Nanny vs Daycare in Aspen: Which Is Better for Your Family?
Aspen families are often faced with a key question: Should we hire a nanny or enroll our child in daycare? Both options have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your family’s lifestyle, needs, and values. Below, we break down the major differences to help you make the most informed decision — and share why many Aspen families are turning to The Natural Nanny Collective, the safest nanny agency in the nation, for customized, holistic in-home care.
Flexibility & Scheduling
Nanny: With a nanny, your family sets the schedule. Whether you’re a ski season local, a part-time resident, or a full-time working parent, nannies can adapt to your lifestyle — including early mornings, weekends, or travel days.
Daycare: Most daycare centers in Aspen operate within fixed hours (typically 8am–5:30pm). This can be challenging for parents with non-traditional work hours or last-minute schedule changes.
Personalized Attention
Nanny: A nanny offers one-on-one care (or care for siblings), providing your child with undivided attention. This means more opportunities for tailored activities, emotional support, and developmental progress.
Daycare: Your child will share attention with several other kids, often in a ratio of 1 caregiver to 4–8 children, depending on age group.
Illness Policies
Nanny: When your child has a runny nose or mild illness, a nanny can still provide care — in your home, with comfort and calm.
Daycare: Most daycare centers have strict illness policies. Even minor symptoms often require a full day at home, which can disrupt work and family routines.
Consistency & Bonding
Nanny: A nanny becomes part of your family’s rhythm. Children often develop deep, long-term bonds with their nanny, especially when they stay for years.
Daycare: While some caregivers stay long-term, turnover can be common in daycare settings. Your child may experience frequent staff changes.
Socialization
Nanny: While nannies offer individualized care, socialization can still happen at playgroups, library story times, and playdates — often guided by your nanny.
Daycare: Kids in daycare are surrounded by peers, which can help them develop social skills early. However, the environment can also be overstimulating for some children.
Cost
Nanny: Nanny care is a more premium option, especially in Aspen where experienced nannies earn competitive rates ($45–$100+/hour). However, you're paying for highly personalized care, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Daycare: Daycare can be more affordable but less flexible. However, many Aspen-area daycare centers are operating at full capacity with extremely long waitlists — sometimes up to 12–18 months. This makes hiring a nanny through The Natural Nanny Collective a more accessible and immediate option for many families.
The Holistic Nanny Advantage
At The Natural Nanny Collective, we place highly qualified, holistic-minded nannies vetted by licensed social workers and therapists. We specialize in:
Respectful, attachment-based care
Low screen-time and nature-based routines
Full-time, part-time, travel, and on-call nannies across Aspen and beyond
We work with local families, second-homeowners, and high-profile clients seeking concierge-level nanny placements.
Still not sure which is right for you? Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through every option and help you decide what fits your family best.
📍 Serving Aspen, Snowmass Village, and the Roaring Fork Valley
👉 Contact The Natural Nanny Collective to schedule your family consultation today.
Or fill out our Family Application to learn more!
