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[-]Would you guys be okay with letting your infant suckle at the father’s nipple? Not for feeding purposes, but just to calm the baby down?
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[-]db is 4 mo. Have tried to have sex a few times with dh since db's birth. It is very very painful. OB recommended lubricant, but it does not seem to help. I want to continue to breast feed...believe this is the reason for the pain. Any recommendations? I can't continue this much longer.
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[-]4 mo ds will only fall asleep for the night in the swing, while swaddled. He has started to nap while lying flat, swaddled, and he'll do the same after a middle of the night feeding, but not at "bedtime". When I lie him down at bedtime, he never fully falls alseep and will wake crying until I place him in the swing. Should I continue to allow him to "swing-to-sleep" or should I push harder to stop it? TIA.
7 replies [ Reply | Watch | Moretry to break him of the swing habit. can you just lie with him on the couch so that he knows you're nearby but isn't dependent on the rocking to sleep?
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do whatever works. dont push anything. everything always falls into place. my son slept in the swing until he was 6 months. the second one only 2 months. both are fine now... theyll gradually need more space and less confinement. youre sleeping, hes sleeping...isnt that what the goal is
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[-]3.5 mo ds is refusing the bottle. Yesterday he screamed a scary blood curdling scream for 1 hour before he fell asleep - screamed even when the bottle was taken away. Never took the bottle. What should we do? Is it ok for him to scream like that? Going back to work in 2 weeks and beginning to freak out.
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[-]New Moms: Did your dr give you a breast exam at your first postpartum visit? I didn't see the point since I've been walking around with 2 rocks and you cannot feel anything. I tried to empty out before going to the appt but refilled too quickly. Just seemed a bit odd to me to have the exam while still breastfeeding.
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[-]Hi. First-time poster here. I just had a baby a couple months ago and am sort of on the prowl for some mom friends. I live on the (upper) Upper West Side, am a SAHM but all I see are nannies up here. When I do see moms, often they're quite a bit older than me -- I'm 26 -- or with older kids. Does anyone have any recommendations for making mom friends without being creepy or trolling Central Park? Are there any good mom groups for the UWS like there are for downtown or Park Slope? TIA.
22 replies [ Reply | Watch | Morejust curious -- are you against becoming friends with moms who are older than you? not sure why you'd mention your age.
[ Reply | More ]not the OP, but she didnt make it sound like she was against the idea - she was saying she was 26 and has one kmid. very different than the moms who are "quite a bit older..." AND OR have "older kids." nothing against older moms or older kids, but she just seems like she wants to make friends with people in her own "social niche" right now!
[ Reply | More ]np- because it's relevant. 26 is young for a nyc mom and I'm sure that has made it harder to meet other moms, especially because those in her own age/peer group do not have kids yet. Don't be so defensive OR!
[ Reply | More ]I am also in my twenties, and it is hard to make mom friends because a lot of older moms mistake you for a nanny or think that they would have nothing to talk about with you. Usually it gets better if your kids are in school together, because you find you have things in common (after they realize that you are, indeed, a mom). But I definitely think the age thing can make things tough.
[ Reply | More ]I had my first at 24yo in NYC in residency. The age issue is huge even if it shouldn't be. I have always felt out of place. Peers still out partying and meeting men. Moms in NYC who are professional/wohm are generally much older. My oldest is now 9yo and I have still yet to meet another mom at school or in my job who has similar age dc. It creates a natural gap before you even begin and making new friends is hard enough on its own.
[ Reply | More ]this is so true. i can tell the nannies in particular don't really know what to make of me. when i do see another new mom, we never get past "how old is your baby? aw." i'm not really interested enough in making friends yet to ask, "do you want to be my friend?" not sure how to take it to next level!!
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OP IDK how much of a help Ill be, we left the UWS last year for a house in brooklyn after our second child was born. But when I was a new mom to my first, I met moms all over! central park is hard with an infant, i felt like that only works once kids are playing and interacting. We are Orthodox Jewish. I met moms at the JCC, and at Synagogue alot. That worked for me. good luck :)
[ Reply | More ]The Prenatal Yoga Center has new mom groups that run for 8 weeks. I joined one and loved it! Take a look at it.
[ Reply | More ]OP here! Thanks for responses! And thanks for standing up for me to snotty OR. haha. Definitely not against older friends, just would enjoy someone in a similar place as I'm in. I feel silly about going to a playground at this point, since my baby can barely hold his head up. Are moms on UWS friendly/open to making new friends? (Forgive the generalization.)
[ Reply | More ]I think if you are friendly, most are. Definitely do Pre Natal Yoga ctr moms group it is AWESOME and still in touch with friends from here and dd is 19mos. It can be tough when db is too young for classes (which unfortunately, are often lots of nannies on the UWS). Definitely sign up for emails from Babybitesnyc.com and Big city Moms, made several friends here and it is all first time moms with newborns. They both hold weekly events.
[ Reply | More ]IME most moms of new babies are eager to make friends. see if you can find a new mom group maybe at the Y or jcc. or your pediatricians office might even have some recommendations.
[ Reply | More ]I agree with this totally. No matter what our age we are desperate not to be alone in this! As an aside, I'm 39 and am often surprised at how young my parent friends are. I see them as equals b/c we're going through the same kid stage at the same time. If you're the younger party you may notice the age gap more than the older party would. But I can understand how it may be a concern for you.
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[-]did anyone else find their husband so annoying after having a baby?
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[-]Sleep help! 4 mo db was sleeping until 5 or 6 up until a month ago. Over the past month, she's been waking more frequently and now wakes to nurse at ~1:30, 4:00 and is up for the day chattering and grunting loudly at 6. She goes down between 7 and 8 without much trouble, but will only nap 20-30 mins at a time during the day unless she's in her stroller. Advice?
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI slept train my baby starting at 4 months following the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby book by Weisbluth. My baby is such a good sleeper & napper now. You do not need to follow it so strictly but there are many helpful tips. Every baby is different...but give it a try and see if the tips will help your baby. The book is only $10 for the paperback on amazon.
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[-]I am a working mom and I will be moving to Staten Island, NY after Christmas with my 11 week old son. Can anyone recommend a good daycare center?
5 replies [ Reply | Watch | Moreroflmao-- Staten Island? working mom needing daycare? This is UB. Not laughing at your situation but at your assumption that these women lead non- insulated lives. The most rousing debates on here are about nannies, private schools, and wohm vs. sahm(of course their version of wohm means a mom whose a partner in big law or an exec somewhere...certainly not any career position where something as "lowbrow" as day care [the general belief on this board, not mine] would be a concern)
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[-]DH moved to guestroom since 3 mo. old DS' crib is in master. DH doesn't want wake up at night,. and guestroom faces street - too noisy for baby plus too small for me to share with him. I plan keep baby with me at night for at least 1 yr. Now DH is moving clothes out of our bedroom since he wakes the baby by trying to get dressed early in the am or past bedtime (long work hours). Is this a really bad idea?
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Get a white noise machine to help baby sleep through street noise. They help a lot! Here's one from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/MARPAC-SleepMate-Electro-Mechanical-Machine-Sleeping/dp/tags-on-product/B002GTR902 Don't get the Graco one because it isn't loud enough even at full volume. There are two Marpac versions, spend the extra for the one with volume adjustment. And to answer your original question, however you all survive these early stages is however you do it. We went to our separate rooms with #1 and then moved back into the same bed when we thought it would work. Same with number two. On weekend nights, we sleep together and it's like a honeymoon. Absence makes the body grow fonder...
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put baby in the other room, he/she will get used to the noise - sleep with husband alone
[ Reply | More ]Bad Idea. AFter 3 mos move DB to other room, I agree he will learn to sleep with noise. You don't want to start sleeping apart from your husband especially not for a whole year! Recipe for unhappy marriage.
[ Reply | More ]Having DB inb room with me for a year is not something I'm willing to compromise on. I'd never get a wink of sleep if he was in another room where I couldn't check on him easily, etc. If anything I think DH can stay in room with us, and if DS doesn't STTN so be it, we both get up. I work too but DH dumped night duty on me and moved to guest room.
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NP: Honestly you should try it for a few nights. If I had my choice, I'd have my kids in the bed until college (or they wanted to leave - which I realize would be much earlier) -- but DH was not for the co-sleeping (afraid of rolling over on DB). So happy now that they both just go to bed at 8 and wake up at 7. Sometimes what we think we want isn't best - I'm not the type of person to be open to doing something differently when I have it in my head - but I've learned from my DH that it's okay to give and take a bit and I can't tell him I'm not going to "CIO" unless I try it first. Well - what do you know? When I try it for a week (with a 10 min. max) I end up w/ a kid who just goes to sleep on his own w/ no drama.
[ Reply | More ]I have 2 DCs and I co-slept with each of them until they were 3-4 months old, b/c I was nursing, etc. DB and I slept in guest room. After that time, DB went into crib and I went back in with my husband. I used a monitor and heard every sigh and rustle, but DB will learn to sleep better on their own and trust me when they get more mobile sleeping with DCs is NOT restful. I know you can't imagine leaving your DB but you can and you should. Your marriage will pay the price if you don't bend on this point.
[ Reply | More ]NNP: It sounds to me like you need to relax about DB a bit - if you couldn't sleep at all without worrying that DB is ok. Did your DH decide to move his clothes to the guestroom or was it because you complained that he was waking DB when he came in the room?
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My kids still sleep between me and DH at 4 and 6, and yes it's a problem, we don't get much chance to have sex. But that's not the point of my response.. I was going to say how about getting a sound and movement monitor, you can hear DB and the alarm will go off if DB stops breathing or pad detects no breathing (this happens occasinally, db is just breathing very shallowly)
[ Reply | More ]Without a doubt I'd get that. Right now I'm that crazy FTM who's checking on him 5x / night w. the light from my iPhone. DH was beyond annoyed when he was in the room with us.
[ Reply | More ]OMG - you DO NOT need a sound and motion monitor or to check him w/ your iphone light. GO TO SLEEP woman - most especially since you work. Sorry for the caps - I know you're just a nervous FTM - but you need to learn to relax. DB is already 3 mos. no need for a motion monitor unless DB has serious medical concerns. I would suggest putting DB in the guest room w/ no monitor. Believe me - when DB needs you, you'll hear him/her. It's the best thing you can do for your DB and for your marriage. They don't need you hovering 5x a night now, or at all in a few years.
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I was about to post that there's nothing wrong with this idea, I slept in room with DB bec I was sah for a year and dh started a new job (after being unemployed for a long time) shortly before DB was born. Worked great. But then I remembered that we have a lousy sex life. Never connected the dots.
[ Reply | More ]Your baby is only 3 months old. 3 months old still need a lot of care at night. I could have never survived breastfeeding etc if i was in between two rooms multiple time a night. Listen to your instincts and your body. You need to put your babies needs and your own first right now.
[ Reply | More ]Yes it's a bad idea! And don't worry about noise waking your baby. Babies can and do (if given half a chance) learn to sleep even in very noisy environments. Both my children and my granddaughter learned to sleep with us playing loud music and talking in the next room. DH and now DS, DD & her DH are all musicians.
[ Reply | More ]A little off the topic at hand, but just please be careful when breastfeeding in bed. I found it difficult to stay awake, and there is a very real risk of suffocating the baby, even without rolling over onto it. After a close call once, I decided going into the room was safer because it forced me to sit up in the rocker, which was safer for baby. Maybe this would help address your original question too?? GL.
[ Reply | More ]The co-sleeping area for our DB was a mattress pushed against ours only 4 inches lower. when I was donned nursing I pushed DB over the edge back onto his bed. I never rolled over or fell asleep on him and yet never had to wake fully up and get out of bed. Also if he stirred I could just reach over and pat him w/o getting up.
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[-]3 mo. ds is refusing a bottle and I am scheduled to return to work in 3 weeks. He did take a bottle when her was 3 wks to 2 mos. old, but now refuses. Tried dr. brown and avent bottles. ANy suggestions on bottles or nipples? TIA. Oh he has been entirely breastfed and I am using expressed breastmilk in the bottles. MIL and DH are feeding.
8 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI made a collection of "boob-like" bottles to my amazon wishlist when I was worried that db wouldn't take a bottle...I'll grab it for you.
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Mine would only use Adiri bottles: http://www.overstock.com/Baby/Adiri-Natural-Nurser-Ultimate-Bottle-Stages-1-2-3-Pack-of-6/5182734/product.html?cid=123620
[ Reply | More ]Try playtex nursers. You can pump right into the liners too. They were the only ones DS would take. Make sure you are not home when they feed. It's very common and they all get hungry enough and take the bottle. Make sure milk is warm and nipple isn't too slow.
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[-]I'm decorating ds's nursery and want to paint a quote on the wall...something about love, or baby boy's, something sweet or even cutesy...does anyone have any ideas? favorite quotes that might work? please help- i've been googling quotes online for an hour and am going crazy!!
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I don't think it's cheesy at all. When my dd gets to be a little older I plan on doing this. I want a quote from Mother Theresa as a reminder of how to live her life. She said "We can do no great things with small love, only small things with great love." Have always loved that quote and would love dd to understand that it is so important.
[ Reply | More ]Huge Peter Pan freak here: "So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!"
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Dr. Eric Diamond was great! Baby didn't cry. He arrived an hour early to set up and even called us the next day. We were very pleased with him. We have heard horror stories about other circumcisions from friends so we made sure to get a MOHEL who is also a UROLOGIST. We were very happy with him.
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a happy customer, not dr. d. He just did my sons bris and wouldnt take a dime from us because my husband just lost his job. thought it was the least I could do since im up all night with a baby anyway. was very happy with him, and so was my sister who used him last year for my nephews bris.
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We used Dr.Jeffrey Mazlin, a New York OB/GYN Reform Mohel. We also used him again for our second son! We couldn't be happier! His website is www.NYMohelMD.com.
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[-]39 weeks and the baby is predicted to be over 9 pounds at birth (based on multiple scans and stomach size). My Doctors are recommending a c-section at 40 weeks (or about 3 days before I am due). I don't want to risk baby getting stuck, having shoulder issues etc. but also don't want to "jump the gun" in what's sometimes c-section happy nyc. My ultrasounds were done with Eddleman/Stone - anyone found the weights quoted accurate or significantly under? Any advice?
58 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI had weekly sonograms for low fluid issue and then due to gestational diabetes (to watch for
[ Reply | More ]for big baby syndrome). Last sonogram said that dd was 7lbs. Birth weight ...5 lbs 12 oz. Was shocked and then was told that sonograms could be plus or minus a pound. I'm not suggesting you don't follow your doc's advice (had a friend who had your reco, she pushed for vaginal and pushed and pushed and wound up with an emergency c), but just thought you know that the weight is not accurate all the time.
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Those scans are often way off. Is this your first? If I were you, I'd be OK with being induced a little early but would try to have the baby vaginally. I gave birth to a ten pounder and one close to 10 pounds, and both births were vaginal and went fine. If you fail to progress, they'll do a c-section anyway. By the way, my scans indicated both my babies would be 6.5 to 7 pounds. Also, the birth weight often correlates to the mother's birth weight. If you were a big baby, chances are better that you'll also have a big baby. Good luck!!!
[ Reply | More ]Yes, I have found the ultrasounds weights to always be inaccurate. My babies were sometimes bigger than anticipated and sometimes smaller than anticipated.
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Hm, would they maybe induce you now vs. scheduling a C? I am not sure about this but I did give birth vaginally to a 9 lb 2 oz baby (he was measuring at about 8 lbs?) and it was totally fine (um, with an epidural). Recovery also fine, but he was my 2nd and 1st was 6 lbs and change....
[ Reply | More ]It depends. My OBs both were surprised at the US measurement, but in palpitating my abdomen felt that the baby would be big (both times). Just over 9+ lbs both times. I was told that if you are a taller/bigger woman and you measure big, that it is more likely that the baby will be big, versus a smaller woman.
[ Reply | More ]Why not try to labor on your own? If baby doesn't come out you do a section. At least you will have tried. You may regret if you don't, especially if the baby turns out to be smaller than measured on the us.
[ Reply | More ]NR. emergency c-sections are worse than planned ones, based on everything I've read. but I could be wrong.
[ Reply | More ]OB RN mom here. You should def try to labor. Sonos are a really inaccurate way to estimate fetal weight. Most MD's aren't super skilled at estimating by feel either. Midwives are much better at it because they don't rely on sonos. Unless you're diabetic, there's no reason you would grow a baby that is "too big" to push out. Also, even if you ended up with a c-section after a trial of labor, it would likely not be an emergency c-section. People use that term much too loosely. Trust your body's ability to birth vaginally. You'll be fine.
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That sounds crazy to try to schedule a c/s just for size as opposed to inducing. With my first my dr tried to do that bc she was measuring large and I'm pretty thin but I said no way and dd was born 9 lbs 10oz. I did have to have an episiotomy and tore but it's better than an induction or c/s and I did it with no drugs. This time (36 wks) my new doc is estimating at least 10 pounds with ds but does not suggest a c/s. She is willing to induce a week early (which I don't want) but I don't get why any dr wouldn't at least let a woman try to birth naturally and only turn to c/s if medically necessary.
[ Reply | More ]I agree with other posters in that ultrasounds can be inaccurated--I've known them to be off by 2 lbs (over, not under) and also a 9lb baby does not mean a csection! I've had three babies over 9 lbs--one nearly 10 lbs--and they were surprisingly easy deliveries. And I am not a big woman, I have small hips, etc. I know that it might not be the case for you, but don't assume that just b/c a baby is big doesn't mean it can't come out the normal way. Drs recommend csecs in these cases b/c they don't want to be liable, which is understandable, but do consider all your options.
[ Reply | More ]I heard this from my midwife(without the c-section part).That baby was gorgeous, just under 7lbs and the placenta was supersized. I don't know how much I believe projected birth weight estimates, even with imaging; every womb is its own Universe.
[ Reply | More ]Get the c-section. At 40 weeks I was ENORMOUS and they predicted a 9+lber. The baby was, in fact, 8lbs 7oz. A scheduled C was a great decision.
[ Reply | More ]The guess weights are notoriously inaccurate, and they usually err on the larger side (baby is usually much less heavy than predicted). I think it's strange that your doctors are recommending a C-section solely because they *think* that the baby *might* be over 9 pounds. Assuming that that is their only reason, I would just wait for labor to begin naturally.
[ Reply | More ]I delivered an 8 lb, 11 oz baby without knowing the size ahead of time - it was my second, but my dr. never offered or recommended an ultrasound after the 20 week scan (no other problems). I didn't know this was routine?
[ Reply | More ]The baby has consistently been at least a pound above average (and around 88-90% percentile) through all of my ultrasounds. I don't think its usual to keep doing them but in my case recommended to see if things have changed. They didn't - the baby keeps getting bigger :) but concerned that if something has been throwing it off (amniotic fluid or something) that would stay consistent anyway. Anyway thanks for all the responses. I think I might try and postpone the scheduled C a bit longer and see what happens. Anyone happy the DID do it?
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Eddleman accurately predicted my babies would be 9+--I in fact had 10.3 and 10.7 babies on my due date. You will know by the size of you how big that baby is--have the doctor do a fundal mesurement as well.
[ Reply | More ]Are you a small person? I deliverd by 9.7 lb baby vaginally with no problems but I'm tall.
[ Reply | More ]Tough call. I was in the same position--39 weeks, type 1 diabetes and a very tall DH--db was est. at 8.5 lbs so they wanted to induce or C-section because of possible big shoulders. Long story short, we ended up inducing and having a pretty wonderful, not too difficult vag. birth with no complications--DB was 10 lbs! But I'd talk through all of these concerns with your OBs and go through the pros and cons. Good luck!
[ Reply | More ]My friend just delivered at 10 lb baby. They estimated it at 9 lbs. While the kid weighed 10 lbs she didn't have a particularly large head and my friend was actually shocked to learn the weight since she delivered her naturally, no drugs, no interventions. Just let nature and millions of years of evolution do it's thing. If anything goes awry, that's what your doctor is there for. Both my dc's were natural births and were the most empowering, wonderful experiences of my life.
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[-]Am I overpaying my nanny? $650 cash for 60 hrs/wk + 3 weeks paid vacation. 1 newborn DS, Brooklyn. Found out nanny previously made $600/wk. However she is someone I've known my whole life so complete piece of mind when I go back to work & VERY experienced.
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HOW? It is $10.83/hr. Honestly OP I think you are short-changing your Nanny. Either you should pay more or cut down on her hours.
[ Reply | More ]I understand your point, it does seem low. That's why I offered $650 even though she made bw $550-600 before. That is just the going rate in my area (very outerborough).
[ Reply | More ]you should read the thread below where a mother of two is contemplating taking a job paying 65K.
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That's what I paid our nanny 5yrs ago, so it sounds low to me, actually. But what's done is done, so give her good raises to start building it up over time.
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Well, we wouldn't go down just because starting salaries might have been lower. We've been raising her every year. Live in Manhattan.
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And how does one determine market rates? I'm assuming she's not asking nanny agencies, but what others are paying their nannies. Hence, this answer is totally relevant.
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Sure. I kept working, and mostly got cost of living increases, one good raise, and some years flat. My salary did not go down during this time.
[ Reply | More ]Lots of salaries went down - esp. in finance where bonus is large part of total pay
[ Reply | More ]np: Nanny salaries absolutely went down from 2007 til now. I hired a new nanny pre-recession and a new one recently. The asking salary now is significantly lower and the # of applicants much higher. Clearly your lack of experience with hiring nannnies pre and post-recession has left you with a lack of real-world knowledge about this topic.
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Seems low to me particulary since after 40 hours you should be paying over-time like any salaried job. Do you pay on the books and pay her taxes? Provide her health insurance?
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OP - I am paying $1-2 more per hr. then she made at last job w. 2 DC instead of 1. I'm just trying to confirm that the extra pay is worth it, since I can trust her (hard to do with a newborn). I know $650 still sounds low, but pay in my neighborhood is significantly lower then the more expensive parts of Bklyn or Manhattan.
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how is 650/wk low? that's the equivalent of 50K+ annually. and although it may be 60 hrs, there is a lot of downtime, particularly for a newborn who pretty much just sleeps all day long. you are the employer. you get to decide the pay. if it is too low, no one will take the job.
[ Reply | More ]The comment about newborns and sleep is a joke. In my nanny experience the first year is absolutely the hardest! When they're older they sleep yes, sure. But they are also MUCH more independent. Typically you would make more for a newborn than an older child. I'm not saying the OP is under paying, just commenting on what a silly statement that is.
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I interviewed around 40 nannies when I was looking for someone and there were plenty who reported getting around 650/wk for 60 hrs, even in Manhattan. Don't let the haters make you doubt yourself.
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The pay sounds good. The hours are very high. I know many will disagree, but I won't have a nanny working more than 50hrs. I'd rather hire a second pt person to supplement one day a week. I just feel 5 12hr days is too much and nanny WILL burnout. Sure, there are many people desperate for work and they'll take the job w/o complaining, but I think your child's care will suffer from their exhaustion.
[ Reply | More ]When you all say "bonus", what do nannies expect around the holidays? I am pregnant with our 1st child and unsure what to offer a potential nanny.
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^"offer" the bonus while hiring. You give it right before Xmas. First year of employment is usually one week's pay. For future years, it is between 1-2 weeks depending on who you ask and where you are.
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Having trouble with your nanny? We have all seen the nannies in the park on their cell phones or shopping with their friends while your children sit in the stroller. Do you need help hiring a nanny? Do you want to have better communication with your nanny and know what they are really doing when you are at work? Don't worry The Nanny Concierge is here! I will come to your home and speak with both you and your nanny and observe the dynamics of the household. Then I will sit down with both you and your nanny to help bridge the communication gap. In addition, hiring a nanny is overwhelming and time consuming. To minimize the time commitment required to hire a nanny, I can assist you with the hiring process by screening resumes, conducting prel...
[ Reply | More ]Also, you know there are laws that protect nannies now. You should look into them seriously. You have to pay OT for over 40 hours.
[ Reply | More ]There are also laws about paying taxes. I don't think the OP is terribly concerned with laws.
[ Reply | More ]Most of us who pay a salary for 50 hrs on the books are aware of this and incorporate it into the salary breakdown. IME, most nannies still prefer to be paid a set weekly salary rather than an absolute breakdown because otherwise there is risk of not making enough.
[ Reply | More ]Long time nanny here with many nanny friends. This is very true. Most nannies prefer a set number for a variety of reasons, and the overtime is worked in. That said, I think what the OP is paying does sound a little low. Though considering it's in cash, I guess not. I won't do the under the table thing, but legality aside that does make this a much higher salary.
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Dont let people tell you otherwise. I pay my nanny $450 a week for a 8am to 6pm job 5 days a week. She gets 2 weeks paid vacation and that too when I am away. She helps cook and clean especially the days when I am working from home. She is great and she likes her job and has been with us for 3 years. And yes we live in Manhattan. I find it totally ridciulous that people pay insane amounts to nannies. I work in marketing and dont earn enough to pay high amounts to my nanny and dont get swayed by what people around me pay....
[ Reply | More ]I think it's low - you don't want to short change the person caring for your precious children! If you calculate overtime (which is the law) you are paying about $9.29/hr net. If she worked 40 hours, it wouldn't be so bad. I pay my nanny very well and pay on the books - GTM handles it all. You want to make sure the nanny caring for your children is well taken care of. You mentioned cash - if that refers to paying her off the books, you could be in trouble for non-compliance on tax issues and Worker's Compensation/Disability in NY.
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[-]Any thoughts on how the Uppababy Vista compares with the Bugaboo for a second child to sleep in? Any strong feeling about one over the other?
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreI love the Vista. I think it's three main advantages over the Bugaboo is that 1) price and it includes all accessories 2) basket size and 3) it folds with seat attached. Having said that, if you live in Manhattan (lots of smooth concrete sidewalks) I think both of these are too big and bulky and you're better off with a City Mini. OTOH, if you live in a residential area and walk a lot, the Vista is definitely the way to go.
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[-]I have a infant and a 4 year old who won't walk long distances. The double stroller is too big and I want to move to a (used) stroller and a buggy board. The one I see often that looks doable is the Bugaboo (I tried with a maclaren and it was uncomfortable for me). Anyone have any experience with Uppa Baby plus board? I need something that will be comfortable for the baby to sleep in (when the 4 y.o. isn't around).....thoughts? TIA
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