Question re. nanny w/ second baby on the way

DahliaFlower · November 2014

Hi Ladies,

A brief intro and a few questions.. I am a FT working mom with long / irregular hours. We have a FT nanny for DS, who has been with us since he was about 9 weeks old. We are expecting a new baby in June '15. We would definitely like to keep our nanny for both babies, as we have been totally happy with her. I am planning to take a shorter maternity leave this time around, probably about 6-7 weeks if all goes well.

My questions are:

1) How much of a raise would you give your nanny for care of a second child (newborn)? DS would be about 20 months at that time.

2) Did you / would you keep your nanny on FT for the duration of your maternity leave or would you offer her a modified schedule? I am not really sure I would need her full time, but obviously she is depending on that income.

It may be a bit of a financial strain to keep her working full time while I am off for 6-7 weeks (my disability will not come close to covering my lost income), which is why I ask this question. Also, I do want that time time bond with my newborn and with DS, as well. I love having her help, but at the same time, I really want to be a full time mommy while on maternity leave.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

TheBorg7of9 · November 2014

I understand the inclination to be a 'full time' mom during maternity leave, but taking care of a newborn and a toddler kicked my ass. You could always let her leave a little early on a good day, but I personally would plan on having my nanny there full time to help if you can. You could also use her to watch one kid while you have one on one time with the other. iRegarding pay, I increase the pay by $2 an hour for each additional child.

VOR · November 2014

TheBorg7of9 said:

I understand the inclination to be a 'full time' mom during maternity leave, but taking care of a newborn and a toddler kicked my ass. You could always let her leave a little early on a good day, but I personally would plan on having my nanny there full time to help if you can. You could also use her to watch one kid while you have one on one time with the other.

This, 100%. Use those 6 - 7 weeks to spend time /w your newborn. You'll have PLENTY of time to "bond as a family" later. Don't try to "do it all".

Plus, in this time of upheaval for your DS - he could probably benefit from having normalcy, his regular routine.

Yes, spend SOME time w /both kids - like borg said, perhaps let her leave early a couple days.

But I also agree- pay her her full rate. Its your choice to have another child. Not hers. It should be on you to take the financial hit. If you put the financial hit on her, you might lose her.

djm31012 · November 2014

I cant speak in regards to pay because we use a daycare and nanny pay really differs depending where you live. But what I would suggest for your maternity leave if you can afford it is to keep her on a full time basis. Maybe have her clean or do laundry and work modified hrs, but you should continue to pay her and use her so you dont lose her. Plus there will be days it will be good for her to watch either child so you can have one on one time with the other, or even run out yourself for a break.

PSU_Texan · November 2014

I agree with all PP. I kept my nanny during 2nd maternity leave and it was awesome. I would dip into some savings if you have to in order to keep her pay whole and keep her happy. What you would hate to do is find a new nanny with a 6 week old. As to pay, I think I increased 1-2/hour.

DahliaFlower · November 2014

Thanks Ladies for all the great responses!

I agree with most every thing that has been said, and I guess I am coming to the conclusion that I may need the help for my own sanity and in order to keep my son's routines fairly regular. I appreciate that taking maternity leave with a toddler at home is very different from what I experienced the first time and I guess it makes sense to prepare for that by having her help me.

I will definitely talk to her and see what she proposes as well, both in terms of the transitional time and for pay after the new baby is born.

Thanks again for everyone's insights.

MommyAtty · November 2014

Mine are 21 mos apart. While you may not need her full time, I highly recommend you have someone at least half time. Your toddler will be adjusting to the new baby, which means a little clinginess is to be expected, and the new baby absolutely will not respect the toddler's seniority status, much to the toddler's frustration. However much help you expect to need, double it.

Mine transitioned really well, but I still could have used more help than I had.

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