For food specifically, we had the nanny in our share shop for (pre-covid) or order groceries for both kids and the parents split the cost. She actually had an account on my iPad since we hosted where she could order from Prime Now or Harris Teeter and just use my credit card. Anything she bought in person, she kept the receipt and we just paid her the amount that day via venmo.

When we did it..each family provided their own items. Though they used our packnplay for naps since we had one and they had a double stroller to contribute. They supplied food, bottles and diapers for their child. We did the bags (never really considered that as a thing). Toys were just what we already had. I think he had a booster rather than a second high chair which was good space wise.

I would probably have the other family just pack a lunch/snacks. They probably have different food idea then you and you won't have to think about extra shopping etc. Oh no...we are out of Larla's organic veggies drops only sold at that store we never shop at. Can she just have goldfish tomorrow?

Thanks everyone! What I meant by diaper bags were the trash bags....those are expensive! We provide all of the toys, baby proofing, and we split the double stroller. We will share the responsibility of buying food (shift turns). The babies will eat together so we need another high chair. I will ask the other family if they have one. We've been doing great with them and the nanny, I don't want to step out of line.

Individual items provided by each family: high chair, sleeping place, bottles, formula/bm, diapers/underwear and wipes, car seat

Joint items: double stroller, food (may be individual, especially if there are allergies or one family wants their child eating spices early)

Use of host items: books, toys, baby proofing, dishes, potty chair (nanny may ask for individual potty chairs, to train simultaneously), bibs, toilet paper, floor mat (if applicable)

I would not automatically take on those costs. Some people prefer to host a nanny share, some prefer not to (I don’t like hosting, as long as the share is near us). I would make a list of things you need and then ask the other family how they would like to handle. They may even just have extras of stuff to send to your house. It nay also be easy to acquire most of it cheaply via list serves. Or you could just split costs.

Anonymous wrote:I am hosting a nanny share. I feel like I need to pay for toys, diaper bags, and whatever the nanny needs during the day. In return, I get the convenience of not driving my baby to someone else's house and back home every day. The babies are turning into toddlers and we need to start feeding them lunch. We agreed to split the cost of food. Do I need to pay for and buy the other baby's high chair?

Ignore the previous poster - nanny share is a very smart childcare option during the pandemic.

I have been both the traveling family and the host family (currently host). There are pros and cons to both, so I don’t think you “owe” the other family things like diapers. In both my shares, the host family provided anything the kids would both use, and that you’d probably have anyway. So - toys, child proofing equipment, baby dishes, etc. Stuff that gets used up, like diapers, wipes, formula and food, each family brought their own for their own baby. Things that were very specifically for the other baby (like the pack n play for naps) we’re provided by her parents. We split the cost of a double stroller - that’s the only thing owned jointly.

So - for a high chair. If the babies will share one (that’s the case in our share, as they’re on slightly different schedules), they should use yours that you buy and provide. If they will eat at the same time and need a second one, it’s be great if you had like a little travel one the other could use. But if one needs to be purchased, the other family should do so.

I think it is reasonable for the other family to provide their own highchair.

Why are you having a nanny share during Covid?

I am hosting a nanny share. I feel like I need to pay for toys, diaper bags, and whatever the nanny needs during the day. In return, I get the convenience of not driving my baby to someone else's house and back home every day. The babies are turning into toddlers and we need to start feeding them lunch. We agreed to split the cost of food. Do I need to pay for and buy the other baby's high chair?