Nannies - pros and cons
If you’re looking for close one-on-one care for your child, then a nanny may be your best choice. But make a note of the pitfalls too…
Why a nanny might work for you
- Your child is looked after in your own home
- You don’t have to get your child out the door to childcare in the morning
- One to one care that creates a similar set-up to you or your partner being at home
- A nanny may be able to look after your child when she’s sick so you don’t have to take time off work
- You can ask the nanny to follow your parenting style and methods
- Potential flexibility – some nannies are willing to work short hours and part-days, while nurseries may not be that flexible
- Although an expensive option if you have one child, a nanny may be more cost-effective if you have 2 or 3 children or organise a nanny share
Why a nanny might not work for you
- If you have only one child, your little one may miss out on the social interaction skills that are learned in a nursery or potentially at a childminders.
- You are handing over parenting responsibilites to a single person, who isn’t necessarily being observed by anyone else – there’s a huge amount of trust involved!
- If your nanny is ill, you’ll have to cover the childcare.
- It can be an expensive choice. You also become an employer and are responsible for your nanny’s tax and National Insurance.
What are the different types of nanny?
A full-time nanny - will usually work mon-fri, often 7am-7pm
A part-time nanny - will work part time often to fit in with a mother who works part-time. Or she may nannyshare with another family so is with you on a part-time basis.
A live-in nanny - will share your home (or accommodation in the same vicinity as your home) and is a nanny for whom you provide the food and pay all expenses.
A live-out nanny - will live away from your home and pay her own living expenses.
An after-school nanny - will care for the children after school, this includes school pick up, overseeing home work, feeding, and if required, bedtime.
Nanny shares - nannysharing is where two families share a nanny. Good for all parties; it is more reasonable for the families and gives the nanny a greater return, plus the children have the social interaction that they may not have had otherwise.
Male nannies (Mannies) - trained or not, male nannies can be great; particularly if yours is an all boy family who want to play football constantly.
Night nannies - will come in and do the night shift with your baby or child, giving you a break. Night nannies can also cover when both parents are away/work at night.
Authors
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.