About Nannies

A nanny is someone who has gained a recognised qualification in childcare and/or a valuable level of expertise in the care and management of children.

As a comparison, a mother's help tends to be someone who is either newly qualified or unqualified but has some experience in the care of children.  She may have been caring for children for many years or she may be someone who has a love of children and is starting out on a career in childcare.  Mothers' helps are usually suitable for the care of children of 3 years and upwards unless they have specific relative experience of children below this age.  They may require more direction to meet your children's needs and would usually be prepared to do some light house work as well as child care.  They are an appropriate choice if you are at home or working part time and require an extra pair of hands.

Is a nanny really the right solution for me?

The answer of course depends on a whole range of factors - what exactly are your childcare needs?  Can you afford a nanny?  What are the other alternatives in your area?  Can you be sure of finding the right nanny?

There is no magic formula.  The best advice is to speak to as many people as possible with some experience - friends, nannies, your mother and your partner. 

What are the pros and cons of hiring a nanny?

The Advantages

• There is no possibility of your children being disturbed by a change of environment
• A proper one to one relationship can be built between the nanny and your children
• Working arrangements can be completely flexible to suit the needs of the busy parent
• Brothers and sisters can stay together
• You have far more control over your child's activities - if you want the nanny to take your children swimming followed by a piano lesson then you can say so

The Disadvantages

• If you hire the wrong nanny it is more difficult to change as your child may have bonded with the nanny and you would need to take time to find a new nanny and perhaps time off work to help the new nanny settle in.
• Hiring a nanny, especially for a single child, can be an expensive option
• You will have to take responsibility for all financial, insurance and tax matters
• You have to learn to trust the nanny - it is impossible to supervise completely what goes on in the house whilst you are away