I was asked whether I prefer a nanny exclusively for the baby, or an "all in one" Ayi who takes care of the baby as well as all other stuff such as cleaning and cooking. I was also asked whether I want someone who speaks some English.

Budget aside, is an "exclusive" nanny who speaks English usually the best? I am temped by this kind of "new generaltion" nannies, but wonder whether the best nannies are Ayis who are usually more elderly and maybe more patient and loving with kids.

Could some parents with experience in Shanghai give me some advice?

I have a big allowance for nannies (because this is actually a budget for international school tuition, but they agree that I use it for nannies before my child is old enough for school). I'll also opt for a serviced apartment, so cleaning is done (although I was told that it is usually not well done - I don't know how much of this is true). I'd like someone to cook but most likely only dinners.

Thank you for your ideas.

Also, do most people use agents for nanny hunting, just like for apartment hunting? What about non-Chinese nannies, like the very common Philippino nannies in Hong Kong and Singapore? Are they part of the labor market in China too?

Thank you.

I would recomend having someone to look after the baby exclusively and another person to do the house cleaning seperately (if you wanted that.)

There are ayi agencies out there, but you can also look at the notice boards in places like CityMarket and Pines Market to see job wanted postings. You can also look at this site: http://shanghai.asiaxpat.com/domestichelp/

Usually the question is if you want a Chinese nanny or a Philipina nanny. This has been discussed a lot on this site, you can search to see what people have had to say. The benefits of a Chinese ayi are, in short, that they are cheaper and they can teach your child Chinese. The Philipina nanny is more Westernized and can speak English. I've found, when I was researching this for my own child, that the Philipina nannies were often certified in some sort of childcare training and knew some amount of first-aid. However, you could get first-aid training for a CHinese ayi as well. Everyone has their own opinion, but I would choose a Philipina ayi, especially if the budget was not an issue. The only downside, to me, was not being able to expose the child to CHinese language, but I can make up for that some other way.

Still, you will need to interview them and decide for youself. Try to get recomendations from former employers as that would be your best info despite what an agency says.

Good luck!

Thank you, AlliX.

Completely agree with Allix.