What do you wish you had done differently with your nanny or nannyshare?

[BrooklandParent]

First time mom here. We are in the process of setting up a nannyshare. What do you wish you had put into the contract? What do you wish you had done differently with the other family? If you had to do it all over, what would you do differently?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Anonymous]

I'm the Nanny Placement Coordinator at Coast to Coast nannies and have placed many, many nanny shares. Happy to chat about this if you want to email me- [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the Nanny Placement Coordinator at Coast to Coast nannies and have placed many, many nanny shares. Happy to chat about this if you want to email me- [e-mail]

It sounds like they're already matched with another family, and they may or may not have a nanny yet.

OP:
location, basic schedule, what happens if non-hosting family needs longer sometimes (can the child and nanny stay at hosting house or should nanny take the child to their home to wait for the parents)
dual supplies (like a double stroller), who purchases?
space for supplies in host home, what supplies non-host should family keep stocked
whether food will be shared during weaning/toddler eating
allergies and/or food preferences (like vegetarian)
budget for classes, minimum outdoor time, covid exposure levels you're willing to risk
discipline, education through play, and any other preferences that could make or break the share
vacation, sick policy (for kids and nanny)
covid, weather clauses for nanny
trial length, how much notice is required when the share ends
expected duration (1 year, until pre-k 3, until pre-k 4, until kindergarten)

[Anonymous]

I’ve been in two nanny shares. One meh, one amazing that lasted over a year. Lessons from along the way:

1) The host family has to be comfortable really opening their home. Yes, at times it will feel like a daycare. Yes, you’ll need to find places for the other baby’s diapers and wipes around your home. Yes, the other baby needs a shelf or drawer in your kitchen for their bottles, bibs, etc. It takes a certain personality, but if you’re up for it, it’s great.
2) Make a plan for snow days and sick days in advance. When will you cancel for snow? How ill does a kid have to be to stay home? What happens if it’s the host kid that’s sick? You don’t want to be figuring this out over text in the morning.
3) Have separate rooms for the babies to sleep if they’re under 18 months or so. One BIG advantage of a nanny is good sleep in a quiet room - prioritize this. Maybe set up the visiting baby’s pack n play in the parents’ room?