Baby and Childcare Guide for Pregnant and New Moms with Stephanie Fornaro of Hello Nanny!

When you're expecting a little one or navigating life as a new mom, figuring out childcare can feel overwhelming. From daycare centers to nannies, au pairs, and even family support—there’s a lot to consider. But here’s the good news: with a little guidance, you can find a solution that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. 🤍

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We sat down with Stephanie Fornaro, founder of Hello Nanny!, a boutique agency specializing in connecting families with reliable and caring nannies. Stephanie, a mom herself, understands firsthand the challenges parents face in finding trustworthy childcare. Whether you’re juggling a demanding career, looking for emotional support, or planning for a smooth return to work, this guide (with Stephanie’s insider tips!) has you covered. 🌟

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Understanding Childcare Options

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When it comes to childcare, no single option is “best” because every family is different! That’s the beauty of today’s choices—there’s flexibility to suit a variety of lifestyles, budgets, and parenting approaches. Here’s a breakdown of popular options to consider:

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Nannies

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Nannies are professional caregivers who typically come to your home to care for your child. This option offers:

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• Personalized, one-on-one attention.
• Flexibility to suit your schedule.
• Support for emotional and developmental milestones.

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Daycare Centers

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Daycares provide group childcare in a structured setting. Benefits include:

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• Opportunities for socialization with peers.
• Reliable, consistent weekday care.
• Enriching activities like music, art, or yoga.

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Newborn Care Specialists

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These experts focus on helping families during the “fourth trimester” and specialize in:

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• Establishing feeding and sleep routines.
• Offering guidance during the early postpartum phase.

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Family Support

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Some families rely on relatives for childcare, which can be a great option if expectations are clearly defined.

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Au Pair Programs

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An au pair lives with your family and offers flexible childcare. While this can be a cultural exchange opportunity, it requires space for them to live in your home.

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What Childcare Option Is Best for Your Family?

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Choosing the right childcare starts with understanding your family’s needs. 🧐 Here are a few questions to help narrow down your options:

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What Coverage Do You Need?

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Some of us know when we need to return to work and others are more flexible.

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• Do you need full-time care or part-time care?
• Do you need an option that is flexible?
• If this is your second child, maybe you even want to keep a month for yourself before you go back to work while you have full-time care.

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Yes! You do you—just think about the type of coverage you’ll need now and in the future before embarking on your search.

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Do You Have Family Close By That Wants to Help?

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Some grandmas line up to care for a baby! If that is your mom, mother-in-law, or awesome auntie, now is the time to talk about it. If so, work out the details in advance so there’s no ambiguity about expectations and responsibilities. The last thing you want is to head back to work only to discover your MIL has booked a cruise to Alaska and won’t be available to help care for your baby.

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What’s Your Space Situation?

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Think about how you use your space at home. This could factor into whether you need an in-home or out-of-home option. Questions to think through:

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• Do you have enough room for your baby and caretakers to have space to play, eat, and nap?
• Do you work from home and need a quiet space to be productive and meet clients?
• Do you have extra room in your house, like an in-law suite where you could host someone who lives with you?
• If you’re hosting a nanny-share, do you have enough room in your house for two pack-and-plays or cribs?

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What’s Your Budget?

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Make sure you analyze costs because childcare can be expensive. It’s easy to find the going rate of daycares, either by asking or going on their website. For nannies, check out Hello Nanny!’s interactive map and rate guide to discover the average rate of a nanny in your geographical region.

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Do You Have a Return-to-Work Plan?

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If you’re a working mom, we suggest creating a detailed return-to-work plan about a month before you return from maternity leave. The best place to start would be reaching out to your supervisor or HR department to confirm your return-to-work date. From there, it would be worth asking about:

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• A flexible ramp-up period for when you return.
• A discussion about pumping and where that would happen (if you plan to pump).
• A test run with your childcare solution before your first day back.

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There is a lot to consider, and some of the conversations will depend on the type of work you do and whether you work from home or in an office.

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Is One Childcare Option the Best?

At the end of the day, the best childcare option for your family is the one that you identify as the best fit. Keep in mind that you’re seeking a childcare option that makes you feel empowered, comfortable, and stress-free. Having quality and trustworthy childcare should make your life easier and should not be a source of anxiety.

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Don’t Forget Your Mental Health

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Can you do it all? You might be tempted to work from home and take care of your infant because you’re a superhero, right!? A point of caution: this is really, really hard and it’s something many moms regret trying. You’ll burn the candle at both ends.

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Sara, mom to a 10-month-old

“When I was pregnant I thought I could go back to work and care for my daughter. I work from home so I naively assumed I could take calls while she napped and babywear her during the other times of the day. I soon realized how unrealistic this was. I was missing deadlines and making tons of mistakes at work and also felt like I was being a bad mom. It was just three weeks in when we decided to hire a part-time nanny to allow me to focus 100% on work when I was on—this was a huge relief and I regret not doing it sooner.”

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If you are tempted to do it all, take a moment to think about why. Are you trying to save money? Think you’ll miss your baby too much? Understanding the root cause can help you make a better plan.

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What Is Most Important for Your Family?

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Think through your non-negotiables for childcare. Maybe you have an hour commute and prefer a nanny so you don’t have to drop your child at daycare and then commute to your job. Or, perhaps breastfeeding is really important to you, and you work from home—find a nanny who can watch your infant for a few hours a day so you can reliably take work calls while staying close enough to nurse. Knowing your priorities going into your childcare search is incredibly helpful.

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Nanny Personality Quiz

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If you’re wondering what type of nanny would be the best fit for your family, we created this nanny personality quiz to help you identify your dream caregiver.

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Timeline for Planning Childcare

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Depending on where you live, some parents decide to put their names on daycare waitlists even before their baby is born. While not everyone will need to do this, it’s helpful to get a jump-start on researching your options and budgeting before your baby arrives.

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Below is a general timeline we recommend to families searching for childcare. Of course, your timeline will depend on when you require care—will you need it right after baby is born or a few months later when you return to work?

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During Pregnancy (Months 1-9)

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• Research Options
• Budgeting
• Interview Potential Caregivers

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3-6 Months Before Baby Arrives

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• Finalize Your Choice
• Secure Your Caregiver
• Prepare Your Home

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1 Month Before Baby Arrives

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• Discuss Routines
• Emergency Plans

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After Baby Arrives (and Once You Have Your Return-to-Work Plan in Place)

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• Gradual Transition
• Ongoing Communication

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Nanny Search Tips: What Families Need to Know

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For many parents, a nanny can be a truly life-changing experience. Kate Georgalas, Director of Partnerships at Hello, Nanny! explains, "Balancing the early years of motherhood with a return to work felt overwhelming at times, but having a part-time nanny truly transformed our daily life.” If you’re wondering about how to find a nanny, read on for insider tips about where to find a nanny, the hiring process and more knowledge I’ve gained from my experience as Founder of Hello, Nanny!

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Questions to Consider when Hiring a Nanny

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When hiring a nanny there are many things to consider before starting the process. If you work with an agency like ours, we’ll often ask many of the below questions during the intake call (it’s free!) where we get to know your family’s needs and budget so that we can best match you with the right candidates.

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• Does my nanny need a car or does local transportation work?
• Experience with multiples, infants or other special cases?
• What hours do you need?
• What hours will your nanny need? Ie: Do they require a guaranteed number of hours per month? Or can only work on some days of the week?
• Do they want to be paid ‘under the table’?
• Does they have experience with other families and if so, can we call their references?
• Is there an educational background you want?
• Are there passions you want your nanny to share with your baby like reading or singing?
• Will your nanny be ok with light housework?
• How about pets?
• Is your nanny willing to travel with your family?

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Finding a Nanny: Using an Agency vs. Managing your Own Search

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Congrats, you decided you want to hire a nanny. Now, what? Finding a qualified and trustworthy nanny is no easy feat. Many parents opt to find a nanny on their own through word-of-mouth referrals or local moms groups. While this does work for some families, it also puts the onus of the entire process—from finding a nanny to interviewing to coordinating trial days, negotiating contracts and more—on the family.

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For an effortless process, many families opt to use an agency like ours that takes the stress out of finding the right caretaker off of your shoulders. We simplify and streamline your search and manage and coordinate everything from the initial screening of candidates to your nanny’s first day of work. We guide you every step of the way and provide you with resources (think: a list of questions to ask during the interview process, suggestions on payroll providers, and more) so you don’t have to sweat the details. With Hello, Nanny! you have access to our network of pre-vetted career caretakers and it’s our mission to ensure your match is the right fit. You can learn more about our process here.

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Benefits of a Nanny

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From personalized care to support with household tasks, there are countless benefits to hiring a nanny. But beyond childcare and household support, hiring a nanny can play a vital role in supporting new moms’ in their emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Georgalas says, “[Hiring a nanny] wasn’t just about childcare—having help with everyday tasks like meal prep, laundry, and organizing gave me back precious time. This freed me up to focus on what mattered most: being present with my kids, spending quality time with my spouse, and taking care of myself. Whether it was a quiet nap, a class at Barry's Bootcamp, or just catching up with friends, the gift of time allowed me to be more intentional and present in every aspect of my life. I recently wrote about how a nanny saved my marriage and while I was initially resistant to the idea (yes, I wrongly thought I could do it all), I had to set aside my pride and the idea that having a nanny meant that someone else was raising my son. What I realized was that having a nanny offered the support necessary to be an engaged mom instead of an enraged mom.  

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Share-care or Nanny-share Considerations

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A hybrid model that many families opt for is a share-care or nanny-share, which is when a nanny will care for two children (usually around the same age) at one family’s home. Sometimes the families will switch off who hosts and other times it’s just one family hosting. In addition to the search tips above, here are some other considerations for share-cares:

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• Do you have a nanny or another family to share the nanny with?
• Which family will do the hosting?
• Is there space (you’ll need enough space for the babies to sleep and eat)?
• Is the commute convenient?
• Are the children similar ages?
• Does the nanny have experience with two?
• What happens if one family, or the nanny is sick?
• How do you handle vacations and time off?
• What do you do if one family has another child?

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Meet Hello Nanny!: Your Trusted Partner to Find the Perfect Nanny

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While my team and I have over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, being a Founder and CEO of Hello, Nanny! is just a part of who I am. I consider myself a mom first and foremost. And, like many working mothers, I inherently understand the challenges of finding reliable and trustworthy care so that I can be productive and effective in the workplace, and more present as a mother when I’m with my kids.

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When I welcomed my second child, like most working mothers, I found balancing a demanding career and caring for a newborn incredibly challenging due to the lack of accessible resources and reliable childcare solutions. I realized that the idea of balancing or ‘having it all’ was truly just a mirage. So my husband and I made the decision to hire a nanny. Our search ultimately led us to Megan, who became an invaluable member of our family team. Megan seamlessly fit into her family’s daily routine, allowing me the peace of mind to uncover the balance between career and motherhood—something I once felt was impossible. Thanks to Megan, I became a more present and engaged mother and employee.

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Hiring a nanny and leaning into that support opened my eyes to what motherhood (and a career) could be with reliable support. I founded Hello, Nanny! in 2022 with a mission to help other parents find the same peace of mind by connecting them with qualified, trustworthy caregivers. I’m passionate about empowering parents to be their best selves, whether at home or at work and I believe that the right support system can make all the difference.

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How Hello Nanny! is Different

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Call me biased, but my team at Hello, Nanny! is exceptional at what they do. They truly care about recruiting and then finding the perfect match for each unique family. We are all moms who just get it—we understand how the postpartum period, late nights with a sick child, the afternoon hustle to kids activities and more can all affect your emotional and mental wellbeing as a mother. We place nannies, household managers, private educators and newborn care specialists

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Unlike self-serve platforms, our agency offers a bespoke experience that begins at the initial intake call and lasts through your nanny’s first day and beyond. We think of everything so you don’t have to, from payroll options to contracts to PTO. We coordinate interviews and trial work days and are there to hold your hand every step of the way. And, unlike traditional agency models, the rate of our services are not based on a percentage of a nanny’s annual salary, meaning we aren’t incentivized to place you with the nanny with the highest salary for our own benefit. We’re truly motivated to make a long-lasting and mutually beneficial match.

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Daycare Search Tips

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‍For many parents, daycare is a great option (and if you’re still considering whether daycare or a nanny is the best fit for your family, here’s an article that dives deeper into this). Daycares can be more affordable and allow more socialization at an early age. If you want to consider the daycare option—here’s what you need to know.

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Questions to Ask When Finding a Daycare

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Here are some things to think about and ask for any daycare.

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• Is there a waitlist, and how do I get on it?
• When can my baby start?
• How many kids are there and how many caregivers per child?
• How are breaks handled amongst the caregivers?
• Are there activities (like music and yoga)?
• Do they provide food or is that my responsibility (this is a game-changer for many families!)?
• What time does it open and close?
• Is it convenient for me to get to?
• Does it have a strong parent community?
• Will I receive updates on my child? How do they communicate with the families?
• What is their cancellation policy in case we find another childcare option?
• What is their sick policy?

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Tip: Take a moment to make a list and prioritize the items based on what you need for your family.

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Types of Daycares and Where to Find Them

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There are typically two types of daycares: larger institutions (usually they have a parent company like Bright Horizons) and in-home daycares (usually run out of somebody’s home). Whichever you choose, ensure they are a licensed facility. All daycares and their license (and any violations they may have incurred) is accessible by the public and we suggest doing your homework when researching daycares. Winnie, a woman-founded business that provides details, links, and reviews of local day care centers all over the country is a good place to start. Of course, word of mouth recommendations are typically helpful when initially starting your search so don’t be afraid to ask for recs in your local moms Facebook groups or on Nextdoor. Some daycares will even share references.

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Visit Daycare Centers

You don’t need to visit everywhere, but based on a quick cross-reference between your list and what you can uncover about a daycare online, you’ll know where to start. Trust your gut! Do you like the people? Does it feel like a good fit? Daycares will offer tours and times for parents to visit the location and ask questions of the caretakers.

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Do You Need a Newborn Care Specialist?

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When it comes to caring for infants, understanding the distinctions between a nanny with newborn care experience and a newborn care specialist (NCS) is essential for new parents. Both play important roles in supporting families, but their training, focus, and responsibilities differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

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Training and Certification

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Newborn Care Specialist (NCS):

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• Typically has specialized training in infant care, including sleep training, feeding practices, and developmental milestones.
• Often holds certifications in areas such as CPR, first aid, and infant care techniques.

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Nanny with Newborn Care Experience:

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• May have general childcare experience and some knowledge of newborn care but lacks formal training specific to infants.
• Certification varies widely; some may have first aid and CPR training, while others may not.

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What is the Primary Focus of a Newborn Care Specialist?

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NCS:

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• Concentrates exclusively on the care of newborns, typically from birth to about three months.
• Focuses on helping parents establish routines and providing education on infant care.

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Nanny:

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• Provides comprehensive care for children of various ages, including toddlers and older kids.
• While they may care for newborns, their role often includes managing the needs of multiple children.

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Scope of Responsibilities

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NCS:

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• Primarily responsible for infant care tasks such as feeding, diapering, and soothing.
• Helps establish healthy sleep routines and may assist with light housekeeping related to the baby (e.g., laundry, cleaning bottles).
• Offers parental support and education, empowering parents with knowledge about newborn care.

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Nanny:

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• Handles a wider range of tasks, including caring for older siblings, meal preparation, and transportation.
• May assist with newborn care but is not dedicated solely to infants, which can dilute their focus on newborn-specific needs.

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Duration of Employment

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NCS:

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• Typically hired for a temporary period, often lasting a few weeks to a few months, specifically during the newborn phase.
• Focuses on providing intensive support during the early days of parenthood.

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Nanny:

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• Generally employed on a long-term basis, providing ongoing care for children as they grow.
• Their role evolves with the family’s needs, often transitioning from infant care to toddler and beyond.

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Ideal Scenarios for Each Role

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When to Hire an NCS

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• If you are a new parent seeking specialized support during the early weeks of your baby’s life.
• When you want to establish healthy sleep habits and routines for your newborn without the distraction of other children.

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When to Hire a Nanny

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• If you need ongoing childcare support for multiple children, including infants and older kids.
• When looking for a caregiver who can provide a broader range of responsibilities beyond just newborn care.

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Do You Have Family that Can Help with Childcare?

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This is the ultimate flex. To make this work, communication is extremely important. Make sure you and your family member talk through these questions:

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• Scheule of family member support. Will it be consistent or vary week by week?
• Beyond childcare, is there other things your family member can help with?
• What feeding, nap and activity schedule or parenting approaches do you want your family member to follow?
• Will care happen at your house or at the family member's house? What extra gear might she need.
• How do you want to communicate?

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How about an Au Pair?

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An Au Pair is another childcare option right for many families. Some things to consider:

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Does an Au Pair fit with your childcare goals?

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An au pair is usually a young person from another country who comes to live with your family and provides childcare in exchange for room and board, a stipend, and cultural exchange opportunities. They typically have some experience with childcare but may not have the same level of training and expertise as a professional nanny.

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Does your family need flexible, in-home support to make life easier?

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Think about your daily rhythm. Would having an au pair who’s part of your home and schedule ease the chaos, especially during early mornings, late nights, or last-minute changes?

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Are you ready to welcome someone new into your home and family?

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An au pair becomes part of your village, sharing space, meals, and moments. It’s not just childcare—it’s opening your home and heart to a new cultural exchange.

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Can you provide the guidance and connection an au pair might need?

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Au pairs thrive when they feel like part of the family. Do you have the time and willingness to help them adjust, show them the ropes, and support them as they settle into their role in a country far from home?

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Are You Ready to Do Some Work?

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If you’re considering hiring an au pair, you will need to work with an au pair agency. Find a community member or friend to learn what agencies are in your area.

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There are things you should keep in mind, for example, it’s important to understand the visa requirements. To participate in an au pair program, the caregiver must obtain a J-1 visa. Some specific requirements and regulations must be followed to ensure compliance with the program’s rules.

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You're On Your Way to Find the Perfect Childcare for Your Family

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In the journey of parenthood, we’re always trying to find the best—the best shoes for my beginner walker, the best foods for my picky eater, the best nighttime routine to ensure a restful night. But, what if as parents we forgot about the best and instead, focused on the right option for our family? Because whether you’re exploring nannies, daycare options, or a nanny-share, remember that the “best” solution is actually the “right” one that fits your unique needs, lifestyle, and values.

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To discover the right choice for your family, rely on your village, whether that’s Villie or a boutique agency like Hello Nanny! With the right support in place, you’ll find yourself better equipped to show up fully in all areas of your life—at home, at work, and for yourself.

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