u/EggAndCheeseSando

Hello! We are traveling to Europe during a work sabbatical (extended time) this summer with our five and three year old.

We are hoping to be able to go to restaurants in both Copenhagen and Stockholm that are not kid friendly.

Has anyone used a nanny service abroad before? Do you have any advice or experiences? I’m very hesitant to leave the kids but I also don’t know that we’ll ever get to these cities again, and I really want to try some of these once in a life time experiences.

Hi! I am looking for some honest feedback. We recently found out we are having a (surprise) third baby. In thinking I was done having children, I amped up my professional commitments for the next few years, and we already have a very demanding life.

We are thinking of looking for an Au Pair who would be interested in working mostly as a “mother’s helper” on a split schedule (there would almost always be a parent around at the same time). This is how I’m envisioning the work week schedule:

- Au Pair on duty from 6am to 9am to help Dad get 6 and 4 year old out the door to school and watch baby until Infant Nanny arrives (Mom’s free time to sleep / gym / work)

- Infant Nanny from 9 to 530 (she was with us for previous children, she takes a 90 min break to go see her dogs during my lunch so it’s less than it looks)

- Au Pair on duty from 530pm to 830pm to help Mom with dinner (just participating), bedtimes, balancing all three kids

And probably four hours from Au Pair on the weekend.

I’d just like an extra pair of hands during the first year where my baby will be exclusively breastfed, but we’ll also be balancing two young kids and two big jobs. And I’d like the consistency so that when my husband or I are working late or traveling, I know there’s enough hands at home. I know this is expensive. But I think it’s a 6 month to one year commitment, until the baby is less demanding. Maybe at that point we cut back the infant nanny and move the au pair to traditional hours.

We live 20 minutes from a major tier 2 city of the US. We have a nice, secluded guest room and private bathroom. We travel quite a lot, so there’d be opportunities for the Au Pair to see more of the US if she’d like. I would like for them to take meals with our family and feel like an older cousin for my kids. My kids are very interested in seeing other countries and cultures.

Would this be interesting to an Au pair? Does this set up even make sense? If so, how far in advance do I need to start looking for a Jan 2027 start? I appreciate the honest feedback. I know we’re privileged to be looking at this much help.

Thank you.