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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]First time mom, childcare arrangement just fell through, in search for a nanny to start in about 4 - 6 weeks. First time employing anyone to work in the home.

Some things I am wondering:

* Prices seem all over the map for care. I had assumed the cost for a newborn (8 weeks) would be high, but I see some people paying $17 for 2 kids, while others are paying $30 for one.  I was planning to comp between $15 and $20 an hour. Is that fair for quality care? (I live in NW, DC).

* Are there red flags besides the obvious (background check, etc)? I really just want someone with a sweet nature who is fine with physical affection (DS is easy to soothe as long as you rock/hug him).  What do you look for to see if a nanny genuinely enjoys children? I tried looking around my neighborhood during the day but most of the nannies seem surly/disinterested.

* Is it normal to schedule a playdate/meeting before hiring? (I would comp for this time as well, maybe 2 hours with the baby to see how they do.)

* Are laundry/meals/light housekeeping considered a normal part of a nanny's duty? I wasn't actually expecting any of that, but if it's standard, bonus!

* Should I give the nanny access to my car? We're metro accessible, but I may want the nanny to take the baby to doctor's occasionally.

*  Are nannies ok with temporary contracts? DH is changing careers and going back to school - so this would be a limited full time contract for 3 - 6 months. We may extend but it really depends.

* My husband and I are on very different work schedules - we would generally need coverage from 12 - 6 pm, which would be a 30 hour week.  What are the considerations for part time work as opposed to full time work?

* I have a very large dog (75 lbs) who is sweet natured but intimidating to people who are not dog lovers. He is also a needy goofball and constantly underfoot. Should I ask for a nanny comfortable with dogs? Or put the dog in his room during the day and hire a dog walker?

Any advice is appreciated!

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I'm not going to address all your questions but a few thoughts--you do not need to have a one-year contract.  We have a contract that outlines duties and benefits, but I would NOT in your contract put anything about how long you plan to keep the nanny on.  You can explain during the hiring process your long term plans and uncertainties.

Between $15 and $20/hour sounds good but you will likely need to be on the high end of that for 30 hours a week.

We relied very heavily on references.  Also make sure you google all references.  In the last 5 years, we have hired 3 nannies.  During two of those searches we had an applicant fake a reference, and these were applicants we had really liked and would have seriously considered hiring.  It was scary.  Talk to as many references as you possibly can.

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