I OFTEN sit at work and wonder what my baby is doing. Blowing bubbles at an inanimate object, chasing another child around the room on all four podgy pink limbs or curled up in a cot dreaming of Norbert, the cat.

For a few moments I'm miles away, smiling at the thought of Izzy's toothless grin.

But, at the end of the day, I'm here. She's with a childminder down the road.

I realise this won't strike a chord with those who haven't taken the plunge but, as a full-time working mum, I've become very aware of the emotional and financial implications of parenthood.

The push to get mums back to work is, literally, Tony Blair's baby, introduced in a bid to give mothers more choice and ultimately, boost the economy.

Working families and child tax credit are being offered - however bungled the administration may be. Flexible working is encouraged and some are lucky enough have creches at the office.

The results have been staggering. In Worcestershire alone, there are more than 20,000 households where both parents work.

This is nearly twice the number of homes where one parent works and the other looks after the children.

Some mums return to the office purely because they crave the challenge and social interaction of the workplace.

For lone parents and low-income families, however, the extra money is essential to meet higher living costs.

So, what's the answer?

Don't have kids, I hear many murmur.

Less dictatorially, you can choose to leave your precious bundle with another trusting soul while you earn that extra crust.

I relented after four months when maternity pay dried up. Izzy now spends three days with a childminder.

It's a long time to be away from your baby, which is why picking the right person or group to look after your child is an overwhelming task.

In the run up to National Childcare Month - now Sure Start Month - Jan Friend, manager of Evesham's Leapfrog Nursery, says drawing up a plan as early as possible is the way to go.

"It takes time, so it's worth putting in the legwork and doing your homework well in advance," she said.

"Start by making a list of your priorities. Think about your working hours and patterns and how flexible they can be, work out how much you can afford to pay and decide on location."

When you've made your list, phone several nurseries and ask them key questions such as : Do you have an Ofsted certificate of registration? What age groups do you take?

Then, make appointments with at least two or three places.

When you get there, see if the children are happy and calm and whether there is a stimulating, safe and secure environment.

Are there other incentives on offer? Leapfrog offers a free half-day trial to enable children to meet youngsters and staff.

In the county, there are 644 registered childminders, 192 playgroups, 124 full day care facilities and 155 out-of-school or holiday schemes to choose from.

Childminders cost between £68 and £160 per week for full-time care while pre-school playgroups will generally set you back between £2 and £5 per session.

The cost of nursery classes and schools depends on whether it is state, voluntary or privately run, but ask if it offers Government-funded, free part-time early education for three and four-year-olds.

Some playgroups also offer this Nursery Education Grant concession.

"At the end of the day, follow your intuition," said Mrs Friend. "If you get a good feeling and the other children seem happy, you're probably on to a winner."

For free information and advice on early years education, childcare and other services for children between 0-14 call the Children's Information Service for Worcestershire on 01527 834770 (9.30am-4pm Mon-Fri).

Alternatively, email childrensinfo@worcestershire.gov.uk or visit the website at www.childcarelink.gov.uk/worcestershire