Au Pair Childcare
Expectant moms can just about imagine what their new bundle of joy will be like before they have lots of decisions to make, including considering childcare options for their newborn. Whether you are returning to work or in need of an extra set of hands, an au pair might be the perfect addition to your family.
What is an Au Pair?
Au pairs come to the U.S. from abroad through a U.S. State Department regulated agency on a J-1 cultural exchange visa. They typically come for one year, though they can extend their stay for up to two years. Au pairs live with you and provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare and child-related duties.
Au pairs can come from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. As a prospective Host Family, you apply through an U.S. State Department-regulated agency. After learning about the type of childcare provider and experience you are looking for, the agency will help you find an appropriate match who then comes to your home to be your au pair. Both the family and the au pair are provided ongoing support throughout the year by local coordinators who work for the agency and live in your area.
Flexibility
With the ability to provide up to 45 hours per week and up to 10 hours per day of help, an au pair provides complete flexibility of schedule. She can be there when your child is sick, so you won’t have to miss work to stay at home with your child. She can travel with you on business trips and vacation – a great help while you are still nursing. Knowing that your child is being cared for in your own home in a one-on-one setting is a big relief for many new moms. You can also come right home after work, rather rushing to be on time for pick up at daycare.
What new mom wouldn’t love a date night once in awhile? With an au pair’s flexible schedule, you can have the freedom to structure it so you and your significant other can enjoy some quality time together.
A Second Set of Hands
Au pairs can help with all aspects of childcare, so you have that extra help with child-related chores. She can feed, bathe and dress your child, tidy up the nursery or playroom, clean bottles and do the child’s laundry. Imagine walking through the door after a long day of work and all you have to do is spend quality time with your baby. If you are adding to your family, an au pair can provide additional care for your other children so you can take turns providing one-on-one time with each child. Au pairs become family members. The more people who love and nurture your child can impact him positively. Also, having another trusted and capable adult in the home will keep it running smoothly.
The Exposure to a Second Language
As the world is becoming more global and interconnected, it is more important than ever to expose young children to another language. An au pair can teach your child about her culture and language. Children who learn a second or third language, or who are exposed to a foreign language, benefit from lifelong advantages.
Affordability
At the average weekly cost of $340 per week (or $7.50 per hour), au pair childcare is considerably less expensive than nannies and day care centers. This price is regardless of the number of children. Many parents find that as their family grows, an au pair is the only affordable option. The affordability of the au pair program can help stretch family dollars for other important baby necessities.
When considering the best childcare option for your new baby, you will want to ask yourself:
- In what environment do I want my child to be in each day (my home, a daycare setting, someone else’s home)?
- Is exposing my child to another culture important to me?
- Would I benefit from the extra help in my home?
- Does 45 hours per week of childcare fit my needs?
- Do I have a spare room to house the au pair?
- What is the most affordable option for our family?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, an au pair may be another perfect new addition to your family.