It doesn't hurt to start looking because of course you may find your dream candidate and negotiate an earlier start etc., but there will be lots of nannies looking for a job in January. Families who are moving, families who turned out to be, ahem, "difficult" in some way and nanny is ready to move on.

Or start looking now and mention your start day and maybe a wonderful nanny who doesn't like her current family will be happy to switch then. Good luck

Don't worry OP! Yes, August/September is a fantastic time to be looking for a nanny, but great nannies come on and off the market all the time for various reasons. As far as your particular timing, December can definitely be a slower time to find someone as no one wants to make big changes around the holidays. If you can, I would time your search so that your nanny can start in January rather than in December.

Anonymous wrote:I'm seeing so many postings on the parent distribution lists about nannies available in September when their kids start school and they no longer need help. We won't need a nanny until December or January when I go back to work and I'm worried all the great nannies will be with new families already. Is this a valid concern? What to do?

I think you are completely right

Don't worry OP, you'll be fine.

I had my kids in September, started my search in late October and had no trouble finding applicants to start in December/January.

I'm seeing so many postings on the parent distribution lists about nannies available in September when their kids start school and they no longer need help. We won't need a nanny until December or January when I go back to work and I'm worried all the great nannies will be with new families already. Is this a valid concern? What to do?