Figuring out PT nanny schedule: how does toddler's nap schedule change?

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a part-time afternoon nanny from the hours of 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. for DC who is 18 months old. I set the schedule so that the start time would be about 1/2 hour before DC wakes up from his one nap to 1/2 hour after the nanny would put him to bed at night. I know to expect DC's sleep schedule to change as he gets older and would like some thoughts on what to expect. He presently naps about 2 hours starting at noon then goes to bed at 7 p.m. Will his nap get pushed later, and shorten, and how much? Like a 1 hour nap at 1 p.m.? Will his bedtime get later and starting at what age? Reason for my questions is I am wondering whether it makes sense to find a nanny who has some flexibility in her schedule so she can maybe start an hour sooner once DC's nap gets pushed later. TIA

[Anonymous]

My 18 month old sleeps about 1-3:30. My other kids kept their same nap schedule until they were close to 3, except that I had to shorten them or they wouldn't go to bed at night.

3 of my 4 were done napping regularly by 3 (4th still naps; see above), and do an hour of quiet time, which you can schedule however.

[Anonymous]

He will probably nap from 1-3 shortly. Kids are all different but I would say most kids drop the nap between age 3-4. Bedtime starts getting later and then they drop the nap and its earlier again .what time do you work until? Is the Nanny doing bedtime five nights a week? Bedtime reading and snuggles is the fav part if my day. Why don't you have nanny do dinner and bath/jammies then u do the bedtime?

[Anonymous]

Your son will want to see you before he goes to sleep and as he gets older, it will be more and more difficult to get him down before nanny is off. Why are you outsourcing five bedtimes a week? Have her do all the work and you come home to a clean toddler who's ready for one last story or song. Everyone will be so much happier, including your nanny.

[Anonymous]

If you wanted to base my schedule solely off your child's nap schedule and change it when DC's nap changed, I would see you as cheap and be afraid you were going to nickel and dime me and be upset if I had any down time. This would be a red flag for me. I say set the schedule that you want that will work with your needs for the long term. Nanny can do laundry, clean up from their activities, prep food for child, organize toys, etc. while your child is napping. And I agree with the other posters in my shock that you don't want to see your child at all before (s)he goes to bed. That would also be a red flag for me as I want our parenting philosophies to be similar and someone who doesn't want to spend time with their child does not have the same parenting values that I do. That one is pretty basic.