Nanny vs Babysitter - which is better?

There is an alternative available (which doesn't seem to be widely known).

Have you considered hiring a live-in caregiver?

Let me explain - and please note - this information is specific for Canada.

It is actually (believe it or not) a lot cheaper to have a nanny live in your home to take care of your children. The reason for this is that (in most cases) the local workforce will refuse to do it. Therefore, foreign live-in caregivers (from overseas) can be hired. They have the side benefit of being able to apply to become a "permanent resident" after 24 months of working as a nanny. So they are willing to work for a lower (overall) salary to come here, when you consider that the true "hours worked" are hard to differentiate (from "on-duty" to "off-duty").

Most live-in caregivers come (originally) from the Philippines. The currency difference is quite substantial, so that even though the wages might seem low to us, they are actually able to save enough money to support their families "back home" until they complete the 24 months, at which time they would sponsor their families to join them over here.

Employers benefit greatly because besides taking care of your children (or elderly or disabled) they will also perform light household duties. A nanny will do your laundry, wash the dishes, clean the floors etc... They will even be able to take care of your pets!

In conclusion, it is a win-win situation.

You as the employer will save a lot of money on child care and not have to worry about your home and children. There are "tax incentives" as well. The "room and board costs" are also subtracted from the nanny's salary.

The Live-in Caregiver benefits by being employed at a much higher income than in her "home country" with the bright future of eventually becoming a Canadian Citizen.