Hi All

Now my babies are getting a lot more active (growing up so fast), I am thinking about hiring some private help, since I can't seem to find any childcare places. I am interested in anyones experience in finding help - babysitting or nanny etc? How they went about it? I am in Melb. My hubby and I dont really have any family to help out, so it would be nice to have someone regular to call on, even just a few hours a day or evenings so we could have a life again! I am just not sure where to start, of course it's a scary prospect having a stranger look after our precious ones.
TIA.

AO

Mum to
Lily 04/11/02
Liam & Callum 07/05/04

Hey there AO

LOL that I have just realised who you are!!!!!!!

I am trying out my new nannies atm. I will let you know how they turn out when I see you next Wednesday. They might like some more work.

Happy Birthday to LILY for today





Dolph

Mum to
Bailey 28.6.99
Jesse 27.9.01
Summer & Taylor 26.5.04
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/050526/2/18/0/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Days" border="0" /></a>
Bonus Mum to
Elodie & Brooke

This message was edited by dolph6 on Thursday, 4 November 2004 @ 12:32 AM

Just a quick comment (not a twin mum, though). We've found our regular babysitters from the local occasional care centre (workers willing to come around after work for a few hours) and local nannies who want a bit of extra work in the evenings who we've met in the playground. At this early age, we wanted professionals, not just the teenager from round the corner.

I've also used agencies, but I didn't find them as good. I would be asking as many people you know with kids that age for recommendations of who they use.

Jennifer
Callum 13.09.01
Declan 09.05.03

www.predavec.com

Hi there,

If your in melb - you could enquire with your council - I know that ours runs a "helping hands" program, where you can be linked up with a volunteer, who comes around a few hours a week to help out.

good luck

Cheers

Mags

I dont know if melb has this, but the red cross come for 5hrs once a week free, call centre link about "in home care" they should know who does it. if you want free help call your child health nurse they know everything. I have the 'in home care' they are fully qualified,trained,first aid,liability insurance. its better then day care, the lady looks after all your kids at your home, its the safest way to go.

Have you contacted your local MBA? They have access to "Helping Hands" programs, which is usually free services.

Or, I know in SE Melbourne suburbs, they have "In home Care" which is run through the same people who run family day care, only you have a carer come into your home. I have used that for over a year now, and love it!
edited to add - In home care is also subsidised the same way child care is, through centrelink and according to your centrelink percentage.

So it works out affordable!

This message was edited by proudmumof4 on Sunday, 5 December 2004 @ 4:21 PM