Thinking about a nanny but not sure where to start...

cja06

We have 2 boys (2 and 5) and recently moved to a new state. They are currently in a center. They've both been in centers all their lives. Our last center was amazing and we were so sad to be moving away from it. The new center is not in a convenient location and we're aren't loving the "curriculum" (or lack thereof).

I just got a promotion which will require me to travel more, but I would work from home when I am not traveling. It also came with a hefty raise.

We've searched all the local centers. Most in our area won't take kids under 3 (my youngest just turned 2 yesterday), and those that do have a year-long wait list. I have exhausted our options for centers and there are no other options until next September.

So we are thinking about a nanny. I know it will cost more overall, but I am just trying to wrap my head around the process and logistically how it would work. It's one thing to pay for a nanny, but I feel I will also need to pay for memberships to museums, zoo, activities and then probably pre-K for my oldest who doesn't start kindergarten until next fall. Then logistically how would it work with me working from home and having the kids around?

I'm overwhelmed with where to start and if this is even the right choice for us.

Any experienced moms with a nanny please help me assess what to do! We live in the Philly suburbs now if that makes a difference. I am expecting to pay minimally $12-15 per hour for a nanny.   

cja06

P.S. I haven't been on in a long time and we are no longer expecting #3.

jeffsjayme

No advice here, but I wanted to say sorry for your loss.

emberlee3

I recently hired a nanny for DD (actually, a nanny share).  DS has always been in a center.  For a lot of reasons, we decided a nanny was best for DD.

After much debate, we decided to keep DS in full-time preschool.  The nanny is available for back-up care.  If I did not love DS's school, I would sign him up for a (very) part-time PDO or preschool and keep him home with the nanny the rest of the time.  It is expensive, but it is only for 2 years, since DS will start kindergarten at age 5. 

We have an open floor plan, and I don't think I could work from home with the kids at home.  My job is not really conducive to WAH, though.

Since DD and the other baby are very small, we are not worried about excursions yet.  Most people I know with nannies do have zoo memberships and museum memberships.  You also have to factor in reimbursement for mileage unless the nanny will be using your vehicle.  

Despite the added expense, I love having a nanny and I'm hoping to convince DH that we will need one until DD is in kindergarten.

Strunella

We've had a nanny since DS was 3 months old and I can't imagine life without her.  You can't beat the convenience--no food prep or packing bags for DC every night, no trying to get everyone out the door in the morning, no kid laundry.  She makes my life a heck of a lot easier.  She also does light housekeeping...empties dishwasher, vacuums, sweeps kitchen, folds laundry while DS is napping.

Now that DS is a toddler, we are just starting to get him involved in classes.  Thus far, our nanny has been able to walk into town (library, shops, restaurants, etc.) or to our local park.  But with winter coming and outside activities limited, we've decided to have her take him to Gymboree classes and story time at the library.  She's also set some playdates up, so I don't think all of the activities have to cost $$.   This is new for us--having someone drive DS other than us--but I'm ok with it.  We also had to buy another car seat as we only had one in my car.

Up until a week ago, I worked from home two days a week.  I've never had a problem being home with DS.  He's out most of the morning with the nanny (weather permitting), comes home for lunch, naps, and then they're usually out in the afternoon.  He'll come in the bedroom where I work to say hi or to give me a hug/kiss, but then he's off running with the nanny.  In fact, the only time I even close the door is when I have to make a phone call. 

Your price range sounds appropriate, so you should be able to find someone who is experienced and a good fit for your family.

cindybaf

From my experience, having a nanny costs about the same or less than daycare centers for two kids. Just how I've priced it out in my area. I've had nannies since dd1 was born. My job just doesn't allow for calling in sick. And dh has a job that can entail travel. You can get museum passes from a library, join free meetup groups for play dates, and find other ways to do fun things for free. Honestly though, if I was working from home i would prefer dropping the kids off at a daycare. I can not even hear myself think when my lo's are in the house. Anyway if you want to get one, then start interviewing and search sites like care.com.

emilyec1

Sounds like going with a nanny would be a great option for your family. There are nanny referral services that do the screening and help orchestrate the interview process for you. This is a more expensive option but will likely deliver higher-quality nannies. Care.com and Sittercity.com are good options too but not as many experienced nannies on there, although definitely worth looking into. Nanny taxes are a pain, so if you have some extra cash to devote to it, we use Breedlove, which does all the tax prep for you. I pay $13 an hour for a nanny to take care if our infant twins. It sounds like your hourly rate is very reasonable; I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a nanny who is a great fit with your famly. Best of luck.  

LeahCK

Start with Sittercity.com. They have a lot of great information and you can just browse some local nannies and get a feel.