Actually, going back and forth between the homes can be quite stable for the kids, as long as it's done every 1-3 months, not every week. The kids would both get time in their home, with their toys and in their cribs/beds; the issue is either having a second set of things at both houses or carting it back and forth every time there's a switch. If you do decide to switch, please remember that it's the parents' jobs to coordinate moving everything to the other house, not the nanny's, she already has her hands full.

Anonymous wrote:I think it is only fair to split the hosting as close as you can to fifty/fifty.

Anything else would be too complicated.

That's not at all fair to the children who need stability, is it?

I think it is only fair to split the hosting as close as you can to fifty/fifty.

Anything else would be too complicated.

Which house has the best set-up for hosting? IOW, who has more useable storage space, a spare bedroom, frig space for baby bottles/food, a dedicated play area, and a generally larger home with more useable square feet?

I would suggest, since no one seems to be passionate about hosting, that you all consider the logistics of switching every month or two. Do all the parents want to be schlepping the double stroller/playpen/high chair/changing items, diapers, clothes, extra exersaucer back and forth each month?

The other option some people do when in a share is decide the host family gets a slightly smaller weekly cost for nanny. If each family would pay $10/hour plus OT for 50 hours, the host family pays $9, and the non-host family pays $11. It's $55/week in savings, which should more than adequately offset host costs.

And for nanny's sake, if soiled clothes are sent home to the non-host family, replace them ASAP, and be sure to keep extra stock of diapers/wipes/food on hand at all times.

So so so much better to host. Schlepping in the AM is awful.

Extras needed: joint items like strollers should be split. Items other family uses they shoulder unless you have it already.
high chair or if one kid is older a booster (get one that folds); pack n'play;double stroller; extra clothes and diapers for the share child.

Thanks, this is very helpful.

How much stuff does the non-hosting family need to leave at the host family's home?

I worked in a share that switched houses every week. Never again. It's too much of a pain.

Wanted to add that switching back and forth often is a huge pain for the nanny and kids and frankly for parents as well. If you decide to rotate houses, do it once a month.

Pros for host:
You don't have to get your kid up and schlep them soemwhere first thing in the morning; you just stay where you are.
Likewise, you don't need to double check that you are bringing enough bottles, diapers, etc.
If you have a great nanny she may opt to do some little things like sweep the kitchen or throw in a load of dc's laundry every now and then
If you ever want to ask nanny to stay late, she won't need to transport dc to a new location
Baby gets consistent place to nap, and may nap better on weekends because of it

Cons of hosting:
You will have slightly higher utility bills qnd slightly more wear and tear (how much depends on your current set-up, nanny, location and layout of house and age of kids)
The schlepping of kids and stuff mentioned above
Your kid is playing with their toys all day at your house, vs. playing with other people's toys and being excited to see his/her stuff at night
You have to have space for two beds, double stroller, etc
If the other family is late, it intrudes on your evening.

We are entering into a nanny share with a family that lives a few blocks away. We're in discussions about where to host. What are the pros/cons of hosting vs. having it elsewhere?

My initial preference was to have it at their house; they would prefer to host it here or to split. What should we be considering? Will wear & tear or utilities be different enough that we should consider the host family having a slightly lower rate? We haven't had a nanny (much less a share) before, so I'd appreciate any advice.

Fwiw, I have no idea whether this goes here or in General. #confusing