Hi all, I was just wondering if it's too early to start looking for a reliable and trustworty full-time ayi for my new born baby? I will return to Shanghai by end of October or beginning of November and would like to be a little prepared for my ayi search.
Shall I go through an agency or does anyone know a good ayi who would need a new family to take care of? Ideally, I'm looking for someone that can come in from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and can look after the baby as well as some cleaning and household works.

Thanks in advance!

Oooh. Definitely get someone with loads of experience with newborns and references. Agencies may have some on their books but it is a little too early now as they may go in the meantime. Make sure you are able to talk to the new mum personally before you employ any ayi for a newborn. The culture is very different here and ways of mothercraft differ. You want them to be of help and not of hinderance. My girlfriend went through about 4 of them in the first 2 weeks due to cultural/mothercraft conflicts. Finally got a good one.

I would however join some of the family orientated forums as well such as Shanghai Mammas and Peas n Pods. Keep in touch with folk on this board.

Adrienne