Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

One off child care for 10 week old

27 replies

Granadilla · 28/11/2013 18:17

Hi,

My little boy is 9 weeks old. In the next week or so I have meetings which I can't take him to which will last 3-4 hrs. My husband works and I don't have any family close by who I could leave him with.

What have other mums done in this situation? I don't feel comfortable leaving him with a stranger, but not sure of an alternative. Also, do childminders take babies so young and on an adhoc basis?

Thanks

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

SoonToBeSix · 28/11/2013 18:22

Can't your dh take annual leave?

anothernamechangerreally · 28/11/2013 18:25

Yes surely your dh will have to take annual leave?

Karoleann · 28/11/2013 19:07

I think he's too little to be at a childminder, you're better off contacting a nanny agency and getting a temp nanny with new born experience for the meetings.

None of my children were distressed at all when they were left at that age. As long as they are fed, cuddled and following their usual routine in their home environment, they've been fine.

OddFodd · 28/11/2013 19:11

You need a nanny. If you google emergency nanny, you should find a number of options. If you know when the meetings will be, you can hopefully meet the nanny in advance (you'd have to pay for their time) and block book the same person for all your meetings.

minderjinx · 28/11/2013 19:32

I have a little boy who started at 5 weeks. I have also done one-off care for quite small babies while Mum had job interviews or medical appointments. I think it's actually a lot easier with a very small baby than with an older baby or toddler - as long as they are fed, dry and cuddled they are usually blissfully unaware whose arms they are in. I would look for a childminder or nanny offering emergency or ad hoc care.

cathpip · 28/11/2013 19:36

I am a nanny and did look after the next door neighbours 5 week old a couple of times whilst mum went to medical appointments, a nanny agency will be able to provide you with an emergency nanny, it could be expensive though.

MissOtisRegretsMadam · 28/11/2013 19:43

Most nurseries and possible childminders only take babies from 12 weeks. Look for an agency for relief nannies?

Blondeshavemorefun · 28/11/2013 21:16

Agree a temp/emergency nanny is the best option

What are are you and maybe one of us can help you or recommend an agency near you?

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 29/11/2013 04:18

Lots of childminders don't have an age limit, my friend took a 3 week old on full time! I'm one and would do it, maybe ring a few and ask. Could be handy as a back up in the future if you need odd hours here and there too.

HSMMaCM · 29/11/2013 07:44

Yes. CM or nanny. Many CMs will be full, so nanny might be easier. Also nanny is in your home, which will probably be more convenient (but maybe cost more).

Original poster

Granadilla · 29/11/2013 09:25

Thanks for the replies. My husband has recently started a new job and does not have any leave that he can take.

I am in south east London.

OP posts:

TeamSouthfields · 29/11/2013 09:35

likeminders!

twojues · 29/11/2013 10:23

I am a childminder and looked after a baby from 6 weeks old. They are much easier the younger they are as they won't have the separation anxiety that hits at a later age.
Whereabouts are you in south east london? I might be able to help you.

looneytune · 29/11/2013 11:18

I was childminding until recently and had 2 children start with me at 8 weeks old, another started adhoc at 5 weeks and contracted from 7 weeks, this was not a problem at all and in fact they were a lot easier as too young for separation anxiety. Yes, some don't take them that early but lots do (I always loved little babies coming round :-) ). Hope you manage to sort something

ReetPetit · 29/11/2013 13:06

childminders take babies from whatever age they decide - there is no minimum. I would try and find a cm with a vacancy or a nanny though an agency (will be expensive though)

Personally, I would insist on taking the baby with me. Surely the people you work with know you've just had a baby?!

minderjinx · 29/11/2013 13:44

My former manager moved a meeting to my house shortly after I had my littlest! Just a thought

Tanith · 29/11/2013 14:10

Why too little to be at a childminders?

My DD was 2 weeks when I had all the kids back again. We can cope with small babies, you know - most of us have had our own!

Poloholo · 29/11/2013 19:18

I'm going to need to arrange a couple of days emergency nanny in London - any recs for an agency? Toddler age.

Lucylouby · 29/11/2013 19:48

I'm a cm and would take a tiny baby, either full time or as you are needing for ad hoc care. Unfortunately I'm not in London, but I'm sure there must be a cm near you who could help you out.

Karoleann · 29/11/2013 22:37

Tanith - yes, too little to be at a childminders for half a day as a one off.
They're fairly easy at 9 weeks, but they need their routine - which you can't adhere to if you're dealing with other children as well, especially if they're not used to lots of noise, going on school runs etc.
They're still fairly delicate at 9 weeks and you don't really want lots of older children poking at them.

Obv if its a regular thing, its very different (or if they have older siblings - which thisLO doesn't).

TeamSouthfields · 29/11/2013 23:25

agency 'likeminders' in London

ReetPetit · 30/11/2013 10:21

Karoleann, I disagree that 9 weeks is too young to be with a cm. I have had many little ones (a few younger than 9 weeks) and tbh at this age they don't really care/know who they are with as long as their needs are met.

You also can't assume that all cms have noisy homes with lots of children and are going on school runs etc!

Some may have no children, some may have only one, some may only be working a couple of days a week - you won't know unless you ask!!

Tanith · 30/11/2013 11:10

It would be more helpful to the Op if you based your advise on experience and not on prejudice, Karoleann. When was the last time you used a childminder? It's pretty clear to me that you don't know what you're talking about!

eeyore12 · 30/11/2013 13:45

Op if you are anywhere near Epsom in Surrey my mum may be able to help you out has been a childminder for over 30 yrs and still is, the youngest she has had was 10 weeks when he started full time and is now nearly 20!

If you want to chat more please email me [email protected]

Poloholo · 30/11/2013 19:51

Thanks for the recommendation teamsouthfields

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread