What is a nanny share?
A nanny cares for the children of two families. The nanny may care for the children in both homes (alternating days or weeks), or in one family's home. The families share the cost of childcare.
What are the benefits of sharing a nanny?
- Sharing the cost of childcare allows parents to hire and retain highly qualified nannies, many with degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Infants and young children are less likely to be exposed to illness
- The small ratio of a nanny share allows for individualized care
- Each child naps on the schedule established by his/her parents, rather than the schedule established by a large daycare center
- Lots of 1:1 interaction, important for development of a child
- Young children enjoy the company of a playmate and learn social skills that prepare them for preschool
How do we decide where the nanny shares take place? Most families do have the nanny spend an equal amount of time in both homes (alternating days or weeks), but in some cases care takes place in one home. Some common reasons families choose to have care take place one home are pet allergies, or if the families live in different neighborhoods, and one parent is dropping the child off on the way to work.
Can we share our current nanny?
Yes, many families are happy to share with a family that already has a trusted nanny.
Where will my child sleep?
For a baby, you will want to purchase a playpen that folds up easily for storage (so the other family can store it when not in use).
For toddlers, we suggest both families purchase a trundle bed that can be stored under their child’s bed.
What are the recommended items to purchase for a nanny share?
Sharing a nanny requires a small, initial investment – but the significant savings on childcare easily makes up for it.
For a baby, you will want to purchase a playpen that folds up easily for storage (so the other family can store it when not in use) and a double stroller. Target has a nice selection of inexpensive double strollers (www.target.com), and if you are willing to do a little research, you can easily find a lightly used double strollers on CL and parenting boards. As always with used baby items, you will want to check that everything meets current safety standards.
You will also want to put together a diaper bag to keep at the other family’s home, with diapers, any special creams/powders you use, formula (if applicable), extra pacifier, and a clean change of clothes. We recommend you select something medium sized with a comfortable handle/strap that you can easily take home on weekends to refill with supplies.
For toddlers, we suggest both families purchase a trundle bed that can be stored under their child’s bed. (This will also be useful for sleepovers as your child gets older!)
What makes a successful nanny share?
A successful nanny share is less about shared values, and more about, well, sharing. While it’s important that both families agree on key values (like approaches to discipline), if one family buys only organic apple juice the nanny share is not doomed. With open communication, these small differences can easily be worked out.
Will the nanny help with household tasks, like cleaning and cooking?
Parents choose a nanny share because it gives their child 1:1 attention with an experienced caregiver. If you need help with laundry, cooking, or other household tasks, speak with your nanny about hiring her for a few additional hours (that you pay for) or hire a cleaning service for some extra help.
What is NannyShare Connection’s Privacy Policy?NannyShare Connection does not share family information with third parties. To protect our families privacy and prevent spam, we do not list member’s email or full address in the Family Directory.
How can I contact families listed in the Family Directory?
Phone: Families may call members listed in the Family Directory, to discuss the potential of sharing a nanny.
Email: To protect our families’ privacy and prevent spam, we do not list member’s email. If you would like to contact a potential match family by email, address the email to mailbox@nannyshareconnection.com with the potential match family’s name in the subject line. We will forward the email to the potential match family. Be sure to include your contact information in the email so the family can reply directly.
What is the cost to be listed in the Family Directory?
It is free to be listed in the directory. Add your listing
Families who are interested in sharing a nanny with you will contact you directly by phone or email. There is no fee for this.
