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[quote=Anonymous]Congratulations on your pregnancy, OP.

It's difficult to ascertain whether having 2 kids in day care is more affordable than a nanny without knowing where you are and what the daycare rates vs nanny rates in your area are. If you give us more information, we might be more helpful with specifics.

As for your other questions, there are services to help you with taxes and such. Health insurance is a wonderful perk, but not required. If you choose to offer it, you should factor it into your total compensation package. It will definitely make your position more attractive to nannies, but it isn't standard or expected by any means.

As for where to find a good nanny, I have found personal referrals the best indicator of quality. There are some sites that are helpful (although the nannies who post here do not suggest that this site is a good source for good nannies), so, if you can, get recommendations from your friends and neighbors to generate a list of candidates.

A good nanny should not have a problem with you working from home if you are both clear upfront about the house rules and that you support the nanny being the caretaker in charge when you work, whether from home or offsite.

One of the more difficult questions to answer is rate. If you live in The DC metro area, you should expect to pay from $16-20/hr for two young children. You can find nannies for less, but a professional nanny who will take care of the children and all child related tasks (laundry and meal prep) and will cost you the above market rate. You will want to have a contract that specifies the benefits you are willing to offer. Guaranteed hours, two weeks vacation (one week your choice and one week hers), sick leave (5 days is very good), and whatever holidays you are able to offer make a good package for a nanny. Oh, and you must pay OT for any hours over 40. You'll need to be very specific about this in the contract. If a nanny gives you a specific weekly amount she would like to make, you need to break that down into an average rate and an overtime rate and make it very clear how their requested weekly amount translates into a specific hourly wage.

Don't be afraid to interview several nannies until you find the right one. You want someone with energy, commitment and a love of children. While she should have CPR and first aid training, it is not necessary for her to have other certifications unless they are important to you. There are many good nannies out there and I'm sure you'll find a good fit for your family.[/quote]

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