Are you torn between hiring a nanny and a babysitter? Your ultimate decision depends on the duties and responsibilities you wish to hand down. So, how do nannies differ from babysitters?
A babysitter offers temporary care for your kids when you are not around. Typically, babysitters are contract caretakers that ensure the health and safety of your child when you need them. The duties of a babysitter revolve around supervising play and keeping the kids safe. You can ask them to spend a night or perform extra tasks. But nothing is guaranteed on a regular basis.
Benefits of Hiring a Babysitter
• Readily available for hire on an ad-hoc basis
• Babysitters willing to work extra hours for extra pay
Drawbacks
• Some babysitters have no certification and prior experience
• You need to find another babysitter if your preferred caregiver is not around
On the other hand, nannies are household employees. An au pair worker from another countries also counts as a nanny. They are more affordable, but you need to pay upfront. All nannies are more involved than babysitters and can perform extra duties like food preparation, home management, and household chores. Nannies are responsible for all child-related duties like picking and dropping kids to school, homework assistance, creating schedules, washing uniforms, and emotional development of the children. Essentially, a nanny is like an extension of a parent, so their caregiving must align with your parenting style.
Benefits of Hiring a Nanny
• A nannies job is consistent and usually long-term
• They have specialized childcare skills
• They offer holistic childcare
• They can take care of housekeeping needs
Drawbacks
• Expect to pay more in wages
• No backup if the nanny gets sick
• You might disagree on your child's discipline, nutrition, and sleep schedules
Why the Cost Difference?
Many times, you'll need a babysitter a few days per week. For instance, when you have a special occasion to attend. It also means that a babysitter can work for different families every week. In that case, they will charge you on a per-hour basis, usually at a fixed rate. Oftentimes, babysitters are young persons looking for an extra buck, so they don't mind a lower rate.
Because nannies work full-time, it means they cover anywhere from 40 to 50 hours per week. Remember that you can only have one nanny per family. As such, you will pay them a monthly wage like a W-2 salaried employee. It is also your responsibility to ensure they get medical insurance, holiday pay, and sick leave. Remember that nannies also pay taxes, so check legal requirements in your state to see if you qualify to employ a nanny.