My DH and I are struggling to decide on a daycare and so I am turning here for some advice from those who have been there! We are due in February with our first child, and are trying to decide on a daycare/preschool to begin in June. Here are our choices:

1. Our favorite because the people are SO so friendly and welcoming, the teachers seem superb, it's a little smaller of a facility, and it's closest to our house. The downside: they don't provide any food at any age, which will make this one the most expensive option after we factor in cost of food when he begins eating solids (this cost will increase even more as he gets older and eats more). Also, additional prep time each night for food, which we know will probably take longer than we expect. This place requires a deposit of one month's tuition to secure our June spot (and that spot could go at any time!).

2. Technically the most expensive tuition, but it includes food, which makes it ever-so-slightly cheaper than #1 option above. We liked this place a lot too, they seemed friendly as well and it seems like there's a great curriculum. Downside: It's a few miles farther than #1, and we stopped in at lunchtime and in the 12-24mo room I noticed they didn't cut up any of the food for them. Each baby had a meatball sub, with two slices of white sub bread that was not cut up! They were just holding it and throwing it on the floor because they didn't know what to do with it. And pretty large pieces of broccoli too. This place has a great reputation so I'm sure it's very safe, and I'm probably being too nit-picky, but I was a little put off by that. They require a 2-week deposit to secure our spot in June.

3. This is the cheapest option (cheaper by about $1,600/yr the first year and $3,000/yr during year 2). This is a big cost difference for us, especially during year 2. They provide food, and we have heard that they have a very good reputation in the area and people love it. All new enrollments start in June, regardless of age, but that's perfect for us anyways. Downside: The woman who did our tour seemed like she could care less, she showed us only the infant room, and seemed bothered when I asked if we could see the rest of the facility - she seemed very busy. The infant teachers were on lunch break when we went in, and so we didn't get to meet them. I didn't like that she was not friendly, but my husband called to get more information yesterday and he said the person he talked to was VERY nice, so that made him feel better. They cannot tell us if our spot is secured until early February because current parents have first availability, but the woman he talked to said it's very likely we'd get in, as there are only 5 current parents/siblings to take infant spots, and only 1 other person ahead of us on the wait list. They don't require a deposit.

We are just not sure what to do. If I totally went with my gut, I'd choose #1, but it's the most expensive. #3 is the best option for cost, but we aren't guaranteed a spot and won't know until February. At that point it would be too late for a spot at #1 or #2.

I apologize for this being so long, but if anyone has made it this far through the post and has some advice for us, please share! We know that perspectives from current parents are very valuable. Thank you!!