The nanny may be willing to do the shopping, either with the children or outside of normal shift hours (paid for her time, of course). In that case, a prepaid card would work best, both parents contributing to the card and the nanny turning in receipts after each purchase. If she's the only preparing the food, she shouldn't need a list after the first week. If she's just reheating the food, but not cooking it, it's not appropriate to have her do the shopping.

If the nanny doesn't want to shop, then the parents should probably switch shopping duties, just picking up the required items while doing their normal shopping. 2 17 month old toddlers don't eat very much, so except for major trips after vacation or the initial stock up, it's likely to be about the same amount every week.

Ask the nanny what she prefers.

Hi, I'm looking for suggestions on how to split food in a nanny share. Our girls are 17 months old and will eat the same food for breakfast and lunch (eggs, fruit, veggies, dairy, beans, fish). The kids don't eat poultry, pork or red meat. The share is always in the same location. What are your thoughts on how best to divide food (we are getting food for both kids-not having separate food for each baby).

1) Each family alternates buying every week?
2) Ask the nanny to shop (we would give her $ and a list)? Is that appropriate or not part of caregivers job?

Other thoughts?

I'm interested in your thoughts, experience and ideas for how best/easiest way to do this? Thanks!