Occasionally, you may encounter a situation where you need overnight childcare. If you’re not sure where to look, here are a few options.
If your regular nanny or babysitter isn’t available and you need temporary childcare, there are ways you can fill in the gap. The best way to handle temporary childcare is to have a few solutions in place so that when you encounter a situation where you suddenly need someone to look after your child, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call. Here are five solutions for when you need temporary childcare.
One way to find temp nanny services when you need childcare in a pinch is to go through a childcare agency. Depending on the place you contact and the availability that day, some childcare agency locations will be able to place someone with you the same day. You may be able to hire someone for the day or for a longer period of time. Some childcare agencies will be able to meet your needs for replacing a nanny for several days, but may not be able to send you the same person every day. A temp nanny makes an ideal situation when your regular childcare falls through. This includes situations where your nanny is ill, is on vacation, or you need childcare only for a brief period of time.
Because a temporary childcare provider isn’t necessarily a familiar face like a regular nanny or babysitter would be, you want to take the time to ensure they’re up to speed on your child’s needs as well as other pertinent information. One way to make sure your temporary childcare provider is clear on the important details is to make a list of the essentials. These are the main pieces of information you should provide.
Sometimes, a fellow parent can be your answer to finding temporary babysitters. Naturally, a parent has experience with raising children. Some stay-at-home parents whose children are older or in school do offer occasional babysitting services. If you don’t know of anyone personally, one place to look is at your local online parenting forums and groups. In general, expect to pay about the same rate that you would most other babysitters. If you decide to drop off your child in the parent’s home, make sure you pay a visit to see where your child will be cared for and whether the house has any safety hazards you are wary of.
If your child is in daycare, you could be stuck without someone to watch your child when he’s ill. Temporary childcare is available in some areas if your child is sick. Sick child daycare centers are an option for parents who must work even though their children aren’t well enough to attend daycare. Sick child daycare centers typically have rigid practices in place to avoid spreading illnesses. However, make sure that your child is sick, but doesn’t carry symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, or frequent vomiting. These and other symptoms preclude a child from attending temporary childcare. Some hospital facilities also have drop-off childcare centers for attendance when your child is ill. Check with the hospitals in your area to find out if they have one available.
When you need occasional babysitting along with flexible hours, going with a babysitter in place of a temporary nanny is one solution. A number of babysitter agencies have a roster of candidates who can act as temporary nannies at various hours during the week. The pay range can be anywhere from $10 to $15 per hour. Typically, you have to reserve a four-hour minimum with most babysitter agencies. Some agencies are able to get you a babysitter the same day, but it’s always a good idea to call in advance if you know you need childcare help.
If you know you’ll be needing occasional childcare in the future, check around with different agencies and find out their policies and rates. That way, when you do need a babysitter in a hurry, you’ll know who to call.