Nunhead Groover

I have two sons - 22 months between them, I knew I wanted more than one so just went ahead hoping for a two ish year gap. Things have been great between them - no jealousy and they are already playing together really well now the youngest is nearly 9 months old. The broody thing never goes, although the lack of sleep is a great contraceptive! It has been a big old juggling act though, dealing with terrible two tantrums and a hungry baby that needs feeding has been a challenge but in the long run I think a small gap is great. My eldest has also learnt that he has to wait for things if I am busy with his younger brother and is sharing really well. The toddler groups are great for both of them and without a big gap you can do lots of activities together. I would recommend it and I also think if you want more than one just get going and worry about it later!!

Am thinking of taking my sons out of nursery and getting a child minder, partly due to cost. I think it would be great to have one special person looking after them 4 days a week but am worried about the transition from nursery to child minder and if it will be a big shock - especially to my 2 1/2 year old. What do people think? What are the pros to having a child minder? Are great ones hard to come by and where does one start? What are costs roughly or do they vary greatly? thanks :)