Need a nanny for August to November - look informally or go through an agency?

[Anonymous]

Our baby starts daycare in November at my office. Need a nanny 3-4 days per week, August until November. Will likely use my paid parent leave for the other 1-2 days per week.

Also, there's another family in our neighborhood potentially interested in a nanny share. They are on a similar timeframe, also looking for care 3 days/week.

What's the best way to handle this? We've never done a nanny before.

[Anonymous]

It depends if you want to do the legwork or not and how much you value time vs money. If you have the time and attention to filter down candidates, do phone screens, interviews, trial days, references, background checks, a work agreement, etc then you can search Facebook or care.com. If you prefer to just have vetted candidates handed to you, you can use an agency.

[Anonymous]

Shares are bad for babies.
- former share nanny

[Anonymous]

Share with two infants for 3 days a week from August to November sounds like a huge headache for the nanny and not a job that would attract good candidates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shares are bad for babies.
- former share nanny

OP here: why? I appreciate your honest feedback!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Share with two infants for 3 days a week from August to November sounds like a huge headache for the nanny and not a job that would attract good candidates.

What if it’s $40/hour? Happy to pay good money, especially if we are splitting with another family down the street.

[Anonymous]

If it's a temporary job pay higher to the nanny.
Be fair

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Share with two infants for 3 days a week from August to November sounds like a huge headache for the nanny and not a job that would attract good candidates.

What if it’s $40/hour? Happy to pay good money, especially if we are splitting with another family down the street.

I'm not the pp you quoted, but is the other family also only planning on the share through November, or do they want something more permanent?
There are just so many negatives about this position. Most nannies would prefer just the standard Mon-Friday, guaranteed full time hours (during typical working hours like 9-5 ish) etc.
Your position isn't full time
it's not long term--unless they already know of an upcoming position that starts in November, they will need to start the job search again in just a few months. And November isn't a great time to start a new job search. It's not the start of a school year, it's right before the holidays, etc.
Shares are a PITA

I think you could possibly get someone who is "desperate" for work, but they will be job hunting/interviewing on that day you don't need them and will drop you the second they find something better.

[Anonymous]

I would just do a normal, full-time nanny schedule 5 days a week even if you don't think you need it. You will love having an extra day as a break for yourself or time to get household chores or extra work done.

We tried to do part-time weird hours and it doesn't attract the best candidates.

I have had friends who loved nanny shares, FWIW, but I personally would have hated it. I don't even like talking logistics with my spouse. That's a lot of admin management.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Our nanny is looking for a part time position while we fill the gap between my 2 year old going to "school" and our next baby being born around Thanksgiving. What neighborhood are you in? We would consider having her the other 1-2 days per week just to guarantee her 5 day week.

Anonymous wrote:Our baby starts daycare in November at my office. Need a nanny 3-4 days per week, August until November. Will likely use my paid parent leave for the other 1-2 days per week.

Also, there's another family in our neighborhood potentially interested in a nanny share. They are on a similar timeframe, also looking for care 3 days/week.

What's the best way to handle this? We've never done a nanny before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

Our nanny is looking for a part time position while we fill the gap between my 2 year old going to "school" and our next baby being born around Thanksgiving. What neighborhood are you in? We would consider having her the other 1-2 days per week just to guarantee her 5 day week.

We are near Glover Park in DC. Is that convenient to you? If so, do you have a junk email you can post here so I can discuss further? Thanks!