Tips For Hiring A Nanny

Tips For Hiring A Nanny

One of the finest options is to hire a babysitter. Instead of a nanny, some people might prefer daycare. So which option is superior to the others? Why wouldn't you use a daycare instead of hiring a nanny? Here are some questions you should ask yourself and some things to look for in a nanny for your kids.

Daycares are seen negatively by some parents compared to nannies. Because of the sheer number of children in their care, some parents believe that the individualized attention a nanny can give to their kids is a valuable service that many daycares are unable to offer. The ease of having childcare available outside of regular daycare working hours is another factor that influences families' decision to hire nannies. 

What then should you think about?

     1. Are you looking for a live-in, daytime, full-time, part-time, or on-call nanny? How much can you spend? Will you require the nanny to cook meals, clean the house, or drive your kids to after-school activities or play dates? What additional duties would you like a nanny to have?

     2. Will you let guests or smoking in your house while providing care? Do you mind if the babysitter speaks English or another language? Is having a caregiver from your community important to you? Au pairs are frequently younger women from other countries.

     3. How much is it? Find out the going prices in your area and decide if you can afford the care you need before you start looking for a nanny. Your budget might be best served by making plans to share a nanny with another family. You will also need to create a clear understanding with the other parents regarding the tasks you both require if you decide to share a nanny.

Agencies, personal recommendations, and newspaper classified ads can all be used to locate nannies. Anywhere you look for a nanny, you should request references (be sure you can get in touch with the references), a driver's license or other form of identification, a criminal background check, and, depending on your specific needs, child care experience or education. A popular request is for a nanny who is trained in CPR or First Aid.

It is better for you to inquire about the agency's history and professional experience. Make plans to meet the applicants in person and hold off on making a hiring decision until after you've had a chance to interview them.