Whether for a newborn, travel, medical care, managing multiple sleep schedules, or any other myriad of reasons, sometimes we need extra support during nighttime hours, and often times, getting assistance from a nanny for overnight care is the best option! Understanding how to compensate for this support properly can help create a positive working environment and a happy and healthy home. Since the hours and duties of nighttime care differ from the typical responsibilities of a caretaker, it can be a bit tricky to figure out how much to pay a nanny overnight. Here are some great questions to keep in mind:
What hours are they working or expected to be available to work?
Before starting overnight care, it’s always important to figure out the expected hours and duties for your nanny or, in some cases, your Newborn Specialist/Baby Nurse. If your childcare provider is expected to be working during the night (i.e., sleeping with a baby monitor), they should be compensated for every hour you expect them to be “on duty.” Be sure to look up local overtime laws if they exceed 40 hours a week.
What if they are needed to stay over but are not expected to work the whole night?
Often, if you are having your nanny stay over but do not need them to provide night-time care, a stipend is the best way to go. This is also considered an industry standard and every professional career nanny will typically already have a salary requirement for overnight care. We have seen these flat rates range from $75-400 a night depending on duties, the number of children, and other factors.
How does traveling overnight with a nanny work?
Is your nanny working overnight or simply traveling with you to provide daily coverage? Again, if a nanny is expected to be on duty at night, they must be compensated for these hours. This is common if you wish your nanny to share a room with your children and be the adult on duty while children are sleeping. When a nanny accompanies a family on a trip, it is standard to be compensated a flat nightly rate, which can be considered an inconvenience fee for spending time away from their own home. Similar to the rates stated above, a flat travel rate can range from $75-400 a night. This is a number most pro-nannies will already have in mind and should always be discussed beforehand when working out an employment contract.
Remember that when a nanny travels with your family, they are also in a new environment and figuring out how to keep kiddos entertained and cared for in a new space. Though they are superheroes, they are human too! When traveling, nannies should have their own space and time off for recharging and self-care! For tips on traveling with your nanny, check out our blog: https://nannyauthority.com/traveling-with-your-nanny/
Paying an overnight nanny involves more than just determining salary; it requires clear communication, knowledge of labor standards, and consideration of your nanny’s expertise. By thoughtfully crafting a compensation plan for your overnight care, you can help create a sustainable and healthy work environment. We always recommend that you familiarize yourself with local domestic labor laws to ensure compliance and work out an employment agreement prior to hire.
If your family is looking for childcare support, contact us at info@nannyauthority.com, (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com today! If your family is expecting a new baby and interested in nighttime assistance, even if temporary, please reach out to us!