Nanny bringing own child?

[ReaganSomerset]

I'm meeting a prospective nanny who would like to bring her own child along every day when she comes to work. My DD will be a year old, hers is a few months younger. I like the idea of the girls growing up together, but I'm not sure how it would work in practice. Does anyone have experience of this set up? Can it work? Or should I search for a traditional nanny set up instead?

My neighbour's daughter, a trained nanny, took time off when she had her baby and then went back to work taking her with her. It worked very well for quite a while, when she had her second baby she packed it up and did childminding at home but while it worked, it worked well. I've known of others who have done the same, happy all round.

I think as with any nanny, some nannies with their own children are fab and some are not so good. With that in mind it probably comes down to the individual nanny and how they fit with what you need. The pros would be: cost (most NWOC would take a drop in salary) and a playmate for your child. It may also be easier to recruit someone with their own child if you have unusual hours or perhaps want less than 12 hour days.

The cons would be wear and tear on your house/belongings, split attention and perhaps less time do any household side of things. Of course many nannies manage with two or more young children and can still get everything done.

I’m an experienced and qualified nanny and I thing my own child with me to work. It works really well and the children really enjoy playing together.
I bought a second hand double buggy. For activities I pay for my own child and the family pay for their child. It works really well. Also I have reduced my hourly rate to take into account that I bring my own child.

*bring

We also tried this and it really didn't work out! The nanny's child was a lot younger (a baby) and was definitely prioritised. The arrangement lasted a few weeks before we had to give notice. Wouldn't try it again to be honest.