Hi all - I'm writing an article on this topic and was wondering if I can ask one or some of you some questions. Let me know and I'll shoot them over!

Shares can be good or bad, and hosting can go well or horribly. Both sets of parents need to contribute toys, but the toys need to be communal (if you want DC to have toys specific to just them, keep them in your room or office for evenings and weekends). You need 2 highchairs, a second pack n play or crib, a double stroller, and adequate space to have them out without feeling crowded. You need space to store extra diapers, formula, and food or both parents contribute equally and nanny purchases one set of everything to be used by both kids. If the nanny is going to be driving the kids, she needs to have a dedicated car seat provided by each parent. Your costs will be higher (utilities at minimum), but if your contract includes divvying up food and other consumables (or strict adherence to nanny only using supplies provided by one set of parents for their child), there's less imbalance. If you WAH, you'll be able to work out with the nanny appropriate times to come in and say hi to your child, but you're also likely to be irritated by someone else doing things in a way you wouldn't. You do need to check into liability for nanny and other child.

We did several shares and don't recommend them at all.

also consider food... our former nanny was in a nanny share where the food was not well spelled out. the host family was rather particular about their food being shared with the other child, but then the other family kept not bringing snacks for their child. the parents of the host didn't address the issue with the other family and instead brought it to the nanny and her point of view was child A was eating puffs and child B wanted some too - she wasnt going to deprive Child B just b/c his/her parent didnt bring any Puffs. Soooo... moral is, be very clear on food and if you think you personally might have food issues, then maybe a full time share at your house is not a great idea.

Don't forget your expenses will be higher too - think of the heat, water, & electricity nanny will need for the day. If otherwise no one would be home that can make a difference. Also things like paper towels, soap, toilet paper if you really want to get down to it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to avoid doing drop offs and pickups whenI already have a long commute, I would gladly host for a nanny share. What are the cons of hosting? Maybe having to get an extra crib or nap place for an infant? Maybe having the other infant's toys and high chair and stuff in our house all the time? I work from home sometimes, so maybe having to listen to two crying babies? What else am I missing, both good and bad?

How old would the children be?

Two infants.

6 months

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to avoid doing drop offs and pickups whenI already have a long commute, I would gladly host for a nanny share. What are the cons of hosting? Maybe having to get an extra crib or nap place for an infant? Maybe having the other infant's toys and high chair and stuff in our house all the time? I work from home sometimes, so maybe having to listen to two crying babies? What else am I missing, both good and bad?

How old would the children be?

Two infants.

Anonymous wrote:Just to avoid doing drop offs and pickups whenI already have a long commute, I would gladly host for a nanny share. What are the cons of hosting? Maybe having to get an extra crib or nap place for an infant? Maybe having the other infant's toys and high chair and stuff in our house all the time? I work from home sometimes, so maybe having to listen to two crying babies? What else am I missing, both good and bad?

How old would the children be?

I have generally liked hosting because I see my kid more and don't have to pack him up in the morning. But I do end up cleaning a lot and generally feel the need to make sure it's very clean especially with toddlers roaming around and eating off the floor. I also think the liability issues are a little concerning. I don't love having the nanny around all the time to be honest- I would like to work out in my house but can't do that. I also see a lot that annoys me but I try not to butt in too much. The other mother seems way more happy with the nanny than me because she doesn't see any of the slightly annoying things- like how she has them nap in the stroller all the time because it is easier and she straps them into the high chair for a long time while she has her tea (which I understand to some extent but hearing them cry while she does it is annoying.) I would say it probably works better if you work out of the house or you absolutely love your nanny

Anonymous wrote:You'll need adequate insurance to cover the injury of nanny and the other child.

At least in Fairfax county, ideally you would need a home child care permit (I verified with the county), which involves criminal background check, home safety and fire inspection, making emergency plans, preparing emergency supplies (for inspection) etc. But I don't know any nanny share has been doing the permit.

I work from home in the basement, while the Nanny takes the living and bedroom floor. It works for us because I don't come up too often, and when I come up, I keep my mouth shut.

Home permit? No kidding! Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:http://www.dcurbanmom.com/nanny-forum/posts/list/318660.page#3170533

Thanks!

You'll need adequate insurance to cover the injury of nanny and the other child.

At least in Fairfax county, ideally you would need a home child care permit (I verified with the county), which involves criminal background check, home safety and fire inspection, making emergency plans, preparing emergency supplies (for inspection) etc. But I don't know any nanny share has been doing the permit.

I work from home in the basement, while the Nanny takes the living and bedroom floor. It works for us because I don't come up too often, and when I come up, I keep my mouth shut.

Do a search.

Just to avoid doing drop offs and pickups whenI already have a long commute, I would gladly host for a nanny share. What are the cons of hosting? Maybe having to get an extra crib or nap place for an infant? Maybe having the other infant's toys and high chair and stuff in our house all the time? I work from home sometimes, so maybe having to listen to two crying babies? What else am I missing, both good and bad?