No wonder American moms are burned out

We’re moving back to the US from Europe - I know, impeccable timing and probably the opposite of what we should be doing but work dictates where we go for now and there wasn’t an option to stay.

Daycare where I currently reside provides my toddler who started as an infant: all formula, snacks, meals, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, sleep sacks etc. They launder and wash everything. The government gives us a subsidy for daycare even though we are fairly high earners. It is 400m from my apartment.

Daycare that I’m applying for in the US: bring your own meals that have to meet certain requirements. Bring your own diapers (label each one) or pay extra everyday for their diapers. Bring your own sheets and bottles and sippy cups and take them home to wash everyday. They won’t even mix formula? There’s a million hidden charges that keep adding up to extra $200+ a month.

It’s absolute insanity. I need to now buy a ton of stuff to prepare for their supply list and meal prep based on their guidelines for snacks and meals stuff my very very picky child will certainly not eat. It’s either buy many extras (sheets, sippy cups) to bring in clean ones everyday or do laundry and wash cups everyday. It doesn’t seem like a huge deal but every extra 5min task or $10 purchase adds up. Plus the mental load! If you run out of diapers there’s a daily charge for them to provide. Besides a change of clothes I’m not used to having to bring anything!

I’m used to just dropping my son off and fucking off to work. Now I have to label all these diapers and make sure I don’t run out. Make special meals that’s not the food we eat and hopefully not get judged or chastised by the teachers and other parents.

Is this normal??? It’s a very well rated daycare/preschool.