Au pair advice please

[donra21]

We are thinking of getting an Au Pair when our youngest turns 2 in August (so to look after our 2yo and 5 yo). When should I start looking/advertising? Should I use an agency or have people found excellent au pairs on this site?

Any other pieces of advice you can share? Recommendations also welcome if you know of anyone.

Thanks.

[Peachpie]

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[Peachpie]

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[womanofdulwich]

I recommend Emma

https://www.facebook.com/The-Little-Au-Pair-Agency-479047038900813/

[donra21]

Thanks both

[jollymummy]

Maybe a Mother's Help for a child of 2 years? We looked at au pairs initially but found they didn't have the experience I was happy with. We ended up with a lovely Australian girl who had lots of experience with sole charge care. The fees were higher but I had peace of mind.

[katgod]

Are you at work? Is the 2 year old in nursery? If so, or if you are a SAHP and the au pair is just an extra pair of hands this would be fine, but an au pair is not really suitable for sole charge care of a 2 year old. You need a nanny.

Au pair brilliant for wrap around care when children in school most of the time.

[donra21]

Ah I did wonder whether 2 was too young. Yes I'll be at work and was planning on putting 2 yo into half day nursery. Has anyone had an au pair for a 2 yo?

Silly question - What is a mother's help? What are the differences?

[Peachpie]

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[donra21]

That's good to know. I'm thinking of delaying until 3, then he'll be in pre school too. Thanks for advice, very helpful. Such a difficult decision without a crystal ball!

[jollymummy]

A Mother's Help is the level between Au Pair and Nanny. They should have sole childcare experience and usually slightly older.

The fees are higher but they also work more hours.

We had our first Mother's Help when our youngest was 2.5 yrs and she worked 35/40 hours aweek.