The question of when to hire a nanny is one that keeps new Indian parents up at night — often literally, because they're exhausted from doing everything themselves. Cultural guilt ("good mothers don't need help"), financial concerns, and safety fears all create barriers. Let's address them honestly.
Signs You Need a Nanny
- Both parents are returning to work (maternity leave ending)
- You're running on less than 5 hours of sleep consistently
- Household tasks are being completely neglected
- Your mental health is suffering from caregiver burnout
- Extended family support is not available or sustainable
Best Time to Start
3-6 months before you need one. Finding, verifying, and building trust with a nanny takes time. Don't wait until your maternity leave ends. Start the process early so the nanny can overlap with your leave period for training and trust-building.
Types of Nanny Arrangements
| Type | Hours | Cost (Metro) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Nanny | 4-6 hrs | ₹12,000-₹18,000 | When one parent WFH |
| Full-Time Nanny | 8-12 hrs | ₹15,000-₹25,000 | Both parents at office |
| Live-In Nanny | 24/7 | ₹18,000-₹30,000 | Infants, night feeds |
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