Deaf babysitter?

leslielou22

I'm having a hard time trying to find a sitter for when I go back to work full time.  There are a few near my office, but they charge $10/hour....and I only make $9/hour!!

 

I think my boyfriend is going to ask some friends he knows.  They're very nice people and live just across the river from us.  The only thing is they're both deaf.  I don't really have a problem with it, but everyone I tell tries to talk me out of it.  They think DD will just sit there and cry and be ignored but I don't think that's the case.  I think they'd be a little more hands on with her and maybe she'd also learn some sign language.  The used to watch SD before I started dating my boyfriend and they only charged $2 per hour and he just had to supply diapers.  They have 2 kids of their own too.

What's your opinion?  Would you use a deaf babysitter?

 

ETA:  I would definately pay them more then $2/hour, that's just how much they charged when SD was around 2 years old.

*blondie*

I would. My assumption with that is during any naps your lo takes that they would either be in the same room at all times or use a monitor with a vibrating/light option. Plus the possibility of picking up on some sign language is awesome!

Jimsgirl5821

If they have two kids they have obviously figured out how to deal with it. They can just look at the baby once in awhile if asleep of whatever and see if they are crying. I would at least try it out, I dont see it will be an issue. My cousin is deaf and raised two boys

Mrs.Carlybella

Deaf does not mean incompetent-  I would absolutely use them if you know and trust them as caretakers.  I also think $2 is really kind of a horribly unfair rate to pay and would pay them the same as any other caretaker.

ljlkm

I would.  So they wouldn't be able to put her down in another room and be able to listen for her.  They'd have to have her in the same room or use a monitor that lights up or make some other accommodation.  It's not that big of a deal--there are ways to work things out. 

And, like you said, your DD would learn a little sign language.  That will come in handy when your DD wants to communicate but can't quiet make the words yet.  I'm doing a little baby sign language with DS for that exact reason. 

Mbitner

I def think it would be a great experience!  I am sure they are capable of caring for a baby!  

almariebennett

I am hearing impaired (not deaf but I also don't wear hearing aids). I just use a monitor that vibrates and has lights when DD is sleeping in another room since I would be unable to hear her cry. This works great and I certainly think I am a capable parent. I vote yes and also sounds like you should pay them a little more!

Mrs_mam

Well they have kids of their own, so obviously they are capapble of dealing with crying on some level. I'd say as long as they are safe and reliable that it would be fine. They probably have their own ways of dealing with things, and would likely be more hands on and vigilant. I agree that $2 an hour is way low, I'd at least offer $5. You don't want to get into an awkward situation with friends either so make sure you sign papers and get any agreements in writing as to hours and payment.

nat8

Mrs_mam:

Well they have kids of their own, so obviously they are capapble of dealing with crying on some level. I'd say as long as they are safe and reliable that it would be fine. They probably have their own ways of dealing with things, and would likely be more hands on and vigilant.

This. If you are okay with it then I would stop asking people what they think so their not trying to talk you out of it

evhamm

If I knew I'd be able to communicate with them, sure! 

 

lauram359

My husband is Deaf and my son doesn't sit and cry all day. ?He plays with DS reads him stories (DS is fascinated to watch him sign) and does tummy time w him. ?Deaf people are used to being deaf, its not the same as if a hearing person lost their hearing. My husband is used to being deaf and we have a vibrating video monitor. Also a HUGE plus is when my son is screaming he has much more patience since the screaming doesnt get to him as much.

deafwilliam

are you need Deaf babysitter?