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Paid childcare

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

Childcare cover while having a second baby - any ideas?

7 replies

diplodocus · 18/05/2007 08:37

I'm due DC2 in October, when DD1 will be 2yrs. At the moment am struggling a bit about what to do with DD1 while I'm i'm having the new baby (obviously DH wants to be there). We don't have much family, and what there is of it won't be able to come and look after her because of distance / work commitments or not physically or mentally up to looking after a boisterous 2 yr old. A number of friends have kindly offered to take her but they live quite a way away, and have children themselves so we would have to drop her off with them (a round journey of 3-4 hours - not ideal!). We've only moved here recently and the people we've met locally all work at least part-time (would be complicated to co-ordinate, particularly as my last labour was 36 hours followed by a c section, so could well mean DD1 needs to be looked after for several days). I was wondering about whether it would be possible to get a temporary au pair / nanny to come a few weeks before I'm due and stay for about a month (I was 2 weeks late last time!). She could maybe do light childcare duties so she gets to know DD1 for most of that time, but cover when I'm having the baby. Has anyone come across this arrangement, and where might I be able to find someone? I could offer her a room for live in (though would rather not) but no en suite etc. (which I understand most nannies want??). Any ideas greatfully recieved! Thanks

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
dmo · 18/05/2007 09:34

you could try a childminder
i have children leaving in the summer to go to school and a baby due to start in december so would infact have a place any week in october for you
other childminders might be in the same boat and would prob be happy to help for a week or two

one mindee of mine used to come mon and fri afternoons while mum worked then she had ds in dec and i have mindee all day mon and fri while mum catches up on sleep etc

Booh · 18/05/2007 10:00

I am a childminder and I do exactly this!

A lot of families are in your situation and don't have family or friends close by that can help, so far I have had 7 children come to me (at all hours day and night and the last one was with me for four days!) while their mummy has a baby.

Before that baby is due I have got to know the child very well and they have come for a a 'sleep oever' etc

Maybe try a local childminder.

diplodocus · 18/05/2007 10:14

Thanks for this -its a great idea and really helpful. I'll follow it up. Can all childminders keep children overnight, or do they have to be specially "approved"? Don't suppose either of you are in the Hampshire area???

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dmo · 18/05/2007 10:14

they have to be approved

Booh · 18/05/2007 12:53

No sorry not in Hampshire - Good luck in your search

Shoshable · 18/05/2007 13:07

Dipp if you go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk and put in your postcode you should find one in your area, what part of Hants I'm in Dorset.

diplodocus · 18/05/2007 14:37

I'm near Winchester, so a bit far. Shame though - had a look at your website and it looks lovely! Thanks for the link.

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