reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

So, my mom will be retiring and asked me if she could watch the baby when I return to work and just have us pay her, instead of the baby going to daycare. Of course we are thrilled about this for so many different reasons. So I asked her yesterday what she wanted/needed to get paid and she said it was up to us - whatever we could afford and that she just needs some money coming in and that's the only reason she is asking to get paid.

My question is... what is a reasonable amount to pay your mother for watching your child? I have no idea!! I want to make sure we pay her a good amount and not take advantage of the fact she's my mom, but we also need it to be under what I would have been paying for daycare. Our hours would be 8-3 three days a week and 8-5 two days a week. so roughly 36 hours a week. Can anyone help me!!??

fyi - the daycare we were looking into was $7 hr which would be about $250 a week.

Thanks!

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

We will be doing something similar as my mom (and dad who just decided to retire) will be watching our baby.

We were thinking of something along the lines of $200; however, after visiting a daycare center and realizing that we did not want our baby there, we are thinking of paying them more along the lines of what daycare would cost. If we could afford to pay the daycare more, we figure why not give the same amt to my parents who will do a much better job.

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

$200 is the lowest I would go a week.

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

If $ isn't an issue, then I think that $200 is the lowest that I would go too...that's a 20% savings & it would really help your mom out a lot...

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

I agree with nothing lower than $200.

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

we do not need day care 5 days a week so we pay per day. my sister gets $50 a day, but that will be going up to $60 when DS turns a year old.

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

thanks ladies! $200 was what I was thinking for the babysitting and maybe give her an extra $30 a week for gas since she will be driving to my house everyday???? Does this sound reasonable?

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

I would do $200 as well. I think the gas money is a very nice gesture!

Re: reasonable amount to pay family for watching DC?

i babysat a little boy, my house, 250 a week.