your choice can change over time. What works now doesn't have to work forever.
Compare all locations on Kiddie.nl
Are you still exploring your options? Or are you thinking about switching to a different childcare location?
On Kiddie.nl, you can easily find all childcare locations in your hometown and in the city where you work. You can not only browse locations, but also compare them side by side — even if they're in different cities.
Here's how the comparison works:
- Search by city or postcode
- Select one or more childcare locations
- Then use the search bar at the top to search for a different city or postcode
- Select the locations there that interest you as well
- The comparison table shows all your selected locations clearly side by side
The website remembers your selection, so you can take your time comparing locations based on factors like opening hours, educational approach, quality, and facilities. That way, you can be confident you're making the right choice for your family.