To ask about a one off nanny?

[Starryceiling]

Is it possible to find experienced nannies happy to do a day or night as a one off at short notice?

I’m not sure why I’m asking though as don’t think I would be comfortable leaving my lovely baby with a stranger.

All I want is to sleep! I’ve been coping so well but tonight I’ve hit a wall and feel like I physically can’t carry on no matter what I try. I’m having to slap my face to stay awake. Usually I try lots of water, quick bursts of energy etc but it feels like the battery is now totally flat!

Normally I do nights but DH took baby tonight for a while although she needed feeding very soon and he’s driving a lot tomorrow for work so I’ve told him to go back to bed. He’s away tomorrow night and I don’t know what to do!

Meant to be quick bursts of exercise

Very possible OP. I had similar when DD1 was a baby and I was a lone parent.

I was lucky as one of the mums at the nursery had a nanny who did most pick ups so was able to have a word with her and she was more than happy to help out. Start off a very casual arrangement- one or two nights a month, but then she started having her for 6 hours at a weekend so I could catch up on sleep (and housework!)

Carried on the arrangement once a month up until DD was 11 and DS had come along as it was time me and ex spent together

At a baby show three years ago there was a company called night nannies or something. They did just this, they were trained nurses actually but specialised in overnight care for any child. I think they worked in the London area but there may well be others.

What I did when we moved and I knew no one (in case of emergencies because DH is away a lot rather than for sleep as DS is older now) was organise a nanny for a few play dates so she got to know DS and then she’s on call if needed.

Give yourself a break though OP- it’s tough! Can someone come round for a few hours tomorrow so you can have a nice soak in the bath and chill?

There are nanny agencies which may fit the bill, or if you have funds a maternity nurse may be what you need. But the cost is a thing. If you happen to be in a family area you may find a qualified nanny who is looking for babysitting- I know where I was, sw london, it wasn't unusual to be asked for qualifications and a reference for a babysitting job, usually just wanted to speak to my boss and proof I had first aid/level 3 childcare. What I mean is a babysitter needn't be an unqualified teen, but qualified and experienced, but obviously with a higher cost.

Thank you all

In my darkest hour baby took pity on me and just slept two hours! So I have found some more energy to carry on. Once DH is back I will get him involved more too as I do almost all baby care atm (but tbh I am usually happy to)

No family nearby so nobody to take baby - a bath sounds like a different world!

A night nanny would be ideal - can’t afford a maternity nurse long term but as a one off it would really help! Question is where to start - I might try Facebook community page rather than agency (but would check qualifications) we would like to go by localbr commendation it possible as not sure about a stranger looking after baby!

Is personally go with an agency. You may pay slightly more but you’d get someone who’s DBS checked, with references etc.

We found ours by getting recommendations on Facebook then hiring them through an agency.