New to the world of nannies...when to start looking?

[Anonymous]

We're expecting our first (twins) and are leaning towards hiring a nanny for at least the first couple of years, but are starting from scratch and don't know much about this. I have a good friend who is a professional nanny, but she lives far away and from the sounds of it, the market here is radically different. We're hoping to start care for the kids right after Labor Day. We're already on center-based care waiting lists because we understand you can't get on the lists too soon, but when do we start trying to find a nanny? I assume most experienced nannies who are currently with families won't know their availability until a couple months out, right? Any insights/perspectives on timing (or anything else, really) would be much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Another twin mom here.

Your timing for a nanny search will be perfect, because so many families will be starting kids in school and letting their nannies go.

I would suggest starting to look formally about 2 months prior to when you want someone to start. But also you can start getting the word out in neighborhood listservs and things like that beforehand. You certainly don't need to worry about it for quite a while at this point.

Do think about joining your local parents of multiples club though - they're immensely helpful in so many ways before and after you have the kids.

Congratulations!

(By the way - I think a nanny is a really great option with twins. It isn't much more expensive than daycare and the added benefits for you of not having to pack food, stay home anytime a child is sick, having a little help w/ all the babies' stuff, etc... is huge. Especially if you find a nanny w/ multiples experience - which really isn't hard to do in this area.)

[Anonymous]

"New to the world of nannies." Stupid remark. God help the poor soul who works for you!