Two Times the Fun or Two Times the Trouble? Hiring a Nanny When You’re Having Two

Parenting a newborn is difficult, and having two is exponentially more difficult. While it can be a "more the merrier" situation, the responsibilities and challenges of two complicate any task, since everything has to be done simultaneously.

Other than preparing for less sleep and more stress, you'll probably want to consider hiring a child care provider or a nanny to help you with the fatigue factor. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the challenges of finding a nanny when you have twins.

Define what you need

While looking to find a nanny, begin the process by clearly defining what you need. For example, do you need around-the-clock care and support? Would you prefer a few hours of coverage to run errands and catch up on personal time? Do you need a full-time nanny who can travel with you and your twins on work holidays? Do you need help only during the night or someone to help with light chores when your twins are napping? Will these needs remain constant or change through your twins' development stages? Having more clarity on what it is you need will help you come up with a better job description and also help you with interview questions.

Plan ahead

If you plan on finding a full-time nanny or a night caregiver, you'll need to have a clear idea of what you're looking for and be searching for that person before you walk out the gate. This makes sure you are all set when you bring your babies home.

Set clear expectations on the starting date

Avoid signing a contract, especially when hiring a caretaker for newborn twins, since it's hard to plan exact start dates. Instead, set clear expectations and communicate on adjusting start dates accordingly especially if your twins come early.

The right nanny for your twins will understand. In fact, this will allow you to test the ability of your nanny to adjust to life with twins.

Hire someone that blends in well with your family

Hiring a nanny with multiple previous experiences can be tempting. However, focusing on someone that clicks and blends in well with your family is key. Although previous caregiving experience and great references can be great, it's more important to hire someone that fits into your needs and your family dynamics.

Perform background and reference checks

Take time to check references and verify your applicants' certifications to make sure they are the perfect fit for your family.

If you're concerned that it might be difficult to find a nanny for your twins, numerous nanny agencies and professionals are willing to help your family handle the challenges of hiring the right nanny.


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