Nanny share with multiple kids?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering is it normal to have one nanny do a share with more than three kids at a time? Some would be infants. Mine is an infant. One is 2. Please let me know if this should be considered, with a very experienced nanny. I was thinking it is a lot to have 4 at a time.

[Anonymous]

Depending on the area that may be against the rules. As for whether it is a good idea it would depend on the nanny, the families, the ages of the kids and the location and layout of the house.

If it was, e.g., 3 kids between 2-3 and one infant, I could see it working but the infant's am nap would probably be compromised. But you would need a house with one thoroughly babyproofed playroomroom, a babyproofed kitchen were the kids could play together while she assembled meals and either a kid-friendly, fenced-in yard or a good tot lot within walking distance of the house.

I would ask the nanny how she plans to handle it. If she is qualified then she should have a good enough grasp of developmental stages to explain exactly how they would spend their time. Also, is this an infant who already exists or are you still pregnant? Because every infant is different and a reflux-prone or colicy baby would not be a good fit for this.

[Anonymous]

It's 3 infants 1 2 year old, or maybe 2 infants and a one and a two year old.

I thought this sounds like too many but we did really like her. Not sure what to do.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't want only one person in charge of four children that age.

The care would be very compromised no matter the level of experience of the person in charge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's 3 infants 1 2 year old, or maybe 2 infants and a one and a two year old.

I thought this sounds like too many but we did really like her. Not sure what to do.

I've done twins several times over and have cared for 5 kids, but either of those age sets would be a complete nonstarter for me. Can I ask why you are looking at this share? Does she already have two families and is adding more, or is she already your nanny and you are oregnant with another kid? What's the karger situation here?

[Anonymous]

Thanks - the issue is we need part time care. She was one of the few open to that. She has a 2 year old from her prior group, and is filling in gaps with another part time child, but like most she prioritized offers for full time and wants to have infants to start. I've been trying to keep track of which days had fewest kids so we could maintain 3:1 ratio ourselves, but she keeps accepting more clients and said can't keep that ratio. We liked her and had intended to start this week so this sets is back to square one. The other parents don't seem to be concerned I guess...I've mostly only talked to those with the older kids (2 and 1 year old). Part time high level (experienced) care has been a challenge!

[Anonymous]

hold on-- is this a nanny share or a daycare? Is the care being provided in your home or the nanny's home?
I'm confused by the nanny saying she could accept more clients.
Typically a nanny share is in your home or the person you are sharing the nanny with. It is typically unregulated care- just a private agreement between the invididuals and you and the other family are jointly employing the nanny.
A home daycare is in the nanny's home. Some jurisdictions (ex Arlington) require a permit for any daycare that is in the provider's home. If that is what is going on- she is not a nanny share, she is an illegal daycare.
Yes- 3 infants to one adult plus another toddler is way too many.

[Anonymous]

Yes that's what I'm thinking, it's kind of more like a daycare. It is pitched as a nanny share though. She used to give care in a parents house till lately but they can't host anymore so she moved to her own house. We aren't going to go with her, we have decided. We are in DC I have a feeling this might be yes unregulated and not legal but maybe common? Not sure. ?

[Anonymous]

I recommend checking out the laws/regs regarding home day cares, because that's what this is, an unregulated home day care. I would not leave my baby in an unregulated home day care if I had a choice.

This is odd. I wouldn't pay nanny share rates for what sounds like an overcrowded day care situation.

This sounds weird, especially because it's going to be in her house. I hope you inspect the baby-proofing very carefully before you drop off baby.

[Anonymous]

I've been seeing more and more unlicensed home daycares advertising themselves as nanny shares; parents should educate themselves on the differences between the two both in cost and what they provide.

[Anonymous]

So how many home daycares in DC are unlicensed? Is it the norm or are most licensed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So how many home daycares in DC are unlicensed? Is it the norm or are most licensed?

The norm for quality and safe care is licensed. There are many unlicensed home daycares, i would not go unlicensed.

[Anonymous]

I am in a nanny share right now but it is not a good situation. I got into it due to having very limited choices but we do love the nanny.

We are in the share with one other family. They have 3 kids: 1.5, 3.5, and 6 and I have a 1.5 year old. The care is usually at their home. Honestly, the other mother micro-manages, underpays, and is disrespectful to the nanny and to me. It's become a very stressful situation and we are actually trying to find a way out. A more optimal nanny-share for me would be to have 1 other child come to my home and then when my child goes to preschool next year part-time and I hopefully have #2, she will care for 3 but only 2 full time but that is the MAX.

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of nannies do 3 kids, but having a 4 month old I feel like 3 kids is a LOT if they're all 4 months old.