Once the congratulations and well-wishes for expectant parents are out of the way, the conversation can quickly turn to post-baby plans.

• When are you going back to work?
• Who will take care of the baby?
• Are you interviewing nannies yet?
• Have you thought about daycare?

Well, have YOU thought about day care? If you’re a Hill staffer, start thinking about your options now. In a recent Roll Call story , I explore how the House day care,  a truly remarkable place to have your young child spend the day, has a yearslong waiting list which can be nigh-impossible to surmount. Parents who secured a spot often put their name on the waiting list far ahead of time — even before there was a positive pregnancy test to celebrate.  

Roll Call: Adventures in Babysitting, Getting Into the House Daycare
The House day care is approximately $700 a month below market value, huge savings for the staffers who can get it, but vastly unfair for those who can’t get in. There are great advantages to being a staffer, though most of these benefits aren’t limited to a select, lucky few. The House day care should examine ways to continue their excellent care while meeting the increased demand.  

Have any thoughts to add about your day care experience, House or Senate? Email hillnavigator@rollcall.com.