Do you think getting a nanny in for 3hrs a day is right?

Catharine - posted on 12/12/2010

I was in a similar situation. I went back to work part time when my daughter was 8 weeks old and had planned for her to go to the same day care my son was in at the time. She was going to be cared for by the same people who had cared for my son and my older niece and nephew--I felt comfortable with because they were not strangers. But, the daycare spot fell through just days before she was to start and so I had to find a nanny. I was very anxious about leaving her with a stranger, but posted an add on care.com and interviewed several wonderful options by the end of the week. We love our nanny--she is wonderful! A good friend of mine did the same thing and also found a wonderful nanny for her baby. I was very skeptacle about finding a "stranger" to leave my baby with, but after getting to know some of the women on care.com (my friend used another local website) the nannies didn't feel like strangers.

Also, I would recommend installing a web cam. It's cheap and easy and puts your mid at ease.

Nicole - posted on 12/01/2010

I am a childcare provider, I totally understand where you are coming from. I have a son who is 6 months old and I am lucky to have him with me all day. Whereabouts do you live? I am home with my son and looking to watch another baby out of my house if that is something you would be interested in let me know.
Nicole

Tricia - posted on 11/21/2010

I have considered going back to work, but I too am scared of leaving my little girl. However, if I had someone I could trust that would be a different story. At 5 months I definetely would NOT put my child in a daycare, as that can raise the chance of an illness or any type of infection (including ear- thats what my daughters ear doctor said). I would say if you could find some one you can trust or that you know really well, 3 hours is nothing. And it would be good to have your daughter interact with people she may not know to well. If I were you I would talk to family, and check your local churches for people that are willing to watch her a few hours when needed. Even ask close friends....

Carolyn - posted on 11/07/2010

i dont see an issue with hiring a nanny for 3 hours a day. if you think about it, many people place their kids in day care or have a sitter for the entire day, the whole work week.

just take your time , hold some interviews, get references and then have them do some sitting while you are at home, to see how they are with your little one so you can feel more at ease leaving them alone with her and you will both have time to get to know her.