Getting a good nanny in Dubai is no child's play

If you're in need for a part-time nanny, then finding a babysitting company in Dubai is not a difficult feat. It's finding the right babysitter for your kids that can prove to be a real challenge. And for good reason too: you wouldn't want just about anyone to watch over your children. What you need is a reliable, qualified and duly vetted nanny, and we have compiled this handy list to help you get started with ease:

What are my options?
In Dubai, it's a toss up between standard babysitters or registered nurses. Registered nurses are affiliated with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) so you can rest assured that they're all licensed professionals trained to deal with infants, toddlers and children with special needs. Standard babysitters on the other hand are an option for children older than one or two years, and usually have some basic first aid certifications. There are other options such as finding a babysitter on Facebook groups or on supermarket noticeboards, however, these tend to be people who are not working for a licensed company, and therefore are not legal nor recommended.

Registered nurse vs babysitter
Hiring a registered nurse means you are hiring trained and professional help. Because they specialise in caring for newborns and infants up to three years of age, registered nurses are an ideal fit for younger children. If you require care for a child with special needs or medications for any kind of illness, a nurse is better qualified to take due care of your child. Most regular babysitting companies will not agree to look after a child under one year old. That said, many parents prefer a registered nurse even for their older children as they are typically better qualified and are trained to handle medical emergencies.

Babysitter's cost
The rate for hiring a standard babysitter is usually around Dh35 to Dh45 per hour, but the fee will vary for different companies. Registered nurses will be more expensive because of their certifications and extensive nursing experience, with prices typically in the Dh60 to 80 per hour range. If you plan to hire a babysitter on a regular basis, then there's a good chance you'll get a discount for repeat bookings over a fixed period. You might also have to pay some additional charges if you want a nanny on hand after hours or over the weekend.

How long in advance should I book?
Most companies prefer a two to three-day notice period when booking a babysitter. Some companies will charge extra for same day bookings, making it actually cheaper to book a babysitter beforehand.

Finding the best babysitter
From word of mouth to supermarket notice boards as well as ads on classified websites, there's no shortage of ways you can find babysitters in Dubai. However, there are many babysitters who are working illegally (meaning they're not registered with a licensed company), so you need to be on your toes. At ServiceMarket, we only list licensed companies who have the knowledge and the experienced resources ideal for taking good care of your children.

Every parent will have their reasons for wanting to hire a babysitter. It's your best friend's wedding party and you can't leave your children alone. Or you're out shopping and want an extra set of eyes on your children while you check the price tags. Whatever the need, it's important that you make your requirements clear from the get-go, so you can be matched with the most appropriate babysitter for your needs.

The writer is founder of ServiceMarket.com. Views expressed are her own and do not reflect the newspaper's policies

Source: Khaleej Times