Op again. It is interesting to actually hear from a nanny that doesn't mind working with a sham (which is essentially what I'll be on maternity leave, and then I work part time). I will continue to research both options.

Anonymous wrote:I am concerned that having an au pair who knows little English will negatively impact my child's oral language development. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Check out the au pair sub forum for this question.

OP, you can't look at an au pair simply as a child care solution - it means inviting a young woman into your family for a year. It is a huge commitment. You want an experienced nanny, preferably one who has worked side by side with parents before. Plenty of us don't mind so long as the personality fit is right and the expectations are clear to both the adults and the kids (like if nanny tells the three year old it's lunch time and she runs to you instead, you back up the nanny with a "Miss Julie asked you to sit at the table and you need to listen to her.")

I am concerned that having an au pair who knows little English will negatively impact my child's oral language development. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

An au pair is an enormous commitment and you have to be interested in the cultural exchange as well as the child care. You also have to be happy with someone living in your house for a year and who knows virtually no one else but your family for the first few months. We loved our au pair but it was such an adjustment for us and such a commitment that we never had another.

PS Training in infant care isn't that hard - train her yourself AND have her take the Red Cross Infant Training.

I have 2 young kids and and work part time. Have a part time nanny but need more help the times I am home. Should I get a full time nanny or aunpair? Nannies on this forum seem to indicate they don't like working side by side with the mom, but I do prefer a nanny due to the fact I have a newborn. Or shouldn't just get an au pair and train? Thoughts?