When to start looking for a nanny?

[Anonymous]

Hello all --

I am due with my first child in about a month and plan to recover and stay with child for at least 3 months. I am on several waitlists for daycares but the next openings seem to be around August of next year. There will be a gap between me going back to work and when there is available daycare.
Should I start looking for a nanny now? Or should I look for a nanny around the last month I'm home with baby?
Thank you so much in advance.

[Anonymous]

Six weeks before you go back to work.

But please do not lie to her about daycare. Be upfront and tell her the truth. If you handle it correctly, you will have found a perfect occasional babysitter.

[Anonymous]

I would start about a month to 2 months before you're ready to go back to work. I agree with pp, be honest and let potential candidates know about your plan for the child to go to daycare. You may want to use an agency for a temp.

[Anonymous]

It’s a good idea to go thrown agency for a temporary nanny. No good nanny is going to accept a short term assignment or she will leave you the moment she gets a full time job.

And I agree - lying or omitting to tell the nanny that you are putting the baby in daycare is asking for very bad karma.

[Anonymous]

Some veteran nannies may actually prefer a short term commitment. They like plenty of vacation time.

[Anonymous]

If you think it’ll be a year or less, look for someone who prefers babies and wants to move on once a child is walking. That way, everyone is happy, as the nanny is more likely to know how to help you transition a child at that age into daycare.

[Anonymous]

This is great advice! Definitely don't want to omit the information but it's good to keep in mind! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello all --

I am due with my first child in about a month and plan to recover and stay with child for at least 3 months. I am on several waitlists for daycares but the next openings seem to be around August of next year. There will be a gap between me going back to work and when there is available daycare.
Should I start looking for a nanny now? Or should I look for a nanny around the last month I'm home with baby?
Thank you so much in advance.

Depends how much you are willing to pay. If you aren't going to shell out 'coin' then you will have to take longer to find a good nanny! For example, if you are a cheap-skate and paying less then 20.00 an hour, you better start looking now. Be warned we take those jobs, but will look for others in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello all --

I am due with my first child in about a month and plan to recover and stay with child for at least 3 months. I am on several waitlists for daycares but the next openings seem to be around August of next year. There will be a gap between me going back to work and when there is available daycare.
Should I start looking for a nanny now? Or should I look for a nanny around the last month I'm home with baby?
Thank you so much in advance.

Honestly, you might want to volunteer for a baby-sitter. These nannies want a lot more money, then you may be willing to provide. They will be assisting you