Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

I love my daycare - I want to start with that. Also, my DD loves daycare so much that when we pull into the parking garage she claps! I mean, it's been great... but for financial reasons with baby #2 on the way, we are considering bringing someone into the house instead. I also cannot imagine getting 2 babies ready in the morning - I'll never leave the house before 12pm! If I decide to work or find work part time/flex time... my daycare doesn't offer a part time infant program, so we'd have to pay f/t and lose the money which will be tighter b/c of my cut in pay and it's already tight with just one child in the program with me working f/t. Not loving that. Also when she's been sick, we still pay for the days she misses, which is one thing I find irritating although I sort of understand (it'd be the same thing with private k-12 I'm sure). She has gotten her share of colds and such from being there which doesn't bug me too much but with 2 of them getting sick - I can only imagine how much work I'd miss and mind you - I only get 2 weeks vaca a year - and that's when I've worked the whole year... I'm not accruing vaca right now b/c of disability, and I won't accrue vaca when I'm on maternity leave... so I may get a whole 2 or 3 days vaca this year by the time I'm back on track. I'm not looking for a cheaper daycare... if we were to keep her in daycare - we'd continue at the same place. I personally swear by them and if we were independently wealthy my kids would be in there... but thats JMO. I don't want anyone taking offense as this is not the meaning of this post... I just want help in finding the RIGHT person for OUR SITUATION.

With that said I was thinking about hiring a babysitter - live out (we don't have the space for a live in), for either 5 days a week if I continue f/t or 3 days week if I go p/t. I don't want to get into the whole "debate" about daycare vs. kids at home, I've been through this on here before... but I'm just asking for mom's who HAVE HIRED people - I want to keep DD's activity level up to where it's been at daycare. I prefer someone young who isn't set in THEIR ways, yet someone who loves kids and can handle 2 kids under 2 years old and potentially any sibbling rivalry issues (should there be any at this age difference). What questions would you ask and where would you begin looking. I am willing to buy toys, arts/crafts supplies, and any other equipment needed to keep both kids at the activity level daycare provides. I prefer the person DOES NOT drive the kids anywhere - but are you supposed to give a home sitter a car seat for each kid in case of emergency? We have NO family or friends willing, able or practical t leave my kids with. Even in emergencies we tend to be "screwed" and if I can get a good sitter, maybe this person can help with those kinds of situations too when they arise.

In a nutshell, what screening process did you use... what questions did you ask, where did you find the sitter, what things can you ask or can you not ask (since it's in your home do discrimination laws affect this type of employment situation - i.e. language preference), do you pay on or off the books (if on how do you do that?), etc. Finally, is it really more affordable with 2 kids to hire a sitter/nanny than daycare? I'm sure it's a lot easier b/c they come here rather than gettin the kids somewhere else.

TIA!

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

I know someone who hired a nanny off of Care.com for her two boys under 2. My friend works full time now, but is going to drop to part time at our Company, and I am *probably* going to take her nanny on her off days.

I know one of her concerns was that her older boy might be more stimulated at daycare, but from the sound of things, her nanny keeps them VERY busy. She is relatively young (early 20's) and always has the kids outside, playing etc.

It has worked for her, and like I said, I am considering hiring her on her off days (rather than put DS in traditional daycare) when my friend drops to part time at work.

I know she pays her off the books, but will pay her holidays. I *think* though, that you can go through a payroll company like Paychex to pay an employee (I know someone who does this also) and then you would be able to claim the daycare expense on your taxes.

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

I don't have any real advice on seeking someone, just wanted to let you know you're not alone in this situation....

We're not even TTC but already DH is talking about other options.....it would be soo $$$$$$ to have 2 in full time daycare. It will absolutely break my heart if I have to leave our daycare......

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

Posted by curliegirl

I don't have any real advice on seeking someone, just wanted to let you know you're not alone in this situation....

We're not even TTC but already DH is talking about other options.....it would be soo $$$$$$ to have 2 in full time daycare. It will absolutely break my heart if I have to leave our daycare......

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

I didnt read the entirepsot--have 2 seconds on here...but I feel like if I kept my 2 year old in the house all the time he would go NUTZ

Re: Considering switching from daycare to nanny/sitter - with lots of questions!

I have a nanny and love it. Finding the right person is a challenge , i wont kid you there..i dont have her drive my baby anywhere...
I just hired a new one that I had an agency help me find and talk about night and day from the ones on nannies4hire etc..i just didnt do a good job screening i think..not easy when you are doing it for the first time!
It is so wonderful not to have to pack DD up, i dont leave a carseat but that is not a bad idea.
I know as children get older, they can take them to book readings, the parks etc...you can keep them busy. I just like it for the conveinance and i like DD at home in her own bed etc...