Bummed about childcare

[Cricket0619]

I just met with this amazing lady and think she would be a great fit to come to our house and watch the baby.  The only bad thing was she wants to charge $12/$13 an hour.  I was so disappointed when she gave me those numbers.  I am hoping maybe we  can negotiate.  H couldn't come because he had to meet a customer last minute, so I told her I would talk to him. 

[formerlyak]

If this is going to be her full time job, that really isn't asking that much. What will she be doing for you besides watching the baby? Will she do baby laundry? Drive to My Gym or the like when the baby is old enough? What were you hoping to spend and what is the COL in your area like?

[kershnic]

Is that out of line for childcare in your area? I got paid that much (or more) to babysit when I was in college. But prices for these things are very regional.

I hope you're able to figure something out so you can hire her!

[Cricket0619]

I thought it would be closer to $10. She would nanny for other families too the days she's not with us.

[Cricket0619]

Dec 9, 2013 18:54:54 GMT -5 nursecramer said:

Would the nanny be willing to watch two, and would you have a friend who might want to share the cost, so maybe you each pay $10?

I have thought about this even before I met her. 

[Jalapeñomel]

That doesn't seen too expensive, but I live in NYC.

[redpenmama]

I was going to suggest nanny sharing as well. I have several friends who do it, and it's a really cost-effective option if you prefer in-home care over a traditional daycare. In fact, a girl in my playgroup is a nanny of three babies and charges $200/week per child for full-time care, which seems really reasonable (we are in a relatively low COL area). Might be worth investigating...

[SJ]

Have you interviewed any other nannies? What are other rates you are seeing in your area?

Chemistry is so important and it's a good sign that you liked her so much.

[Cricket0619]

Dec 9, 2013 20:55:06 GMT -5 SJ said:

Have you interviewed any other nannies? What are other rates you are seeing in your area?

Chemistry is so important and it's a good sign that you liked her so much.

I haven't interviewed any others yet, but have favorites saved on my care.com profile.  I saw that the average rates are $9 an hour, so that's good.  

[simpsongal]

Dec 9, 2013 21:22:01 GMT -5 Cricket0619 said:

Dec 9, 2013 20:55:06 GMT -5 SJ said:

Have you interviewed any other nannies? What are other rates you are seeing in your area?

Chemistry is so important and it's a good sign that you liked her so much.

I haven't interviewed any others yet, but have favorites saved on my care.com profile.  I saw that the average rates are $9 an hour, so that's good.  

Did you ask whether she's paying taxes or working under the table?  Cheaper nannies may be working under the table.  Expect to pay a $2-3 premium for someone who is filing the proper paperwork.

My BIL has a nanny who brings her own child to their house - I think they pay $16-18/hour, and she reports her income to the government.

[Cricket0619]

Dec 10, 2013 9:23:24 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Dec 9, 2013 21:22:01 GMT -5 Cricket0619 said:

I haven't interviewed any others yet, but have favorites saved on my care.com profile.  I saw that the average rates are $9 an hour, so that's good.  

Did you ask whether she's paying taxes or working under the table?  Cheaper nannies may be working under the table.  Expect to pay a $2-3 premium for someone who is filing the proper paperwork.

My BIL has a nanny who brings her own child to their house - I think they pay $16-18/hour, and she reports her income to the government.

The childcare that I have been looking at for the website has an option to withhold taxes and I chose that.  The lady was willing to have them withheld.