Fwiw, we only started our nanny search a month in advance. And, right now, we are ending our nanny share after nearly 3 years and we're having a hard time finding a job for our excellent nanny given all the competition right now - so personally i'd be thrilled to connect her with people looking for a nanny in October.

I would also recommend three months prior. Question/chat with different people using the different search engines out there, nanny search, this website, care.com, sittercity, or whatever you use, and then try to narrow down to about 6 or 7 people you actually want to meet and interview. Interview once, take good notes and get a feeling for people, and then narrow your list again to about 3-4 for a second interview, and then choose from there. That is kind of how I did it. I also would recommend having them come a few times before starting full time to familiarize themselves with your child(ren).

MB here. I'd say two months, though at three months out you could absolutely be putting word out to your neighborhood listserv, social networks, etc...

M a nanny and like you m also kinda waiting for the rush to pass before looking for a job. Ideally something starting mid December. I feel like nannies are going for jobs just because they need one now and not necessarily a fit....same for families. If you'd like to leave your email and I will send you my resume with my references on so you can see if it matches your need.

Three months. You can't start too early because who can think that far ahead, unless there is an end of contract with another family.

How long before you need a nanny to start do you begin the search process? I want to allow enough time for people to apply, call them, meet with them and start but also know that if someone is looking they won't be able to wait that long to begin.

Also, it seems like now is the time that all the nannies are moving around because schools are starting. Am I going to miss out on most of the great nannies because I am looking for October instead?