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I'd do the cheaper one because you have a personal reference, and it doesn't sound like you're really sacrificing quality for price. Newborns really don't need curriculum, but structure/routine is nice. My son is 2.5 and I don't even really worry about curriculum but I'm a little more lax I guess. He's a bright kid so I'm not worried.
If it's important to you then the idea of starting with the second option and switching is a nice idea too

I personally would do the first option. It was important to me to get curriculum and healthy meals and it was 100% worth the extra money we are paying to do so.

For me, i would ask both what ratio they aim for. L started at a daycare which aimed for a 1:3 ratio for babies; our state mandates 1:4.

Does one forbid shoes in the infant room? How does the noise level in the rooms compare? What about the menu?

And honestly, L is 19 months and we just left his first (only, so far) center because of biting. As much as I had thought this could be our "5 year plan," it didn't work out that way. And you might end up having a different experience...but it's not the end of the world if you need to switch later.

I'd do the cheaper one and switch if needed!

Second option - you like the director, you have a great reference, and it is less expensive! Personally, I think all this talk of having a curriculum for babies and toddlers is a bit much. Kids are only little for such a short time - why throw them into all this curriculum based learning before necessary? From what I recall reading recently, whether a child learns their alphabet at age two or age four has absolutely no bearing on their intelligence and outcomes for the future (when all other variables are constant of course). I say go with the one you like better and don't get caught up in the hype of one being a highly curriculum based centre.... I have absolutely no experience with day care though so please feel free to disregard my opinion.

As others have said, curriculum doesn't matter until more like age 2-3. Your daughter will get so much from you at home, too. I'd definitely go with the less expensive place, and you can always switch later for preschool. That said, I'd ask both places about how much they would be holding your baby (or would they just stick her in "baby holders" all day), whether or not a TV is on and present at the facility, how do they feed her, etc. And then go with your gut -- right when walking in, which place makes you feel the best about going back to work?

I agree with PP's that curriculum doesn't matter for an infant. The important thing, for me, was that DD was loved and cared for, and that some sort of schedule was enforced.

We switched daycares at 2 years old because we moved and DD transitioned so well. We may even switch again next year because we're moving again. Personally, I think change like that is good for them sometimes and helps them become more resilient.

I say go with Option #2 and then switch later on! I think the fact you were so comfortable with the woman you met will make you feel so much more comfortable with leaving your newborn in someone else's care.

I said go with option 3 (start at 2 then switch after time). Sometimes places can surprise you and things can definitely change over time. Center #2 might pick up curriculum during her time in the infant room, and just because there isn't a set curriculum doesn't mean they are just sticking the babies in seats and letting them stare at the walls.
On the other hand, things can change and center #2 might get more expensive if they add curriculum. But at least you can always compare the price to center #1 and make decisions that way.

Good luck!

I chose option 3 too, mostly because that's what we're doing. I figure that infants and babies learn better in a play based environment - we plan on switching at age 2 (which is when the curriculum center near us drops $65 a week(!) to the same price as play based center )