Hi ladies,
I'm due to have #2 here in the next couple of weeks. We have a babysitter that we are starting to use more regularly for DS (2). Right now, we pay her $10/hr. How much more should we pay - if any - for the baby once we have her? I'm not sure of the etiquette here.
UPDATED:
I should probably include, this is for evening babysitting. Like, if DH and I want to go to a movie or out for a few hours. She nannies for other families in the area, so this is just extra for her. She is mid-20s in age and very comfortable with all ages of children, including newborns.
i wouldn't pay by the hour i'd pay by the week. where i'm from day care for an infant is actually almost so expensive it's pointless to work running at almost 200 a week, but for children it's an average of 50-70 during school and 90 during summer vacation (per week). I'd negotiate a cost with your babsitter, maybe she can agree to go cheap for you to keep you as a "client".
there's more to know to make a good decision. how old is the babysitter? is she experienced with infants? how long does she watch the kids, and how much is she expected to do?
khairete
S.
I live in Oswego (45 mins from chicago) I do a lot of babysitting for a family. I get $8 for their little boy. When I have the daughter also I get $10. I would talk to her and ask how much she charges. she is already getting a pretty good deal.
We do $10 for 1 kid, $15 for 2, but I think it's a wise idea to discuss it with her before her first time sitting for both. Just ask her, what she charges for 2 kids in that age group. Maybe she'll only ask for $12. Maybe she'll want $18. Best to discuss it up front to avert any awkwardness if you have different ideas of what the rate should change to.
Maybe I am way behind the times here, but even when I was babysitting 8 years ago or so the going rate was about $7 an hour for my area for 2-3 kids. I wouldn't think it should be that much higher at all. When I was in high school (graduated '01) someone offered me $10 an hour. For that I had to drive their two kids to and from classes and activities, cook dinner, and fold the clothes. I still thought I was making out!!
$10/hour is pretty generous - depending on her age and experience. If she is an adult, I would pay her $15/hour for two children. This is still a very generous wage and is actually more than I made my first year teaching. If she is a high school student... I don't know, $12.50?
You should also have a discussion with her about her comfort level with infants. While I adore children, I would rather not take care of infants. During that discussion, you can also discuss a wage that she feels is fair.
Good luck and congratulations on your newest addition!
