Choosing an au pair - pitfalls and pearls of wisdom

[CoffeeAndCarrotCake]

I've been reading about the nightmare time loads of you have had with au pairs (or without them, as the case may be). As a beginner to the process (I've only just subscribed to Aupair World today), do you have any tips? It seems terrifying inviting a stranger to live with me and look after my indescribably precious baby (nearly one)!

An Au pair should never be left in charge of a child under the age of 2 at an absolute minimum preferably not preschoolers.

What you need is a nanny.

coffeeandcarrotcake, would your au pair be left in charge of your baby on his/her own for any length of time?

have to say I agree with mummypoppins, I think it too much to ask of an au pair to do that.

but if you/DP are around at the same time, it could be OK.

Agree with MP and dusty I'm afraid, I have never left an under 2 with an AP in sole charge (or a young babysitter for that matter).

If sole charge need a Mother's Help (usually an experienced older woman) or a Nanny.

I agree I'm afraid. After having several AP's over the last 3 years I would say most of them barely know how to cook for themselves, let alone look after a baby. sorry to be a doommonger!

I agree with the others that if you want someone to look after your baby then a nanny, not an au pair, is what you need.

Crikey - just seen all your replies - thanks very much for the advice. Right - now any recommendations on how to find a good nanny?!

some good websites are:

gumtree dot com
nannyjob dot co dot uk

and my friend has just recommended
findababysitter dot com, which does look very good.

What are your requirements? Driving? Hours? Living in or out? you probably need someone who has experience of sole charge of a baby, given your LO's age. First aid course essential IMO, but s/he can do it after being employed by you if necessary.

many people prefer a nanny to be registered with OFSTED, there is advice about that on MN.

I would use an agency, especially if it is your first time. YUEs there is a hefty fee, but I would advise it for peace of mind and to make sure you actually get an au pair in time.

Just read thread properly- no, do not get an aun pair for your baby! Far too young to leave with an au pair. I'd say wait until child is at least nearly 7, depending on maturity and intelligence level of your child.

depends whether you want someone to have sole charge of teh baby all week , or need a few hours here and there or perhaps just an extra pair of hands? if the first option is the case, than you need a nanny, otherwise aupair with baby exp and good english might do.
gumtree.com
greataupair.com for both ap and nanny jobs
nannyjob.co.uk