Babysitting/Nanny rates?
Baer is only 5 weeks old, but as many of you know, is extremely colicky. Some days are better than others, but DH and I are often on the verge of losing our minds with the constant screaming. It's heart wrenching to see the little guy in pain.
We were thinking it might be good for our sanity to hire someone to watch Baer 3-4 hours a day a couple days per week just so that we can get out of the house and take a breather. I don't go back to work until March, so this is just a temporary solution.
I don't have many friends in Los Angeles with kids, so it's been hard to compare babysitter/nanny rates here in LA - I figured I'd ask you guys what the going rate is for a sitter or nanny in Atlanta and then I can kind of adjust it based on the fact that the cost of living is higher in Los Angeles. So, anyone willing to share? The little info I'm getting is that the going rates in LA are anywhere from $12-$25/hr.
The wife of a friend of mine has offered to keep Baer and I want the rate to be fair for both of us. I love this woman and totally trust her. She's college educated, speaks English, drives, and is getting certified in infant CPR. She knows Baer and knows how fussy he is... I want to make it worth her while to keep him, but I don't want to pay so much that we can't afford to go out and leave him home 
Any input?
Thanks, ladies!
Re: Babysitting/Nanny rates?
For my high school student babysitters, I pay $10/hour for both kids when they're in bed asleep and the only thing the sitter has to do is watch the monitors.
For college-age sitters, I pay $12/hour if the kids are sleeping and $15/hour if they aren't.
We only use our full time nanny. She already works 5 days a week for us 930-530 but she has nights available sometimes. email if you want her info. shes cheaper than $15/hr
georgia dot baker at gmail dot com