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@lilyofthewest: We don't have family in the area either, and I think both of you may have to approach your bosses and ask about a different schedule.

I do drop off and pick up on my own, but the few times I have a late work event and can't get LO, DH has to talk to his boss ahead of time and get off early. Last year, I had to get my first period covered because DH was out of town and I had to do drop off at our old daycare near our house--they didn't open till 7 am and I leave for work at 6:45 am to make it on time.

Since this will be a regular occurance, you guys will have to work out a schedule where maybe M,W, and F DH goes in earlier and leaves earlier, and Tues,Thurs you leave early. If you aren't the first in your office to have a baby, your manager should be used to working with parents.

Maybe get an after care nanny? Someone to do the pickup every day and stay with LO until one of you gets home? A lot of daycares will give a discount if you pick up around 3 or 3:30. Or do a nanny share at your house with someone willing to stay later or flexible hours?

Following because I've been wondering this too (super premature as I'm only 6w along). I work a pretty standard schedule, but with my commute, I'd have to duck out before 5 in order to make a 6pm pickup time, which just isn't feasible every day (or even most days). And I'd have to leave right at 5 in order to make a 6:30 pickup, which is still pretty challenging. My DH works 12-8 every day so he wouldn't be able to help.

Curious to hear how others manage!

While my niece and nephew lived with us, we found an inhome daycare that allowed us to pay extra for late days. The kids ate dinner there and we picked them up later. Hope you are able to find a good arrangement.

I still would talk to your employer to see what they could do to not have you be the only one on shift certain nights.

DH is in healthcare and like you has no control over his schedule. So our solution is that I am the default daycare parent for pick up and drop off and luckily I am in charge of my schedule so it is doable. The other couples we know with two crazy schedules have nannies. In home care might be another option as the hours can be more flexible if you find a good one.

@lilyofthewest: Our DCP closes at 6pm too. In your situation I think I would ask one of the teachers at the DCP if they would be interested in taking LO back to your house when they get off work and then you can just come straight home - that way if you are running late its not a problem.