FTM, Hiring a Nanny - Advice?

[Anonymous]

First time mom, childcare arrangement just fell through, in search for a nanny to start in about 4 - 6 weeks. First time employing anyone to work in the home.

Some things I am wondering:

* Prices seem all over the map for care. I had assumed the cost for a newborn (8 weeks) would be high, but I see some people paying $17 for 2 kids, while others are paying $30 for one. I was planning to comp between $15 and $20 an hour. Is that fair for quality care? (I live in NW, DC).

* Are there red flags besides the obvious (background check, etc)? I really just want someone with a sweet nature who is fine with physical affection (DS is easy to soothe as long as you rock/hug him). What do you look for to see if a nanny genuinely enjoys children? I tried looking around my neighborhood during the day but most of the nannies seem surly/disinterested.

* Is it normal to schedule a playdate/meeting before hiring? (I would comp for this time as well, maybe 2 hours with the baby to see how they do.)

* Are laundry/meals/light housekeeping considered a normal part of a nanny's duty? I wasn't actually expecting any of that, but if it's standard, bonus!

* Should I give the nanny access to my car? We're metro accessible, but I may want the nanny to take the baby to doctor's occasionally.

* Are nannies ok with temporary contracts? DH is changing careers and going back to school - so this would be a limited full time contract for 3 - 6 months. We may extend but it really depends.

* My husband and I are on very different work schedules - we would generally need coverage from 12 - 6 pm, which would be a 30 hour week. What are the considerations for part time work as opposed to full time work?

* I have a very large dog (75 lbs) who is sweet natured but intimidating to people who are not dog lovers. He is also a needy goofball and constantly underfoot. Should I ask for a nanny comfortable with dogs? Or put the dog in his room during the day and hire a dog walker?

Any advice is appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First time mom, childcare arrangement just fell through, in search for a nanny to start in about 4 - 6 weeks. First time employing anyone to work in the home.

Some things I am wondering:

* Prices seem all over the map for care. I had assumed the cost for a newborn (8 weeks) would be high, but I see some people paying $17 for 2 kids, while others are paying $30 for one. I was planning to comp between $15 and $20 an hour. Is that fair for quality care? (I live in NW, DC).

* Are there red flags besides the obvious (background check, etc)? I really just want someone with a sweet nature who is fine with physical affection (DS is easy to soothe as long as you rock/hug him). What do you look for to see if a nanny genuinely enjoys children? I tried looking around my neighborhood during the day but most of the nannies seem surly/disinterested.

* Is it normal to schedule a playdate/meeting before hiring? (I would comp for this time as well, maybe 2 hours with the baby to see how they do.)

* Are laundry/meals/light housekeeping considered a normal part of a nanny's duty? I wasn't actually expecting any of that, but if it's standard, bonus!

* Should I give the nanny access to my car? We're metro accessible, but I may want the nanny to take the baby to doctor's occasionally.

* Are nannies ok with temporary contracts? DH is changing careers and going back to school - so this would be a limited full time contract for 3 - 6 months. We may extend but it really depends.

* My husband and I are on very different work schedules - we would generally need coverage from 12 - 6 pm, which would be a 30 hour week. What are the considerations for part time work as opposed to full time work?

* I have a very large dog (75 lbs) who is sweet natured but intimidating to people who are not dog lovers. He is also a needy goofball and constantly underfoot. Should I ask for a nanny comfortable with dogs? Or put the dog in his room during the day and hire a dog walker?

Any advice is appreciated!

Definitely put in your ad that you have a sweet and large dog who will follow the nanny around like, well, a puppy dog. You generally pay fewer benefits for part time. The temporary thing may be difficult. You may find it easiest to go through an agency to find someone not looking for a long time commitment. Up to you about the car. Laundry and meals and cleaning, of the baby's sure. No nanny will want to change and wash your bedding. My nanny does errands for us,and we put that in the contract. We interviewed, then had a paid working interview with the three best candidates before hiring. I pay betepween $15-20 for one baby, depending on experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First time mom, childcare arrangement just fell through, in search for a nanny to start in about 4 - 6 weeks. First time employing anyone to work in the home.

Some things I am wondering:

* Prices seem all over the map for care. I had assumed the cost for a newborn (8 weeks) would be high, but I see some people paying $17 for 2 kids, while others are paying $30 for one. I was planning to comp between $15 and $20 an hour. Is that fair for quality care? (I live in NW, DC). I say what you are offering is a fair rate for a newborn.

* Are there red flags besides the obvious (background check, etc)? I really just want someone with a sweet nature who is fine with physical affection (DS is easy to soothe as long as you rock/hug him). What do you look for to see if a nanny genuinely enjoys children? I tried looking around my neighborhood during the day but most of the nannies seem surly/disinterested. Usually you will know if a nanny truly enjoys children by the way she interacts with him or her. She will seem genuine..Not fake at all. It's just a gut instinct you will feel...Either you will feel it or you won't.

* Is it normal to schedule a playdate/meeting before hiring? (I would comp for this time as well, maybe 2 hours with the baby to see how they do.) Absolutely! I highly recommend doing this along w/having a trial period from about 2-4 wks. Chemistry is so vital in these types of situations and since an innocent child is involved, it is very important that a good match is made between ALL parties involved for this situation to work effectively.

* Are laundry/meals/light housekeeping considered a normal part of a nanny's duty? I wasn't actually expecting any of that, but if it's standard, bonus! I wouldn't say these are a "normal" part of a nanny's duty per say. The normal parts of a nanny's duty and what is expected daily would be for the nanny to wash any dishes used during her stay as well as pick up any toys and clean up any messes made as well. If you want her to do any extras such as the laundry, cooking and housework, there are some nannies that are willing to do this. However, be prepared to pay a higher rate for these services which would only be fair to them.

* Should I give the nanny access to my car? We're metro accessible, but I may want the nanny to take the baby to doctor's occasionally. Since one of the job requirements is to take the baby to the Dr.'s, then that is a nice gesture to allow the nanny access to your vehicle OP. Just make sure you include her in your insurance plan and make sure you fill up the gas tank so she doesn't have to stop at the gas station since getting gas w/an infant in the car can be quite a pain!! Lol.

* Are nannies ok with temporary contracts? DH is changing careers and going back to school - so this would be a limited full time contract for 3 - 6 months. We may extend but it really depends. Sure, I don't see why not.

* My husband and I are on very different work schedules - we would generally need coverage from 12 - 6 pm, which would be a 30 hour week. What are the considerations for part time work as opposed to full time work? Your nanny most likely will request guaranteed hours as well as some paid sick days, etc. It would be best to discuss ALL of this prior to hire to make sure everyone is on the same page.

* I have a very large dog (75 lbs) who is sweet natured but intimidating to people who are not dog lovers. He is also a needy goofball and constantly underfoot. Should I ask for a nanny comfortable with dogs? Or put the dog in his room during the day and hire a dog walker? I would most definitely mention the dog. Anyone who is not comfortable w/dogs would not be a good fit for your family considering the size of your pet! It would be unfair to lock up your pooch for 30 hrs./wk. in my opinion.

Any advice is appreciated!

[Anonymous]

It's very rate for a nanny to make $30/hour. If you heard that online it's most likely an inflated rate. Less than 1% of nannies make over $25. The rest typical make anywhere from $10 - $20 depending on experience, education, COL area, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP Here - thanks for the great advice!

@00:25 - Thanks for the response. Yes, the baby's things - I just expected them to put the bottles in the sink and throw away the diapers, but baby laundry is interesting.

@06:46 - Thanks for the trial period suggestion! And thanks on the dog advice - my pup is used to having the run of the house, so he should be a part of this process.

@10:34 - Thanks for the price check.

@

[Anonymous]

When you call their references, ask if they would hire them again, and for their weaknesses. We have found references are not always reliable, and you have to ask the right questions to get the full picture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's very rate for a nanny to make $30/hour. If you heard that online it's most likely an inflated rate. Less than 1% of nannies make over $25. The rest typical make anywhere from $10 - $20 depending on experience, education, COL area, etc.

High school kids get over 10 dollars an hour. You're crazy and you know it.

[Anonymous]

$15-17hr for one kid in NW DC is the norm.

As for light housekeeping, it is expected that the nanny would do any child related housekeeping tasks (including the child's laundry) but may not include adult housekeeping tasks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$15-17hr for one kid in NW DC is the norm.

As for light housekeeping, it is expected that the nanny would do any child related housekeeping tasks (including the child's laundry) but may not include adult housekeeping tasks.

I don't know a single professional nannies who charges only 15/hr. You must be referring to the nightmare sitters MB's are complaining about on this forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$15-17hr for one kid in NW DC is the norm.

As for light housekeeping, it is expected that the nanny would do any child related housekeeping tasks (including the child's laundry) but may not include adult housekeeping tasks.

I don't know a single professional nannies who charges only 15/hr. You must be referring to the nightmare sitters MB's are complaining about on this forum.

*nanny

[Anonymous]

Then you don't know many nannies, 9:40.

[Anonymous]

I also don't know any nannies who make $15/hr or less EXCEPT for those paid under the table.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First time mom, childcare arrangement just fell through, in search for a nanny to start in about 4 - 6 weeks. First time employing anyone to work in the home.

Some things I am wondering:

* Prices seem all over the map for care. I had assumed the cost for a newborn (8 weeks) would be high, but I see some people paying $17 for 2 kids, while others are paying $30 for one. I was planning to comp between $15 and $20 an hour. Is that fair for quality care? (I live in NW, DC).

* Are there red flags besides the obvious (background check, etc)? I really just want someone with a sweet nature who is fine with physical affection (DS is easy to soothe as long as you rock/hug him). What do you look for to see if a nanny genuinely enjoys children? I tried looking around my neighborhood during the day but most of the nannies seem surly/disinterested.

* Is it normal to schedule a playdate/meeting before hiring? (I would comp for this time as well, maybe 2 hours with the baby to see how they do.)

* Are laundry/meals/light housekeeping considered a normal part of a nanny's duty? I wasn't actually expecting any of that, but if it's standard, bonus!

* Should I give the nanny access to my car? We're metro accessible, but I may want the nanny to take the baby to doctor's occasionally.

* Are nannies ok with temporary contracts? DH is changing careers and going back to school - so this would be a limited full time contract for 3 - 6 months. We may extend but it really depends.

* My husband and I are on very different work schedules - we would generally need coverage from 12 - 6 pm, which would be a 30 hour week. What are the considerations for part time work as opposed to full time work?

* I have a very large dog (75 lbs) who is sweet natured but intimidating to people who are not dog lovers. He is also a needy goofball and constantly underfoot. Should I ask for a nanny comfortable with dogs? Or put the dog in his room during the day and hire a dog walker?

Any advice is appreciated!

I'm not going to address all your questions but a few thoughts--you do not need to have a one-year contract. We have a contract that outlines duties and benefits, but I would NOT in your contract put anything about how long you plan to keep the nanny on. You can explain during the hiring process your long term plans and uncertainties.

Between $15 and $20/hour sounds good but you will likely need to be on the high end of that for 30 hours a week.

We relied very heavily on references. Also make sure you google all references. In the last 5 years, we have hired 3 nannies. During two of those searches we had an applicant fake a reference, and these were applicants we had really liked and would have seriously considered hiring. It was scary. Talk to as many references as you possibly can.

[Anonymous]

OP: have you hired a nanny yet. I used a NW DC nanny as a babysitter since she was between families and I needed some maternity leave help. She charges 15/hr for a 40 hr week, is very sweet natured, has 4 grown kids, 4 grandkids, and took care of my baby from...8 weeks until 12 for about 3 days per week.

She does light housekeeping and likes dogs but does not like to be licked in the face. She is a native Spanish speaker and does speak, read and write English. Finally, she is legal to work in the US.

[Anonymous]

Baby laundry is definitely a standard expectation for nannies; so is general pick-up after a day at your home. Other housework is up for negotiation but is definitely less standard. Many nannies won't be amenable to that.