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I found it extremely difficult to get anything done at home while LittleRitz was an infant (and even worse now that he's a toddler). He needed constant holding - I used my Baby Bjorn all of the time. For the "at home days," you might try a mommy's helper. In my area, there are several colleges and/or high schools that offer early childhood education programs. The students are required to obtain a certain amount of hours of childcare experience in order to complete their degree. They are generally screened by the school since the school's reputation is at stake. The hourly rate is significantly less than paying a nanny. Another suggestion might be to pay a neighborhood kid to come in for a few hours while you are there working.

As for daycare, my pediatrician claims that a child who attends library story hour, play group, Gymboree, a Sunday-only church daycare, etc., will get sick just as often if not more often (due to exposure to more people) than a child in a regular daycare. Little Ritz started daycare (three days per week) at about seven months. There were six children, including him, and two caregivers in his room. He was exposed to the same group of people every day and did not have lot of illnesses. He has actually picked up more things at play group than at daycare (I know because I've had those calls from mothers that go, "I'm really sorry but I just found out that Jr. had x and has probably exposed the whole play group. You may want to keep an eye on your child.") It is true that a child who is kept at home with absolutely no contact with other children will get sick less but then there might be social issues later on.

I really wouldn't worry about the daycare-illness issue. If its a good daycare, they will keep everything clean and disinfected and send home any child who has the slightest sign of an ailment.