Your county or state day care licensing agency might have a searchable database of options, from national chains to registered in-home care. Try to find one that is licensed or registered, for your baby's protection. It's not just fire doors and covered refrigerator dishes, it's background checks for all adults allowed to give care or even be in the house.

Also, follow your instincts. Get and check references. Visit the center/home at odd hours throughout the day. See what's going on with the other kids. Are the caregivers clean and happy? Are they watching TV while they care for the kids? One place might be great for babies, not so good for toddlers.

You can also call your local United Way for advice. They know the fee schedules and available subsidies for any program they fund and might even be able to offer respite care for your son while you look at other places.

Finally, have you spoken to the current daycare's director? "Neglect" is a big red flag word in that environment. If he/she's aware and not doing anything, get your son away and call the county/state. If he/she's working on the problem, ask how you can help. If he/she's not aware, I would wonder why not. Best case, you can discuss your son with a caring professional who can help both of you with the transition to day care. Worse case, you'll learn what you do not want in a care provider.