MB here. Just had #2 and am home on maternity leave through August. We raised nanny's rate by more than $2.50 (this is her net raise not gross) as soon as I came home. Most of the time I take the eldest out and she's home w/ the baby who pretty much eats and sleeps fairly regularly. I also read to my eldest and put her down for her nap as well as bathe her before the nanny leaves. It's too complicated to try and figure out when she's technically responsible for one versus both kids, so I just pay her at the higher rate. Eventually, she'll have both to handle.

I have one kid most days. Once per week I have two. MB pays me the one child rate then one day a week the two child rate. If I had to deal with it every day, I would insist on the two child rate.

It's reasonable to bump up her pay for the time she has 2 kids but I'd average it a bit. If she normally has them for 4 hours, pay her the higher rate for 5 hours each week, even if you use her for less. That way it's a new constant she can count on. Tell her ahead of time what you will increase her to once you are back at work.

Anonymous



MB here. If you like her work, I would pay her the full rate for the eight hours. That will keep her happy and allow you the flexibility to leave her with both kids if you need to get something else done.

This is good advice, OP.

Anonymous wrote:MB here. Figure out an hourly rate you can afford that she will accept and pay her that for all the hours she works - regardless of the mix of kids/responsibilities.

You don't want to be in the business of microcalculating the time she works at varying rates - it's an unnecessary hassle and I think it would feel kind of demeaning to her.

Also, you want to preserve flexibility for yourself - what if there's a day when you don't feel well, or need to schedule a dr's appt, or want to go see a friend, etc...

I'm a nanny and I agree with this. If you start doing two different rates, it becomes annoying and unpredictable how much she'll make each week. Inevitably there will be days when she has both kids longer than usual and you may or may not remember to pay extra. Just pick one rate you are comfortable with (I think she should get the new baby raise for the entire time, but whatever) and pay that rate. Otherwise it is a recipe for nickel and diming on both sides (which is what you're doing trying to pay 2 rates and save what 8 bucks?)

this ^^^

(1kid rate + 2kids rate)/2.