Anyone use a nanny share instead of daycare?

Dec 71 min read

We're thinking about doing a nanny share with another family instead of the daycare we're at. Same cost basically, but our 2yo would be home with a caregiver + one other kid.

Pros: kid stays in familiar environment, flexible hours, sick day policy is way better
Cons: depends on reliability of one person, less social interaction, less structured curriculum

Has anyone done this? How did it actually work out vs. how you thought it would?

10 comments62 views

Comments(10)

GGary R.RegularDec 7

The home environment thing is legit. Our 2yo is SO much calmer in home vs daycare. But real talk—are you prepared for what happens if the nanny calls in sick or quits? With daycare there's a backup. With nanny share you might be scrambling.

PPaul M.RegularDec 7

Our 2yo actually thrived in a nanny share because it was just one other kid instead of a room full of 15. Less germs too which was huge for us. He socialized fine when he hit preschool. I'd do it again

CCarl D.RegularDec 7

Nanny share can be amazing but also make sure you really like the other family because you're basically stuck together. We did one for a year and it was great until the other kid developed some behavioral stuff and suddenly the nanny couldn't handle both. Just make sure there's a clear exit plan if it doesn't work.

FFrank T.RegularDec 9

We did this and honestly the biggest win was less exposure to every single illness going around. Daycare was a petri dish. With nanny share our kid got sick like 1/10th as much. But also make sure you and the other family agree on discipline, screen time, all that stuff upfront or it gets messy.

MMatt D.RegularDec 7

Same cost as daycare is the key thing here. If that's actually true and the nanny is solid, I'd lean toward it. The socialization thing is real but 2yo doesn't need a ton of that—one other kid is plenty.

PPhil B.RegularDec 9

We did a nanny share for like 18 months and honestly it was great until the other family's schedule changed and they pulled out. The caregiver was amazing but then we had to scramble. I'd say do it but have a backup plan ready

HHank L.RegularDec 8

The 'kid stays in familiar environment' thing sounds nice but real talk: you're paying for basically a personal assistant for your toddler. If something goes wrong in that relationship you can't just transfer to a different room like you can at daycare

TTony L.RegularDec 9

Did you look at backup care? Like what happens when the nanny is sick or takes vacation? Daycare always has someone there but with a nanny share you need a plan B or you're calling your boss at 9am on a Monday which sucks.

AAdam J.RegularDec 9

Nanny shares are cheaper but you lose flexibility. If your nanny gets sick or takes a day off, suddenly both families are scrambling. Daycare is annoying but at least there's always backup coverage

RRob K.RegularDec 9

lol same cost? Where are you living because in our area nanny shares are like 30% more than daycare. Are you sure you're comparing actual rates?