Nanny questions

With all the problems I'm having with DD's illnesses in daycare we are starting to consider getting a nanny.

A nanny wasn't our first choice mainly because I liked the "socialization" aspect of daycare and the fact that we aren't entirely comfortable with someone in our home alone with the baby. I'm also not sure how I feel about someone driving her anywhere.

That being said for those that have a nanny, know a nanny, was a nanny - what was your experience(s) good and bad.

How do I go about finding one? (I don't live in LI) I don't just want a "babysitter" I want a nanny that's going to interact, stimulate and teach in addition to caring for her basic needs.

How do you get comfortable with her? What kinds of questions should I ask? etc.

Whatever you can think of to share about my concerns, pros, cons, how and where to find one please do.

Re: Nanny questions

We have a nanny for our DD and like you, we were worried that DD wouldn't get the socialization with other kids and would be alone in our house all day with a stranger. I won't lie- yes, that happens but we really think it's whats best for her at this young age. She's 6 months old and the nanny has been here since she was 7 weeks.

The nanny plays with her, reads to her, does tummy time.... lets her play alone. Do I think she's perfect? No! Do I wish she'd read more? Change playtime stuff around to do different things? Yes! But overall, my daughter is well taken care of, well fed (on her schedule which is important to me), her diaper is always clean, her clothes are always clean and she loves the nanny.

You don't have to have a nanny that drives - I don't feel comfortable yet with someone driving my child, but our nanny is a live-in. If you live near a bus or train the nanny can use that transportation. Where do you live? I have a few agencies that I used that I can recommend. If you want the numbers and have any other questions, feel free to FM me!

I know how hard it is!!

Re: Nanny questions

I have a nanny and I'm very happy with my choice. I went back to work p/t when dd was 15 weeks old. At that age, I didn't feel the socialization aspect of daycare would really benefit her in anyway. I also didn't want dd to have to leave the house in the am and go to a daycare setting in the winter.

As the previous poster said, she's not perfect and I would do some things different but she takes very good care of my dd. My nanny does drive but I have only recently okayed them going out. She takes her to the park and playgroups. Now that DD is older, 8 months, I do think that it's important for her to get out and play and interact with other children.

I only have a nanny p/t and she's live out. I do have a survanlience system that is live so I can see what is going on at all times. She has never given me any reason to doubt her and I trust her completely but that came with time.

Re: Nanny questions

Both you and I are in the same situation, both working moms, both babies sick from daycare etc.

I hired a nanny before I returned to work, I found her through www.nannylocators.com. I interviewed her, did a thorough background check, I was going to have her start PT while I was still home so we can become acquainted but after I starting thinking about a stranger all alone in my house with my son I decided not to go with her. Not to go with ANY nanny for that matter. I then decided a daycare environment would be better - Kiddie Academy only lasted 2 weeks!! Most of my co-workers all have nannies and I was given some very good recommendations but I was fortunate to have a close friend of mine offer to watch my son since she is a stay at home mom of 3. Most of the Nannies I contacted wanted around $400-500 per week, all had references, CPR trained, have been Nannies for many years (mostly for NYC professionals - that is why they are looking to get paid @$500 wkly). I would suggest try to get recommendations from friends/coworkers etc, going a background check, even installing a nanny cam (if you are comfortable with that - I know I was def going to).