Choosing the right child care for your baby is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. Currently, you can choose from five types of care:

• In-home child care.
• Family child care offered in the home of the caregiver.
• Center-based care.
• Friend or family caregivers.
• Live-in day care.

The most important thing to do when considering a child care provider is to ask questions - lots of them.

In-home child care consists of babysitters who come to your home each day to care for your child. The cost of this type of child care (which is convenient for obvious reasons) depends upon the qualifications of the caregiver and the duties you assign. Though in-home child care is very convenient, you will need a backup plan should your caregiver become ill or go on vacation.

Family child care takes place in the caregiver's home. Child care in a licensed home setting has its advantages. It can offer more stimulation to your child in the form of other children as well as regular play, story and craft times. Like in-home child care, you will need to have alternate plans in place should your caregiver go on vacation or become ill.

Observe the caregiver and how he/she interacts with the children. Do the children seem happy and well adjusted? Speak to other parents who use (or have used) the caregiver you are considering. Look for caregivers who are licensed or registered with the state, and have their home visited by an inspector. Family caregivers can be accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

Center-based care offers the presence of other children, a schedule of regular activities and the opportunity to form friendships at a very early age. Children also learn to share and get long with peers. Center-based care is very convenient, but many operate on a public school schedule and may be closed on holidays throughout the year.

Do not assume that a center is regularly inspected just because it is licensed. Check to see how often the center you are considering had announced and unannounced inspections within the past year. To find out about the regulations in your area, contact your city, county or state department of social services.

Check to see if the center is accredited by state or national organizations. Several independent groups of early childhood care and education professionals offer accreditation. For centers, these are the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or the National Child Care Association (NCCA).

Friend or family caregivers are an option some parents have. A willing mother or aunt can be the perfect solution for some families. Realize, however, that such an arrangement can test even the very best relationships. While you will have the advantage of giving your child a caregiver who knows and loves your baby, you will have to adjust to that person guiding and caring for your baby in his/her own way.

Live-in day care can be very expensive. Choices include a "nanny," whose duties center around child care; an "au pair," who is usually a younger, temporary mother's helper whose main responsibility is, again, caring for and playing with your child; or a babysitter or housekeeper to whom you delegate child care and housework. The main adjustments to a live-in caregiver are learning to accept the live-in's permanent presence in your home and learning to accept your child's attachment to him/her.

It is ultimately your responsibility to find the child care that works best for you and your family. Keep the lines of communication open, and if you suspect your child's health or safety is in question, find another child care arrangement right away.