I got an offer to do some extra work for the month of May, but it's too much to ask my mom to watch LO (she watches him already 2x a week while I work), so I'm looking for temporary childcare. It would just be 4 days in total but all day. I got a referral from someone in my neighborhood that her former nanny is looking for part-time work. The thing is the nanny just had a baby at the beginning of March, so the baby will only be barely 8 weeks. I don't think she will be bringing the baby. I'm not sure how I feel about having someone with such a young baby watch my LO. I imagine that she will still be totally sleep deprived and focused on being a FTM and not really able to completely pay attention to my LO. But then again it's only 4 days. What would you do?
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I would be totally fine with this, even if she brought her child. Lots of people have to go back to work before their child is 8 weeks and function just fine. Not to mention all the moms who watch their own toddlers and infants. She may not plan perfect pinterest inspired activities for your child, but I'm sure she would be more than capable. I'm not sure what you expect from a temporary sitter I guess...
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How old is your little one? For 4 days total, I wouldn't have an issue with her watching my kiddo and I personally would rather have her bring her baby along at 8 weeks old!
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I'd be 100% fine with it as long as everything else checked out
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I don't think this would be a problem at all. Most women that work after having children seem to go back to work around the 6 to 8 week mark and no one worries about them being too sleep deprived or burnt out to fulfill their work roles - I personally don't see how it would be any different for a nanny, especially when it's for such a short time.
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@kiddosc:, @birdofafeather:, and @charm54:, thanks for the reassurance. My LO is almost 22 months but has some mild special needs. He's generally an easy kid, but there are some extra issues for caregivers to pay attention to. In general, since it's only 4 days, I'm not expecting too much.
I realize that lots of moms have to go back to work at 8 weeks but I think we can agree that you're not totally on your game at that point. And I think the difference between having a toddler and an infant is that you're more comfortable dealing with baby/kid issues as a second time mom.
I really was on the fence about whether it would be an issue, so if you're all ok with it, then I'm sure it will be fine. -
My part time nanny started for me when her first LO was 6 weeks and my LO2 was 3.5 months (my LO1 goes to preschool on those days). It was totally fine. I let her start whenever she felt ready, and it was only for 5ish hours each day. Both babies were still sleeping a lot, especially hers, so I think it was pretty easy for her to give them each attention.
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@kaykay: I think it would almost be better if he was younger, but he's a very active toddler who needs someone who can keep up with him and keep him occupied so he doesn't get into trouble.
@birdofafeather: I would hate to ask her to leave such a young baby home, but I'm just picturing my LO getting left alone a lot if her baby is fussy or having trouble napping. I guess for 4 days it would be fine. -
@chuckles: true. She has also done a couple one-off days and nights with her son here and both of my girls (LO1 just turned 3), and that has been ok too. But, like I said, her LO seems pretty chill and my LO1 can entertain herself if need be.
If it makes you feel better, I had some hesitation too. I had visions of her son being fussy and my LO2 getting ignored. I liked her enough to give it a chance and it has been great.
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Is there a reason why you can't just look for someone else? You can always use her as a less-than-ideal fallback option.
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I have no advice, but am I the only one who read that title as the 8 week old would be the nanny?
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@Torchwood: Totally read it that way at first!
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I'm generally not keen on someone caring for my kid who also has THEIR kid to tend to, as in always thinking mine would get the shaft. Particularly with such a young baby
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I think I would try to find someone else if possible. It could work out really well - but if her baby is not sleeping well or if she doesn't have a good support system at home, nannying could be tough during the day. Most people's patience gets tested by sleep deprivation. I know that mine was - even though I had practice during my medical residency and fellowship training.
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As someone currently with an 8 week old and a 2.5 year old, I would be totally fine with her bringing her baby to watch my toddler. Her baby is likely still sleeping for most of the day anyways. Also, is Baby #2 a possibility for you? If so, this could be a great experience for your LO.
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