Grandparents and relatives Having a member of your family look after your child may well be the cheapest childcare solution, but it's important to ensure that you're both happy with the arrangement.

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If you're thinking of getting a family member to look after your child, you must be confident that he or she is fit enough, has a basic knowledge of childcare and first aid, and that the house where your child will be cared for is safe.

In theory, any age. In practice, though, a relative may be more suitable for preschool and afterschool care, rather than long days spent with a baby or toddler. They may also be more appropriate for part-time rather than full-time care.

• A family member, particularly a grandparent, is likely to love your child almost as much as you do
• Your child will probably develop a close bond with the relative, which will enrich both their lives
• A grandparent - or an aunt or uncle who's already a parent - will be experienced with children
• A family member may live locally
• They'll probably be flexible about hours
• They'll probably be prepared to drop off/collect from nursery/school
• They may be able to look after your child if she's sick
• Your child may be able to have friends round to play
• Your child will be cared for in a familiar environment
• Your child will have continuity of care

• A relative, particularly an older one, may find the physical demands of a young child exhausting, however willing they are
• They may have pre-existing commitments and interests they don't want to disrupt, which may not fit in with your work hours
• They may have different ideas about discipline, potty training, homework and so on, and you may find it difficult to ask them to do things your way
• If they're looking after a baby or toddler, you'll probably have to buy two sets of equipment
• Their home may not be as child-safe as yours (remember, they won't be inspected by Government regulatory bodies as other childcarers might be)
• You may want your child to meet other young children, but an older relative may not feel comfortable attending a playgroup predominantly for younger mums
• If your employer or college is contributing to your childcare costs, they may insist you use registered childcare, but if this is the case, your relative can apply to become a registered childminder, if they want to
• Informal arrangements can go wrong and if they do, it's your own family you're falling out with - potentially causing long-term rifts

Although you're dealing with a family member, you may still want to agree an informal (or indeed, formal) contract about hours, holidays, time off and whether you make any payment or not.

If you're a grandparent and thinking about caring for your grandchildren full-time, call the Grandparents' Association advice line on 0845 434 9585 or contact Parentline Plus.

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