I have 20 month old triplets and I have to find a babysitter because my mom, who usually watches them, is going back to work. I have found a girl from my church who wants to watch them, but wants me to name a price. She is going to come to my house to watch them, but is also bringing her 18 month old daughter. I have no idea what to offer. My husband and I both teach (and we have triplets), so we are by no means wealthy. I know a sitter will be cheaper than daycare. Daycare in our area (Northwest Alabama) for triplets would cost us $1100 per month. Please help!
Oh my, right off the bat I'm wondering if she's the best choice. 4 babies, all the same age, are really a lot to handle, even for a seasoned nanny.
1100 per month is NOTHING for 3 babies. In our area a baby is near 200 per week. That could easily rack up a bill around 2000 or more per month.
20 months are legally babies in most states. But I wouldn't consider them babies myself. I charge 120 per week for that age. So I would get 480 in my home, not yours. I wouldn't expect someone going to your home to get less than a daycare provider would get. Going to someone elses home should be more.
I agree that your nanny will be very busy with 4 kids under the age of 2. She should get everyone on the same schedule quickly to make the day more managable for her. You didn't mention how much expereince she has or her education. That will play a part in her salary. My recommendation would be between $12-$15/hr. Generally when a nanny brings along a child she earns about 10 to 15% less. If you need anymore information on hiring a nanny please visit my website FindTheBestNanny.com
Good Luck!
In Southern CA, where I live, a nanny for triplets would probably cost about $18-20/hour. Since your area is probably less expensive, I would recommend $14-15/hour. Hopefully you'll get some good advice from people in your area.
I hope it works out!
K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao
I don't know about Alabama, but here in California Nanny's go for at least $10 an hour, and I would say more like $15-18 for triplets. But if she is bringing her own child, most likely she is willing to take a little less.
In our area for 2 kids the weekly rate is around $250 for a sitter, but the cost of living in California is very high compared to most of the country, I think. The rate at daycare centers for 2 kids is $400 per week here... so I would say based upon that ratio, that you could offer around $600-700 (a little more than half of the daycare price) and see what she says. If she is not comfortable with what you offer, I'm sure she'll say so.
I gotta say 1100 a month for triplets is a good deal. Im sure AL is different than MN, but in MN at a center you pay around 250 a week for 1 kid. Inhome is about 125-135 a week for one kid. I have 2 kids one who is almost 3 and the other is 10 weeks old and i pay 720 a month for just 3 days a week at an inhome daycare. Most people dont pay less than a grand a week for 2-3 kids unless your on help from the state. So i would negotiate throw a lower price out there like 700 a month and see what she says. If she needs more than you have room to negotiate with.
Wow I have friends who pay more than $1100 for just one child at the daycare.....for triplets that's amazing. You would have to pay more for somebody who will come to your house.
I hate to tell you this but as someone who had a sitter for my son five days per week (and he is an only child) - $1100 is a steal. If you could find a good sitter whom you trust and who is willing to watch your children for less than $1100, do your best to hold on to her. $1100 is almost half of what I would have expected that you would have to pay for three 11 mos olds. Good luck. I know its tough finding someone you feel comfortable with to watch your children.
