We often write that it is important for mom to get some rest. But what can you do if none of your loved ones can lend a hand and your budget doesn’t allow for a nanny? Here are a few ideas.
- Pay it forward with other parents
Find a family with a child around the same age as yours and take turns babysitting. Make sure to agree on safety rules, schedules, and frequency, and always honor those agreements [1].
- Search for benefits in your area
Some states have free or low-cost programs to help parents. You can check what is available in your community at the Child Care Aware of America website [2]. There is also information on how to get discounts or financial support to pay for daycare [3].
- Find one nanny for two families
Explore the possibility of teaming up with another family and finding a nanny who can take care of both of your children. She will likely have a higher fee, but you'll be splitting it with the other family and will pay less than if she took care of your child exclusively.
- Set up an account to pay for babysitters
Make a habit of transferring a bit of money to this account periodically. Add any cash gifts, and money from the sale of the items your baby has grown out of. Slowly but surely, the balance in the account will grow, and you will be able to pay for a babysitter when you need a break or have a social engagement.
- Organize babysitting duties with your partner
Make a babysitting schedule that assigns a specific time slot to your partner. The downside is that this strategy is not helpful when it comes to date night, but it will give you a chance to grab coffee with a friend, go get a haircut, or go shopping. Time flies, and sooner than you can imagine you will be taking your little one to kindergarten!
