What do families wish they had arranged a year earlier?
Childcare and backup care.
Families almost always wish they'd locked in childcare, school schedules, and a reliable backup plan a year earlier. The waitlists and costs only get worse.
Checked Sep 9
Why?
Waitlists are brutal Quality childcare and preschools often have year-long waitlists, so starting late means settling or paying more.
Costs keep climbing Childcare prices rise faster than most budgets, and locking in early avoids the sticker shock.
Backup care is the gap Families forget the sick-day and school-closure coverage until they're stuck, and it's the hardest to arrange last-minute.
If you're past the planning stage, the regret shifts to things like college savings or estate planning, but childcare is the universal one.
Who is a family's childcare and backup care plan right for?
Right for
- Parents with a child under 3
- Two working parents with no nearby relatives
- Families expecting a second child
- Parents starting a new job with strict hours
Wrong for
- Families with a stay-at-home parent
- Parents with flexible remote jobs
- Families with a live-in grandparent
- Parents whose child is already in elementary school
What does a family's childcare and backup care plan cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual daycare cost | $12,000 per child, 2026 | This is the base; infant care runs higher, and urban centers top $20,000. |
| Typical waitlist length | 9 to 12 months, 2026 | Starting a year early means you actually get a spot when you need it. |
| Backup care cost per day | $150 to $300 per day, 2026 | Without a plan, a sick day hits your budget and your job. |
| Cost of a backup care membership | $100 to $200 a year, 2026 | This covers multiple sick days and school closures, saving hundreds. |
What's the biggest family childcare and backup care mistake?
The biggest mistake is waiting until you're pregnant or your child is born to start looking. By then, the best centers have year-long waitlists, so you settle for a pricier or less convenient option. Instead, put your name on waitlists as soon as you know you'll need care, even before the baby arrives.
How do you decide if a family's childcare and backup care plan is worth it?
- List your childcare needs for the next 12 months, including backup days.
- Call three or four centers and ask their current waitlist time.
- Put a deposit down on the one that fits your schedule and budget.
- Sign up for a backup care service or arrange a neighbor backup now.
People also ask
What's the best way to find backup care?
Build your backup list before you need it. The best way is to line up three options now: a family member or neighbor, a local sitter you've vetted, and a drop-in daycare or backup-care service. Then you're not scrambling
How early should we start looking for preschool?
Start 12 to 18 months before you need it. That's when waitlists open and tours fill up. If you're flexible on program or schedule, 6 months can work, but it's tight.
What should we budget for childcare?
Budget $1,200 to $2,500 a month for full-time care. That's the typical range for infant care in most metro areas. It drops once the kid is out of diapers and again when they hit preschool.
ZapHog can make mistakes. Check important info.