The great nanny versus nursery debate!
If you’re returning to work after having a baby, whichever form of childcare you choose you need to feel reassured that it is the right decision for you and your family.
Your chosen childcare is ultimately an investment in your child's happiness and future development – so it’s incredibly important to make the right choice for you to help ensure your return to work is as stress free as possible.
From your schedule to your finances, there’s lots to weigh up. However, here at Hummingbird Home Staff, we believe a good nanny is worth their weight in gold and has a lot more advantages than a nursery.
With more and more families searching for “nanny agencies near me”, it’s clear that nannies are becoming an increasingly popular choice.
So, with that in mind, read on to discover the benefits of hiring a nanny and to find out if it is the right solution for your family...
Nanny versus nursery: key questions that may help you with your decision
1. Will a nanny let me choose term time only?
Yes, there are nannies that will consider term–time only roles, especially nannies who have their own children. Typically, these nannies charge a lower hourly rate, and your children will also get to play with their children.
2. Will my child get enough stimulation with a nanny?
If you choose a qualified nanny or a nanny that has had nursery experience, then you can be safe in the knowledge that they will come equipped with all manner of activities to entertain your little one - even on cold, rainy days when the outdoors isn’t an option.
From making playdough and baking to finger painting and lots more, your nanny will have plenty of activities up their sleeve designed to nurture their development.
3. Will my child get to socialise with other children?
Yes! One of the biggest concerns people have about choosing a nanny over a nursey is socialisation. But if you choose a local nanny to your area, inevitably they will have a great network of nanny friends who have charges of a similar age.
More often than not, they will be happy to include others in their creative play sessions, so your child gets the added benefit of the company of other children too!
Plus, when you hire a local nanny near you, your child will also benefit from the ability to go to local groups such as ballet classes or swimming lessons, enabling them to pick up new skills, whilst also socialising with other children.
Key benefits of hiring a nanny near you
1. Extra help around the house
In our experience, it’s the little extras that come hand-in-hand with hiring a nanny that provide the biggest benefits. When you hire a nanny, they will also be able to help around the house – especially if you choose to hire a nanny housekeeper!
However, most nannies will be more than happy to put a wash on, put clothes away, feed your child their breakfast and dinner, dress your child if you leave early, or even pick up odd bits of shopping. Some nannies even cook for the whole family!
2. Flexibility
Without a doubt one of the biggest benefits of choosing a nanny over nursery is flexibility. For example, if you are running late from work, your nanny will usually be able to hold on that extra half an hour.
Having this level of flexibility can make all the difference when navigating a period of change for your family such as deciding to return to work.
3. The chance to be outside
When you hire a private nanny rather than choosing to send your child to nursery, they also benefit from being outside rather than cooped up inside a busy building – well, as much as the British weather allows!
It’s a proven fact that children benefit so much from being outdoors in the fresh air and better still it also promotes sleep.
4. Comfort and security
Another important benefit of hiring a nanny is that your children is looked after in their own home, in familiar surroundings.
There are numerous benefits to home-based childcare – especially for children who can be shy – and it ultimately results in your child feeling very contented and secure.
5. One-to-one care
Finally, hiring a private nanny means that your child will have one-to-one care. A good nanny will be a friend of your child for a very long time and always be a very special person in their life.
Whereas nurseries tend to have a high turnover of staff, nannies rarely leave a position, which means your child won’t have to constantly adapt to new people in their life.
As well as adding to their comfort and security, as discussed above, the amount of time they will spend with their nanny will also result in a wonderful relationship, which is the biggest benefit of all.
Ready to find the right nanny for you and your family?
If you aren’t sure what to look for when searching for a nanny, help is at hand!
Here at Hummingbird Home Staff, we’ve got years of experience in matching the right nannies to our clients’ families. So, if you’ve decided that hiring a nanny is the right decision for your family, let us help you find a nanny near you.
Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help.
