Do I pay nanny full rate for overnight (sleeping only) hours?

[Anonymous]

Curious as to whether the norm is to pay a nanny her full hourly rate when she stays overnight and the child is sleeping? I know in other jobs, there are reduced rates during "sleeping time," but wasn't sure what the norm was.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Yes, most nannies earn reduced rates for hours in which the children are sleeping, provided that they are sleeping through the night. The most common formula in DC is to pay the nanny or sitter her regular rate during hours in which the children area awake and then to pay a flat stipend of $50-$100 for the hours when the children sleep. I have also had sitters request their regular rate for hours when the children are awake plus half the regular rate for hours when the children are sleeping.

There are alternatives. If the nanny is working at least 24 consecutive hours, federal labor law allows you to pay regular rates for 16 hours and then nothing for up to 8 hours of sleep time per 24 hour period, provided that the nanny is provided with reasonable sleep accommodations and can sleep for at least five of those hours.

If you are hiring someone to stay up throughout the night to monitor and feed a newborn, expect to pay a premium over and above the nanny's regular rate, with time and a half after 40 hours in a week. Also keep in mind that night nannies or newborn nurses who specialize in overnights typically earn more per hour than regular daytime nannies, largely because no one really loves staying awake all night. You may be able to pay regular nanny rates if the night-shift nanny has a bed and can sleep in between nighttime feedings.

[Anonymous]

If you want to pay the nanny 'nothing' for sleep time (according to PP) then don't expect your nanny to stay over night!

[Anonymous]

Yes, most nannies earn reduced rates for hours in which the children are sleeping, provided that they are sleeping through the night. The most common formula in DC is to pay the nanny or sitter her regular rate during hours in which the children area awake and then to pay a flat stipend of $50-$100 for the hours when the children sleep. I have also had sitters request their regular rate for hours when the children are awake plus half the regular rate for hours when the children are sleeping.

There are alternatives. If the nanny is working at least 24 consecutive hours, federal labor law allows you to pay regular rates for 16 hours and then nothing for up to 8 hours of sleep time per 24 hour period, provided that the nanny is provided with reasonable sleep accommodations and can sleep for at least five of those hours.

If you are hiring someone to stay up throughout the night to monitor and feed a newborn, expect to pay a premium over and above the nanny's regular rate, with time and a half after 40 hours in a week. Also keep in mind that night nannies or newborn nurses who specialize in overnights typically earn more per hour than regular daytime nannies, largely because no one really loves staying awake all night. You may be able to pay regular nanny rates if the night-shift nanny has a bed and can sleep in between nighttime feedings.

This poster is correct.

[Anonymous]

We pay our sitter her hourly rate for the hours the kids are awake and she is "on". She charges an overnight rate of $50 in addition to the hourly.

When we go on trips, usually 2 or 3 night trips, we pay her a stipend of $150 a day. This works out for her, because she already has a full time job, and this gives her quite a bit of extra money vs. picking up small babysitting jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to pay the nanny 'nothing' for sleep time (according to PP) then don't expect your nanny to stay over night!

This poster is correct. Although I'm sure you can always find someone who just needs to place to crash for the night. GL.

[Anonymous]

I usually charge a base rate for "sleeping" time, that is $50 for 8 hours of sleeping time. Then the regular rate during awake hours. If it is just for sleeping and no daytime hours I will usually charge a little more ($75).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually charge a base rate for "sleeping" time, that is $50 for 8 hours of sleeping time. Then the regular rate during awake hours. If it is just for sleeping and no daytime hours I will usually charge a little more ($75).

+1

I charge less for an overnight if there are daytime hours being paid on either side than I do for only an overnight job, but virtually all nannies expect a reduced rate for overnights when children sleep through the night. Now, if we're talking about a two-month-old who'll be up every couple of hours, I'd expect my regular rate for each hour because I'll be getting no quality sleep.

[webbkathy]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, most nannies earn reduced rates for hours in which the children are sleeping, provided that they are sleeping through the night. The most common formula in DC is to pay the nanny or sitter her regular rate during hours in which the children area awake and then to pay a flat stipend of $50-$100 for the hours when the children sleep. I have also had sitters request their regular rate for hours when the children are awake plus half the regular rate for hours when the children are sleeping.

There are alternatives. If the nanny is working at least 24 consecutive hours, federal labor law allows you to pay regular rates for 16 hours and then nothing for up to 8 hours of sleep time per 24 hour period, provided that the nanny is provided with reasonable sleep accommodations and can sleep for at least five of those hours.

If you are hiring someone to stay up throughout the night to monitor and feed a newborn, expect to pay a premium over and above the nanny's regular rate, with time and a half after 40 hours in a week. Also keep in mind that night nannies or newborn nurses who specialize in overnights typically earn more per hour than regular daytime nannies, largely because no one really loves staying awake all night. You may be able to pay regular nanny rates if the night-shift nanny has a bed and can sleep in between nighttime feedings.

+1 excellent explanation.

I will note that in MD and for all live out nannies OT kicks in after 40 hours.

[Anonymous]

shouldn't be less than $100 per sleeping hours.