Anonymous
Post 05/22/2013 01:08     Subject: Buying my own stroller stroller to use with families?
Not OP, but other person inquiring. The stroller my family has is sufficient for light use, but is really a pain to maneuver for even short distances. I can't imagine using this for 3+ years. Typically nannies use the stroller more than the family does. I consider a decent stroller a standard requirement and a good stroller a mild perk.

I did discuss a new stroller with them. I explained that I plan to purchase a new stroller and wanted to know if they cared to chip in. If they chipped in, they too can use the stroller. We discussed other options as well. They are fully on board. It is important to have a mutually happy relationship if you want longevity, and we do. It is nice to know that I am with a family that values my work and is willing to contribute things to make experience with their family fulfilling. A little money here and there is worth the trust and commitment of retaining a qualified nanny. I am glad that I decided to talk with them prior to my purchase. I feel that this is a mutually beneficial situation.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2013 09:26     Subject: Buying my own stroller stroller to use with families?
I would be totally fine with my nanny bringing her own stroller. Particularly if I only had a crappy umbrella stroller, I would even be open to my nanny asking me to buy one that was more comfortable if they are using it frequently. I agree though that most parents put a lot of thought and money into which stroller they buy. So if my nanny came to me and said shed like me to contribute to a new stroller but then she gets to keep it, I wouldn't be ok with that. If you'd like to purchase your own stroller, feel free. If you'd like to split one with me and then we put in the contract that we sell it on Craigslist together and split the proceeds, that would be fine. But I don't get why you would want your MB to pay into a stroller that you choose because you don't like the one she has and then expect that you'd get to keep it.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2013 09:18     Subject: Buying my own stroller stroller to use with families?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:MB that you quoted here.

If I had already purchased/provided a perfectly reasonable/serviceable stroller and you just didn't like it, I'm not sure I'd readily pitch in to help you buy something that you liked better and would go with you to any other jobs you had/have.

I spent a lot of money on my stroller, and fair amount of thought went in to choosing the one I did (largely because we have twins) so I might be a tough sell.

That said, we have a fantastic nanny. If she had some sort of physical challenge where the stroller was uncomfortable for her and she needed one that was a better fit I would consider pitching in. But that sounds a little different from what you're saying.

So I guess a lot depends on your relationship with the family and their individual style. I'm not sure what you mean by "I plan to be active". Does that mean jogging w/ the child? Do they want/support that?

Also you said you plan to stay for three years - well the stroller will be pretty obsolete for at least a chunk of that time. My kids are already moving out of strollers for large chunks of time at 20 mths, so I'm happy to see the stroller's days being numbered.

I just reread your original post though and you said they only had cheap umbrella strollers and I don't like those for more than a quick errand either. So I can see why you'd want something sturdier.

Basically I think you need to talk to your employers. You can say "I'd like to have a more sturdy stroller to be able to be as active as possible. Have you ever considered getting another stroller? If I found a really good used one would you consider purchasing it?" There are lots of great strollers that are pretty gently used on craigslist or parents groups.

I'd try that route first. If they say no then you can always get one yourself (just tell them that you'll go ahead and buy it) and buy a good used one.



I am actually not the original poster, but was in the same boat. I care for twins as well and was also happy with the walking phase of their lives! We are close to a lot of activities and do a lot of walking, so I need a stroller for that. If we drive somewhere, the stroller stays home. We will also be going to the zoo, walks through the park with their older sister, children's museums, etc. That is what I meant by staying active. They have a tandem stroller that is not fun to push and I cannot imagine pushing that thing around the zoo for 3 years, let alone anything off trail! Do you mind my asking what type of stroller you chose. I am considering the BOB because I have a lot of experience with the duallie and it has great resale value if I chose not to keep it. There are definitely smaller all terrain doubles, but I don't feel that they hold their value, nor would I want to buy a really nice stroller until they are my children. Thanks!


I have a tandem. Works great for us. If you wanted to buy a BOB because you like that better than a tandem I would probably not consider that the kind of thing I'd need to chip in on - sounds like personal preference. And that's perfectly fine, but I would feel that I bought (and use myself quite extensively) a perfectly serviceable option. I'd have no problem w/ you using one of your own if you preferred it but I don't think I would feel compelled to help purchase it. And if your sole motivation was just personal preference (rather than an uncomfortable physical solution or flimsiness of umbrella strollers) then it's possible that I'd be a little annoyed by the request if you asked me to contribute.