New mom needs childcare advice
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Anonymous
Hi 
We just had our first baby one month ago and, after helping since day one, my MIL is about to pack up and head back home out of state. We have no other family nearby and I would like to know how one would normally check out/hire a babysitter/nanny. I am hoping to do a share (where I take the morning shift) or find someone who is available part-time and would be willing to come to my home in Bethesda (off several bus lines) at about 6 or 7 am to take over with the baby so I can go to sleep for a few hours. Background: I am very skittish about having anyone take care of my newborn, probably since my younger brother, (now in his 20's) was physically abused and traumatized by his babysitter at an in home daycare (He was 4 and I was 12 at the time) which led to many issues for my brother and our family that I won't depress you with here. For my brother's privacy, I don't let everybody know about this so it limits the circle of friends I can share this info with. I am highly anxious about this but I can't do it all by myself during the day since my little one is high-maintanence and wants to be held almost constantly. (Please let this be a phase! -- I am trying not to subscribe to the cry it out philosophy.) I will be working from home 15 hrs a week at some point in a few months but for now I am off of work but I still can't handle it all! Is is possible to find someone who can come to my home at about 6 or 7 am monday-friday, let themselves in, wait for the little one to wake up and me to hand him off and stay until about 11 a.m.? Light housekeeping would be nice but is not a requirement. What would something like this cost in Bethesda and what benefits would someone who does this expect from us? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I'm not sure about the average right in that area but because it's only going to be around 15 an hour, you might have to pay a wee bit higher to make the part time job worth it to a good employee. Also, many nannies/child-care providers find it more stressful under the eye of the parent so that's another reason why you may have to offer a desirable rate. Nothing to out of bounds.
Hope you find what you're looking for! |
Anonymous
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you might be able to find someone for a nanny split, which is what your are describing. You'd use the nanny in the morning, the other family would use her in the afternoon.
As an aside, your baby might be reacting to your high anxiety. I say this gently -- try to relax a little. If your baby wants to be held, look into a sling where you can wear the baby. |
Anonymous
| What about a baby nurse? They cost more, but you may feel better with someone like that. We have found the pt pool of applicants is not great right now... |
nannydebsays
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A newborn care specialist (cares for baby and helps new parents get used to their new responsibilities) or a postpartum doula ("mothers" the new mom and helps out with duties around the house and with infant care) might be good fits for you. Experienced NCS or PD are more costly than a sitter, but they might bridge the gap for you while you seek out someone more long term.
As far as a sitter or nanny are concerned, you might have better luck finding someone if you've found a fellow parent who needs care at opposite times from you, making the job more like a FT position. Are there any families from your pre-baby classes that you are friendly with? Parents in your Pediatricians practice? You might also look into hiring a "grandma" type, as long as she has current childcare experience. A retiree wanting to supplement her income would be a good fit if she was up-to-speed on the changes in infant care since her day.
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Anonymous
+1 |