Employing two nannies in rotation can make a world of difference for busy families. This setup provides consistent, high-quality care without the risk of caregiver burnout. While it involves a significant financial commitment, the peace of mind and flexibility it offers often outweigh the costs. By understanding and following California's labor laws, families can create a supportive, sustainable childcare arrangement that benefits both the caregivers and the children they care for.
Why Two Nannies?
⭐️ 24/7 Coverage
Hiring two nannies allows for uninterrupted childcare around the clock. Each nanny can work in shifts, ensuring that your child always has a fresh, attentive caregiver. This is especially important for families with irregular schedules or those who travel frequently. With two nannies, you can be confident that your child’s routine remains consistent, even when your own schedule is anything but. ROTA schedule consists of one or two weeks on in 24-hour shifts, followed by one or two weeks off.
⭐️ Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
Taking care of children can be really tiring, and a single nanny working long hours can get exhausting. By having two nannies, you make sure that each caregiver gets the rest they need. This helps prevent burnout and means that each nanny is more energetic and focused when taking care of your child, providing even better care.
⭐️ Flexibility
Having two nannies gives you the flexibility to handle unexpected changes in your schedule. If you have a last-minute business trip or a late-night meeting, having two nannies means that one can step in without disrupting your child’s care routine. This flexibility is incredibly helpful for busy families who need to juggle dynamic and often unpredictable schedules.
⭐️ Enhanced Coverage During Travel
When families travel a lot, having two nannies can really help make things easier. One nanny can come along on trips, while the other can stay back to take care of things at home or just have a well-deserved break. This way, you can be sure that your children receive top-quality care no matter where you are in the world!
Cost Considerations in California
Every state has different overtime laws. Since we frequently place nannies in California, we using California calculations in our example.
⭐️ Understanding the Basics
California is known for its stringent labor laws, which aim to protect both employees and employers. When hiring two nannies, it's essential to understand the financial implications, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, and taxes. Our partners over at Homework Solutions have an incredible resource page that explains fair and legal pay for California nannies.
⭐️Minimum Wage and Overtime
Even if you're a live-in or rotational nanny, you still have to legally break down your salary into hourly wages. For rotational nannies seeking work, it can be surprising to see that your regular hourly rate will be smaller, even if you're earning a higher yearly gross amount than working a traditional schedule.
As of 2024, California’s minimum wage is $16.90 per hour. This amount varies depending on your county, including Los Angeles. However, due to the demanding nature of 24/7 coverage, nannies are often paid well above minimum wage. Their typical hourly rate ranges from $30 to $40, depending on experience and location.
Overtime laws in California require that Nannies working more than 9 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week must be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate. For live-in nannies, overtime rules differ slightly, often requiring employers to pay overtime for any hours worked over 9 in a day and double time for hours worked and over 45 hours in a week.
⭐️ Sample Cost Breakdown
Let’s consider a scenario where each nanny works 12-hour shifts, providing 24/7 coverage. Regular Hours: Each nanny works 4 days per week (48 hours).
📍 Overtime Pay: For the 9 hours exceeding the 45-hour weekly limit, overtime pay is required for live in nannies.
Assuming a rate of $25 per hour:
Regular Pay: 45 hours x $25 = $1,125
Overtime Pay: 3 hours x $37.50 = $112.50
Weekly Total per Nanny: $1,237.50
Weekly Total for Two Nannies: $2,475
Monthly Total for Two Nannies: $9,900
⭐️ Additional Costs
Don't forget to factor in additional costs such as payroll taxes, health insurance, worker's compensation, housing, and food if the nannies are live-in. These additional costs can add 15-30% to the total payroll expense. One of our payroll partners, GTM, offers a fantastic payroll calculator to help families accurately budget their costs.
In summary, while the investment is substantial, the benefits of having two nannies—especially for families with demanding schedules and frequent travel—make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking continuous, reliable childcare.
