Infant Twins: WWYD -- Nanny or Au Pair?
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Anonymous
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We are expecting twins and have one other DC who will be 2 when the twins arrive. DC is currently attending daycare that can continue through preschool and our plan is to keep DC there and then have other childcare for the twins, either a nanny or an Au Pair. For the last few weeks I've been completely on board mentally with getting an Au Pair, however, the more threads I read here on DCUM and elsewhere have me concerned and seeking advice on this. The concerns I've read surround the maturity and experience level of 18-25 yr old Au Pairs and their ability to handle twins. The upside of an Au Pair to me is the cost savings compared to a nanny. Also, DH travels extensively for work (half the week, every week) and I figured having another adult in the house at all times would be helpful, especially in emergency situations, etc. (granted I'm aware they cannot work more than 45 hours). We have a basement for the Au Pair to live in, but I'm also not entirely sold on having a "roommate" again.
My questions are: Do you think twins add another layer of complexity that I need to consider when weighing my options? Do you think it's best to find an experienced nanny for the twins for at least the first few years, or should I give an Au Pair a try? If we did go with a nanny, what might I expect to pay for twins in (FFX suburbs)? I am slightly concerned about money and was optimistic about the cost savings of having an Au Pair (our HHI is $220K, FWIW...and just to give a complete picture of childcare costs, our DC's daycare is $1800/month). Bottom line: we are not in a position where "money is no object", because in that case I'd certainly go the nanny route and possibly a mother's helper for the evenings...but I think we do need to be money-conscious given our HHI and need to really weigh the pros/cons here. Would love any genuine advice or similar experiences you can share! Thanks! |
Anonymous
| Have you considered a live-in nanny. I think that may be a good option. |
Anonymous
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I've had both. I think you should look at getting and Extrodinaire -- they are slightly more expensive ($250/week plus more fees upfront) so long as you can swing only 45 hours.
Extrodinaires are generally professional nannies, nurses, teachers etc. and people who have what it takes. Once the twins are older a normal AP will be fine. They are available through APIA and Proaupair at least. https://www.aupairinamerica.com/options/ https://proaupair.com/ |
Anonymous
OP here. I was unaware of this option - thanks! |
Anonymous
OP here. Yes, I'm also open to this option. Is it safe to assume live-in nanny rates would fall somewhere between live-out and Au Pairs? Sorry for my ignorance...I admittedly am very early on in this process. |
Anonymous
They aren't much less than a regular nanny but the benefit would be the flexibility. Also, unlike au pairs, they will really need their own apartment/living space. Au Pairs only need a bedroom. |
Anonymous
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interview for an Au Pair, and if you don't find an awesome girl, give it up and get a nanny.
When I was pregnant with twins, I did this and it turned out great. I interviewed a few duds, but then found an awesome girl who especially loved twin babies and had babysat twins at home for several months. She was nurturing and full of energy and happiness. We clicked and I knew she was the one and she stayed with us for 2 years. I also have met some of my AP's friends over the years who babysit twins and specifically looked for twins. For some reasons, some girls are really fascinated/excited about caring for twin babies. but you have to look really hard. |
Anonymous
| This must be a troll. 2 year old and infant twins for an aipair 1) who would want this job???? 2) camaaaan |
Anonymous
OP here. If you re-read you will see that we are looking for childcare for the infant twins...not the 2 year old. |
Anonymous
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Live-out nanny for twins ~$18 per hour in FFX plus OT over 40 hrs and 2 weeks vacation and 2-5 sick days, more with more experience/knowledge.
Pros: You can get someone with lots of twin experience, no intrusion into your family life, can hire someone willing to help with other tasks like basic food prep and laundry (not a given but you could look for it), you can interview in person. Cons: expensive Live-in nanny: a few dollars less, so around $15 per hour with similar benefits plus increased costs for food, electricity, water, etc. Pros: Similar to above, namely you can interview in person and find someone willing to help with additional tasks. Cons: Likely to either be less experienced or to be older. Most nannies in prime earning years (5+ years experience but under 55) are not interested in living in unless the rate is the same as live-out. You also have to deal with having a roommate (although she will at least be an adult). Also note that, while live-ins are often a bit more flexible, they are not on-call constantly even if they are home. You will need to have set hours, and request changing or adding hours as needed and will pay for additional help. Au Pair: Initial fees, weekly stilpend, insurance, classes, plus food and wear and tear on the house. Pros: least expensive, might get a lifelong friend in a foreign land, very flexible within set limits Cons: likely to be least experienced group, lots of restrictions on how you can use her time, interviews via skype, she is not just an employee but is your family member for her stay and you need to participate in giving her memories of the US and exposing her to cultural experiences all of which eats up time. |
Anonymous
| nanny is not $18... an experienced nanny start at $22, for twins |
Anonymous
| Remember that au pairs cannot work with newborns. I think they have to be 8 weeks old? |
Anonymous
OP here. I'll be on maternity leave for 4 months, so no issue with this. |
Anonymous
| Twin rates for a experienced nanny will be between $22-25hr |
Anonymous
| OP I would like to apply for this position if you can provide your email I would be happy to send you my resume and when your ready to start your search I can be contacted and I have a flexible start date. |