I think I speak for many members here who, like you, are trying to balance work and family life and are not surrounded by extended family. In your home country, you may have the support of a parent, or a sibling to call on in situations like this. For many here that option just doesn't exist. Babies and children are not just sick for one day, it can be days, even a week or more. This is why daycare is, in my opinion, not the best option if you do not have a flexible work schedule and an instant alternative to daycare.

Rather than groan at you, which I assume others have done so because they don't think you have your priorities in order, I would like to offer you some suggestions:

Find an au pair or a babysitter to come to your home, or find someone to share a nanny with. Another possibility is to find a neighbour, possibly a stay at home mom or someone who has older children who can help you out in a pinch. Put a notice up locally that you are looking for someone. You just never know who might see it.

Some daycares are stricter than others about under what circumstances a child is alllowed to attend. A sick child, especially an infant, needs to be comforted and kept comfortable and a mother is not necessarily the only person who is capable of doing this. Of course, you may feel guilty going to work living a sick child at home, but if you have left your child with a reponsible caregiver, you have no reason to feel you have done anything wrong. Your priority should be seeking medical attention for your child, if need be, ensuring she is settled. If that means taking a few hours off work, or a half day, or a day, so be it.

The three most dreaded words a working mom can hear in the morning is "Mommy I'm Sick." You need a reliable back up plan for these situations. That is how you will be able to manage work and family obligations. It's not easy, but many of use have done it and survived and our children did not suffer.

Good luck with your new job.