Having a baby as a nanny

[Anonymous]

Hi all. I work two jobs (8am-1pm and 2pm-7pm) at the moment and my afternoon job is finishing at the end of February (amicably, they're moving). It's actually perfect timing as I'm expecting twins in June, and I imagine that running after four under-5s is going to get a lot trickier soon. My morning job also finishes (also amicably as the family is moving) at the end of April, which is also perfect timing. I have been saving for years so I have enough to last me and the babies for about 2 years, but of course I'd need to go back to work sooner than that. I think I'm going to look for a part-time job once they're 6 months old. Here's my question: what did you do with your own children if you're a professional nanny? I find it hard to imagine someone is going to be willing to let me bring two babies to work, even if they were fine with one. How did you deal with the lack of predictability in your job? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Huh? Your head will be spinning with twin babies.
They'll be a full-time job. Believe me.

[Anonymous]

You’re not planning to stay home so your option is daycare

[Anonymous]

Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re not planning to stay home so your option is daycare

That's what I keep coming back to, but sending two to daycare is almost as expensive as having a nanny for them in my own home. And I don't really want to put them in when they're so young. But hiring my own nanny who's going to be eating most of my nanny paycheck seems counterproductive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

Is that what you've done? This is my ideal scenario. I'm trying to research how much people would be willing to pay for an arrangement like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Huh? Your head will be spinning with twin babies.
They'll be a full-time job. Believe me.

I have a pretty good idea actually! I took care of twins twice, only from when they were 8 months and one from when they were 3 months. I know it's very hard and it's different when it's your own, but I also feel like I'll be able to find my feet a lot faster than a first time mom with zero experience. At least I hope so!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

This.

I'm a mom and I would do this if I really liked you. You could probably start putting the word out on neighborhood listservs (and in a twin parenting group if you'll be joining one.)

As a twin mom I might suggest that given the cushion you've built in savings you might want to simply wait to make any firm plans until you've had the kids and are a few months into your routine. But assuming you and your babies are healthy, and that you're great at wrangling multiple babies, you might just find another new twin mom who would be thrilled to have her babies with you. It would be a rare but great solution for both of you if it worked out.

Congrats on the twins!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

Is that what you've done? This is my ideal scenario. I'm trying to research how much people would be willing to pay for an arrangement like that.

This is your best bet. 6 months is too early IMO unless both kids are super easy. I live in Florida and charge $200 per week. I only have 1 child at the moment so it's really like a nanny share arrangement. I take both kids on lots outings. You won't be able to do outings unless you own a van.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

Is that what you've done? This is my ideal scenario. I'm trying to research how much people would be willing to pay for an arrangement like that.

It all depends on your skill and your environment.

[Anonymous]

I went back to work after 2 months of having my baby. My mother in law helped me. But I'm sure you can find a stay at home grandma, and you can pay her $300 a week

[Anonymous]

You will need child care. Few parents will be ok with you bring infant/toddler twins to work. Or, you do it in your home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

Get this sorted as to the licensing requirements and suitability of your home before the babies are born. Make it reasonable the first year and keep it small so you don't burn out. I don't think you will feel right caring for someone else's kids and sending yours elsewhere. In fact, that would be depressing since this is what you do for a living.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went back to work after 2 months of having my baby. My mother in law helped me. But I'm sure you can find a stay at home grandma, and you can pay her $300 a week

You've got to be kidding to suggest paying anyone $300 a week for full-time infant twin care, unless you want them crying in their cribs all day. People like you are beyond belief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is staying at home and offering care for one or two additional children in your home at daycare rates (not nanny rates).

Get this sorted as to the licensing requirements and suitability of your home before the babies are born. Make it reasonable the first year and keep it small so you don't burn out. I don't think you will feel right caring for someone else's kids and sending yours elsewhere. In fact, that would be depressing since this is what you do for a living.

Oh yes, I'm considering it from when they're at least a year or so old. I've cared for twins, I can't imagine taking care of someone else on top of the two while also doing absolutely everything around the house myself...