Who would of thought, this would be my problem

So I have a sudden spot (didn't know the family was going to leave) and I have been busy interviewing for it etc. All of my inquiries have been for one year olds and as I said in another post I am not sure what to do.

Both families have expressed interest in the spot. I really liked one of the families a lot (super cool parents, very cute/chill kid). I just don't know if I can/want another little one but I really need to have someone in the spot to make the income I need.

I have been trying to weigh my options and I have kind of come up with this.

Taking a one year old
*Couldn't go to the park very easily as it would be too difficult (corralling the group and walking there). I would have four kids 2 and under and one 3 yo and one 4 yo (plus another 3 yo 2 days a week). We have a backyard and there is a school park across the road but i like the flexibility of being able to travel/explore.
*My days would be crazier/more physical for sure
*Could possibly hire someone to help out two mornings a week for park trips and spend the other days in the backyard.
*My DD who is 4 yo will be at a summer day camp for 2 weeks so that will take some of the pressure off (other people will be bringing her and picking her up).
*I really like the kid/family.

Waiting for an older child
*May never find one. I have had luck in the past but who knows. Had zero inquires so far.
*Financially doable to wait but not for too too long.
*I have 2-3 spots open in Sept with kids going to school so I need some younger kids now.

For myself I would rather take "kid stress" than "money stress" so I would fill it with the family you think fits the best. They grow up fast and it is really only a few months that you will have the extra work.

They are only 12months for a short period of time. If you have 2-3 openings in Sept then I would assume you'll end up with more 12month olds. If hold off filling this spot then you will quite possibly end up with a 12month old filling it later and end up with 3-4 young ones at once (which has pros and cons).

Would you be able to 'hire' a young student for the summer months, like a 10-14yr old to help push an extra stroller/pull wagon to the park and help out? Any tweens in the neighborhood? They usually love doing this type of work, can make a few bucks but not cost you too much.

I recently filled my 5 spaces. I had only 2 children come through for interviews that were over the age of 12months (at their start date). One was the sibling of a 12month old (so 2 spots) and the other was 16months old. I have no idea what the rest of the market is like but I found I had only moms on Mat leave coming through. Hence my group of 11-15month olds. We stay on site so it's not as big an issue, and while it definitely is a lot of work I know they will soon be 2, then 3.

If I am able to hold off on filling a spot than I will and I will see if a child comes along that better suits what I'm looking for. If I am in a tight financial spot than I would accept the best fit out of those who have applied for the spot.

I agree, I hate financial stress and would accept the one year old with the awesome family. It's hard to find families you 'click' with and you will have time to look to fill your other spots stress free. You might be lucky to find older kids for September or you might not.

I invested in a rundabout 6-seater stroller for that exact reason. I live on a very quiet street but have to walk quite a bit to all the parks, didn't want to worry. I've used it a few times in the last few weeks and I love it. Kids are safe, I would worry too much when crossing busy roads as mist if my dck are 2 and under.