What are your plans for child care?
My bf/coworker is due in July and we have casually discussed a nanny-share situation. We aren't 100% set on this. I work more than full time but DH works regular 9-5 hours, so we can (in theory) do day care or nanny (shared or not shared).
What are your plans? Have you priced them out?
Re: Curious - For Moms Who Will Work
We're also looking into m-f daycare. It's about 1200-1500 a month. Which pretty much means cutting back our monthly savings to practically nothing. Ugh.
Avery Corinne - Born 7/9/10 at 37w2d
My friend does a nanny share with her neighbor and she loves it, it costs her about $800 a month--and the neighbor also pays $800 for her kid ( the cost of my FT daycare slot for an infant is $800) and she pays extra for the nanny to stay late, work weekends if needed or do things like laundry or clean house.
She likes it because she doesn't have to pack up a baby in the morning which is a huge time saver.
On the other hand, the poor nanny only makes $1600 a month.
Oh...and you have to also pay into social security and taxes for the nanny and think about providing health insurance, if needed as well.
I'm a nanny and rates obviously depend upon your area, but $1600 is low IMO. Especially if she is also paying taxes. (Many nannies get paid cash) Nanny taxes can be really expensive for both the family and nanny!
I'm planning to stay home, but I am a nanny so I of course vote for that! If you can afford it, it can really be worth the extra money having someone come to your home. The baby will get sick WAY less and have 1 on 1 attention all day, every day. Most nannies do light housework, too which is an added bonus! A nanny share option is good especially if you both will only have 1 baby, because it's still a great ratio of children to nanny. And it can be way less expensive! Although if you work full-time and so does your friend, somebody would have to shuttle their baby and all their stuff to each other's house every day.
Prices vary by location obviously, but around here starting salary of $10-$12/hr is common for someone with some experience and in nicer areas more experienced nannies get paid more - around $15/hr. As the PP mentioned, taxes should also be considered. With daycare I believe you get a tax break, but you don't with a nanny. You actually have to be a registered employer and pay into SS, etc. and she will have to pay as well. (Many people I know get paid cash to avoid this)