It is well known that throughout their adult lives, women are more likely than men to experience stress and overwork as a result of their multiple care and work responsibilities.

Choosing childcare can be one of the hardest decisions a new mother (and father) has to make. There is an increasing range available, so it is vital to make time to look at all the options

Steps
If you think you'd like to return to work after having your child, start to plan childcare while you are pregnant. In some areas you need to book a place for your child well in advance. Also, it can take considerable time to look at all childcare options in your area and assess your feelings about it.

Put your child first. You need to balance their needs with your family circumstances and your own needs as a mother or father (economic and emotional). Think laterally to try to find best solution for all of you.

Investigate local childminders, daycare nurseries, nannies and au pairs. If you have a relative who is willing to look after your child, this can be a great option, but it needs to be assessed alongside others.

Childminders look after children in their own home. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted and strict rules govern how many children of different ages they can look after. Childminders offer flexible childcare in a home environment and can become an extension of family for many years as children grow up. Find out about them from your local authority.

Nurseries offer a range of options and hours. They give a sociable environment with other children and are reliably available. There are state, voluntary and private nurseries, which charge a variety of fees, all inspected by Ofsted.

Find out about them from your local authority.
Nannies usually look after children in child's home. They can often fit around parents' working hours. You are responsible for their wage or salary as well as income tax and National Insurance. Find out about nannies from a nanny agency. Au pairs and mother's helps are also available.

Whatever childcare you look at, ask as many questions as you can think of, including: 'How long have you been working with children?' 'What is your training and qualifications?' 'Where will my child rest?' 'What kind of food and drink is available

What will my child do all day?'
When visiting childcare, look to see if children are calm, safe and happy. Do they play together? Do staff listen to children and answer them carefully? Do they join in with what the children are doing? Are the premises clean, safe and well-kept? Is there access outside for play? Tips

Listen to your feelings. If you are not 100 per cent happy with the childcare, don't go for it.Talk to local parents about their experiences but remember that the final decision is yours.Once your child is in childcare, keep an open mind and listen to him or her. Children and their needs change, childminders and nannies leave or alter their arrangements and you may have to rearrange childcare several times between babyhood and school age. Always take up references.

Warnings
Unless a relative or highly trusted friend is looking after your child, always choose a registered childminder. Nannies who work for no more than two families at once are not registered and inspected. Unless you know a nanny personally or one is recommended by another family whom you know and trust, go through an agency when employing a nanny.