My SIL has 2 live ins, one for their infant and then the older kids share the other nanny. They each have a half of the guest house on the back of the property. I think it's kind of extra but it seems to work for them

This is all good advice--even if some of it seems contradictory. My situation was that I had a two year old and then I was on bedrest with twins for the last 10-11 weeks of pg. I also had a broken foot. I ended up with two "nannies" (one was started as a 24/7 "baby nurse") for much of the baby twins first 7-8 months because broken foot never healed, and I also had post-partum depression that began around week 8 after their birth. It all worked out, and we always felt lucky that we could "throw money" to help solve all these problems.

So try to figure out what you want most help with, and be prepared to be flexible when things change along the way. Best of luck

I would get five nannies and a housekeeper if money were no object. Is this a real question? Of course it’s better to have more people to do more.

Yes. My second baby was a screamer and my then two-year-old had a major problem getting startled by the baby’s squeals. My mom was here and she’d take the baby while our nanny took my son to his usual haunts outside the house. He still got his cuddle time after nap and books before. Having my mom here really made the transition smoother and gave my toddler some space to come around (and he has). Like a PP said, my mom was basically the second and temporary nanny for three months.

Now at seven months and 2.5, nanny effortlessly handles both together.

Anonymous wrote:I would start by talking to the current nanny and getting her thoughts. I can see advantages, for sure. I am not a big believer in changing too many things at one time for a child. I could see a part-time sitter to help but maybe not a second nanny. Might that be a good balance?

+1 You should defer to your nanny’s preference, assuming she’s experienced with the second child transition. Mine had me hire a part-time mother’s helper (someone she could easily manage without conflict) who assisted with both child care and household chores. It worked out really well.

Yes! Seriously, what’s the harm? It’s an extra set of hands leading to a smoother adjustment for your toddler. I truly don’t get the push-back here. I’ve known families who get a nanny for each kid. This is three months!

Get the help, OP, since you won’t really have maternity leave and relax.