Nannies - what's the largest group of children you'd be prepared to care for?

[SE13Mummy]

We're in the process of trying to recruit a nanny to look after a total of 4 children in a nannyshare; an 8-month-old, 13-month-old, 3-year-old and 5-year-old.

Do nannies ever look after this number of children or is four too many?

The 5-year-old goes to school full-time so will only be around for 30 minutes before school and a couple of hours afterwards and the 3-year-old attends pre-school during mornings so we're not asking for someone to look after all four all day, every day.

I'd be interested in feedback from nannies as to how they'd feel about a post such as this or if it sounds like something you'd avoid like the plague...

Thank you!

Ihave looked after families with 4 and 5 children I think you just need the 'right' person for the job. I found it no problem as I am 1 of 6 and 4 of them are 10-17 years younger than me.

I did a share with 7 children which was great termtime but was harder in the holidays as couldnt drive anywhere - they were baby, 4,4 8, 10, 12 and 14

so would certainly consider your 4

8month and 13month are quite close together (sorry, statig the obvious ).

As long as the nanny is organised in her daily routine this should not be a problem. If she's lucky then feed/sleep times will be similar so pretty much like looking after twins.

All I would say is, i'm asuming this is two different families and therefore very important both sets of parents agree with each other on all aspects of the childcare routine.

Double buggy is a must tho.

I'd happily take this on.

stating

and yes sorry just re-read it is a share.

It's good to hear that we're not asking for the impossible

As two families we know each other very well, our children get along well and we spend a lot of time together during the week already which I'm hoping will make life easier for a nanny as the children are used to being in each other's homes. The double buggy is sorted and the babies are currently sleeping and feeding at pretty much identical times!

During school holidays it's likely that the nanny would only have 2 or maybe three children as my OH and I are both teachers. I suppose the only time the nanny might have all 4 for an entire day would be on a day that the 5-year-old's school was closed for INSET but that would only happen a couple of times a year when one of us couldn't cover it.

I've nannied for a family with 4 children, though the eldest was older than the children you mention. The major issue I found was transportation, though given the ages of the children I cared for the eldest went on a cushion booster in the car but it was still a tight fit between the bigger baby/toddler car seats.
As long as the oldest two children are prepared to walk quite a bit, then it's certainly possible using a double buggy to get out and about locally.
Try to consider logistical issues that may crop up in say 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years. As children get older they change carseat size, they have a greater ability to walk increasing distances, their activities change. The pre-school and school may change... consider for example what happens when the 3 year old goes to school - will it be the same school as then then 7 year old attends?

Definitely doable as long as you're realistic about the nanny's job in terms of nursery duties, what activities you expect them to do with them (no swimming for example) and are paying a competitive salary.

It is very do-able. You just need the right nanny who is organised etc and you are offering the right salary package etc

yes doable - i have had 4 under 4 twins 6mths, 2yrs, and 3.5yrs- but was hard work tbh

tbh i would prob avoid this job (sorry) as it is a nanny share+therefore you have to please 4 parents - but i would have no problem if all 4 were with one family (tho obv not possible with a 8+13mth old)

also other thing to consider when older, will they all go to the same school/nursery - or will drop off/pick up times clash?

you say that the nanny wouldnt have all 4 very often in holidays - as you and oh are teachers - so does that mean you would both be about/job not sole charge, and if you have your 2dc then would the nannys money go down?

I care for five but all one family
Absolutely love it. You need someone very organised, with a good sense of humour. I imagine as a share it would be harder. I think you have to have all the details thrashed out at the beginning as others have pointed out.
At times co-ordination can be difficult so for example my little one spends a lot of time being pushed around in a pram after the others and gets frustrated and throws tantrums and there's nothing I can do about that. She gets loads of my time during the day but parents have to be prepared for the give and take more children brings to the nanny role. Entirely do-able though

During the school holidays it is likely that the nanny would have care of the two children from the other family plus, on occasions, our baby. Her pay would stay the same regardless of how many of the children she had charge of but we wouldn't be around.

I have looked after 4 children (nanny share also) before. Im sure you will find a good nanny out there. As long as the nanny is organised but easy going she will have no problems Im sure! I live in SE13 also looking after a 5 month baby. When you find your nanny it would be good if you got intouch and could organise a playdate etc.

Hi

How long are you wanting a nanny for and in what area?

It is def something I would consider and, if you are willing to hire someone from Jan til June or July, I would love to be in contact!! My email address is [email protected]