[bittersweet]

So if we get pregnant before Aug/Sept, we'll have to hire a nanny for a couple months. Daycare just isnt an option due to our work hours and we have no family in the area.

Has anyone looked into hiring a nanny, has a nanny, or knows someone that does? Any idea how much they cost and what the experience has been like?

[niknok]

We have a daycare slot on backup, but are still looking for a nanny. We only need one 2-3 days a week. In Charlotte, the going rate is $10-13 an hour. There are online nanny agencies, where you can pay to register and nanny shop on there. The potential nannies also pay to register, and that's how those sites make money. They don't actually do any of the placement work for you. You can also pay a local nanny placement agency to scope out possibilities for you, and then set up the interviews. These are usually more expensive. You can also try finding one yourself....try craigs list. Or a local moms group. For example, there is a website called charlottemommies.com, where I go and look for possibilities.

The nanny should be responsible for all childcare, plus housekeeping related to the child. Like, the child's laundry, keeping the nursery/playroom clean, etc.

One thing to consider....isn't your DH a resident, soon to be finished? Whereever he accepts a position, consider the residents wives. Assuming it's a teaching facility that is. At the hospital I work at, there are numerous residents wives who nanny along with watching their own children.

HTH!

[bittersweet]

One thing to consider....isn't your DH a resident, soon to be finished? Whereever he accepts a position, consider the residents wives. Assuming it's a teaching facility that is. At the hospital I work at, there are numerous residents wives who nanny along with watching their own children.

HTH![/b]

Thats a great idea! I've never thought of that. He is done is June and moving...so we'll have to get to know his new co workers very well

[petalfuzz]

I think Krista (longing4baby) was a nanny once! You should ask her too!

[Frozendesire]

My best friend has been a nanny since graduation.

She always builds such wonderful relationships with the kids and parents. I am always so jealous of her stories and life experiences haha. She's also more knowledgeable about kids then I am and she has none herself! haha

Anyways. She gets about 13 an hour I believe, but she works for a couple families so I think it varies. She has set hours but also does extra time if the parents need. She is VERY active with the kids and takes them out. I know atleast one family gives her an allowance, a set amount of money for the day where she can use it for activities with the kids.

I know if I had the money this would be something I would do, rather then a day care. I think it's so great!!! They build such awesome long lasting relationships!

[soImarriedAnerd]

Some hospitals have childcare helping type service for free for employees. Our hospital did and it would do background checks and extensively check out people-then they had a list you could look at (all who know your a hospital employee and the joys/challenges of our schedules). I was told my mommy nurses it was great! (the same service also helped with parent/elder care!!!). Just may want to look into that also!
And nursing schools/early education/human development students.....I hear make great nannies.

[**Jenn**]

I used to be a nanny. The first time I went through a nanny agency that placed me with the family. The second time I found in the paper. I got about $10 an hour but it was under the table so I made out better than a "real" job at $10 an hour.

It was really great and I had such a close bond with all the kids. It was always hard to leave in the end.

[bittersweet]

And nursing schools/early education/human development students.....I hear make great nannies.[/b]

I think about myself in nursing school, scary...maybe with a +1 yr old, but with a 6 week old, I think i would be more comfy if it was a BTDT mom (and then maybe she could teach me tricks too!)

I think the hospital I work at does have that. When I was in my course one of the girls I knew had a baby that got sick, but she still had to come in and she used one of the names of the nannies they gave her. She got a $300 bill for the day But it was an on-call nanny agancy...maybe thats why it was so expensive.

I am a nanny. I find most of my jobs through www.care.com. I do not pay, but the parents do. The site is www.care.com. Some people, including myself, have pretty extensive profiles. My criminal background check is available if I give a client access, as well as a copy of my fingerprints on record with the New York Office of Children and Families.

I have sliding rates depending on the age of the child/ren, and the responsibilities the parents include-- for example, picking up from school or dropping off at basketball practice. For infants, I charge slightly more, and honestly, if the interviews with the parents go well, and I like the family, I charge less. I have earned, just in this area, between $15 an hour to $6 an hour. For a regular, set, "nanny" schedule, I charge more, for just "babysitting" I charge less.