Costs for a nanny for 1.5-year-old and twin infants?

[Anonymous]

Hello, we have a 12-month-old and we just found out we are expecting twins next spring. That was not part of the "plan," but we are trying to adapt and figure everything out. Before twins were in the picture, we assumed that whenever we have a 2nd kid we would just send them to the in-home daycare where our oldest is at. That costs $375/week. Breaking that down, that is $75/day or $9.375/hour (not that the day/hour rate is an actual option offered).

As I start revising the budget, I'm trying to get an idea of what rates are like for a nanny working with newborn twins and a 19-month-old (looking at when we would actually need someone). It looks like normal rates start at about $20/hour (up to $30ish), but I'm not sure how that is affected by twins, or if twins actually even affect the rate or if it is simply based on the total number of kids.

I expect we would be doing everything on the books, so taxes would be another expense (any idea about how much)?

It looks like people also generally offer a week's salary or so as an annual bonus. Plus vacation days, sick days, holidays.

Mileage (if applicable) would be another expense if they drive their car.

What other expenses should we expect?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello, we have a 12-month-old and we just found out we are expecting twins next spring. That was not part of the "plan," but we are trying to adapt and figure everything out. Before twins were in the picture, we assumed that whenever we have a 2nd kid we would just send them to the in-home daycare where our oldest is at. That costs $375/week. Breaking that down, that is $75/day or $9.375/hour (not that the day/hour rate is an actual option offered).

As I start revising the budget, I'm trying to get an idea of what rates are like for a nanny working with newborn twins and a 19-month-old (looking at when we would actually need someone). It looks like normal rates start at about $20/hour (up to $30ish), but I'm not sure how that is affected by twins, or if twins actually even affect the rate or if it is simply based on the total number of kids.

I expect we would be doing everything on the books, so taxes would be another expense (any idea about how much)?

It looks like people also generally offer a week's salary or so as an annual bonus. Plus vacation days, sick days, holidays.

Mileage (if applicable) would be another expense if they drive their car.

What other expenses should we expect?

Consider having the nanny drive your car instead of your own when/if they are transporting the kids.
Many nannies might not have a vehicle that can fit 3 car seats. Even if they do, will they want to keep car seats in their car permanently (this making a significant portion of their car un-usable to them in their off time? Installing/uninstalling 3 car seats every day will be time consuming.

[Anonymous]

For 3 under 2yo, you'll likely be looking at $35/hr or more.

Nannies will not have 3 car seats in their own personal vehicle.

Standard benefits are 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 paid sick days, paid holidays, and guaranteed hours so you pay them for the full schedule every single week even if you are on vacation or don't need them. Some candidates will also ask for a health insurance stipend.

Domestic employer taxes are about 10% of the nanny's gross annual income.

Payroll companies are about $600-750 per year.

If you are in DC or MD, you'll need a worker's comp insurance policy which is also about $750 per year.

A one weeks pay Christmas bonus is standard.

[Anonymous]

$35hr x 40 hours = $1400/wk
$1400 x 52 = $72,800 per year
$1500 payroll and insurance
$7300 taxes

Budget around $82,000 plus mileage reimbursement

[Anonymous]

Nanny here and I make $32hr for twin one year olds. You’re definitely looking at $35hr at least with standard benefits of 5 paid sick days, two weeks vacation and paid holidays.

My last job couldn’t afford to pay as much but we negotiated two extra paid weeks of vacation. But not work for everyone but worked for me. Good luck

[Anonymous]

With 3 under 2, you are going to be looking at a minimum of $35/hour for a nanny with the needed experience. The total wages will depend on how many hours of care you need because after 40 hours you need to pay overtime. Then you’d need to add another 10% minimum for employer costs, plus you’ll need to provide a car to use since most nannies don’t drive large SUVs or minivans.

40 hours will be $72,800+ just for wages.

50 hours will be $100,100+ just for wages.

[Anonymous]

Nanny does not need to drive such young babies anywhere, where would she take them? No need for that in most cases.

[Anonymous]

$30-40 an hour, plus some portion of health care and 2 weeks of sick/PTO. You provide a car but realistically where is she going with two newborns and a 2 year old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For 3 under 2yo, you'll likely be looking at $35/hr or more.

Nannies will not have 3 car seats in their own personal vehicle.

Standard benefits are 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 paid sick days, paid holidays, and guaranteed hours so you pay them for the full schedule every single week even if you are on vacation or don't need them. Some candidates will also ask for a health insurance stipend.

Domestic employer taxes are about 10% of the nanny's gross annual income.

Payroll companies are about $600-750 per year.

If you are in DC or MD, you'll need a worker's comp insurance policy which is also about $750 per year.

A one weeks pay Christmas bonus is standard.

I agree with all of this except you MIGHT be able to find someone for $32 or $33 an hour. But $35 is more likely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny does not need to drive such young babies anywhere, where would she take them? No need for that in most cases.

Breaking news: infants grow into older children who enjoy going places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny does not need to drive such young babies anywhere, where would she take them? No need for that in most cases.

yes because adults like being in someone’s house all day 5 days a week with just babies/toddlers to interact with.

I’m a former Nanny OP and I wouldn’t take this job. You’re really going to have to make it appeal to someone.
You need to think about other expenses too like a stroller for 3 kids, car big enough for 3 kids to leave the Nanny high chairs etc…

[Anonymous]

Do you have any family that can take either the toddler or the babies once or twice a week for a couple of hours?
If not I would hire a Nanny but also budget for a mothers helper or sitter a couple times a week as well. 2 babies and a toddler is a lot for one person FT. Having less responsibility here and there would sweeten the deal imo.

[Anonymous]

Nannies do like to be with babies and toddlers, pp. And, you walk to places like a playground or park, with double stroller/carrier or a wagon. You do not drive 3 kids under 2, you want to be within the house reach with such young babies, just to stay safe/comfortable

[Anonymous]

...and once they grwow, they will go to preschool and will not a nanny anymore.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a nanny might be a stretch for your family, and I would suggest that you instead focus on solving for the first year with the twins.

I would keep the toddler in the current daycare and hire a nanny with lots of twin experience to care for the twins only for at least the first 6 months. That is the earliest that you could potentially have them on a consistent sleep schedule. Then some time between 6-12 months they can transition to daycare along with older sibling, or you can have a nanny care for all 3.