If you have only one child, or children over the age of three it may be worth considering a nanny share. Not only will this cut the costs by nearly half it will also provide a regular playmate for your child. You can only operate a nanny share with one other family. If a nanny takes on children from three families or more they would have to be registered as a childminder.

How do nanny shares work?
There are several different types of nanny shares:

• Complete share: share a nanny five days a week with children being looked after together
  
• Part time share: families share a nanny and children are looked after together for two or three days a week
  
• Split week share: families share a nanny and children are looked after separately - e.g. half the week with one family and half the week with another
  
• Main family share: one family employs a nanny full time and shares with another family for part of the week

The share can take place at one child's house one day and the other's the next or operate on a week here, week there basis. Parents that work at home might want to consider a share where their children are mainly based out of the house.

Nanny shares generally work on a live-out basis unless one family decides to have the nanny living in and the other family pays half the wages and tax and contributes to the host family's costs.

Choosing a nanny share:
When choosing a nanny share the advice is the same as choosing a nanny. Even if you are interviewing a nanny who is very popular with another family, make up your own mind - don't just take their word on how wonderful she is. Remember, different families look for different things. You should be as rigorous in checking references on a nanny share as you would be in any other nanny employment situation.

Finding a nanny share:
There are several agencies and networks that help mothers link up with each other to share a local nanny (go to our Childcare section to find your local service). Local notice boards in libraries, toy shops and playgroups are also very good sources.

Points to help you decide if a nanny share is for you:

• Nanny shares are great for cutting costs and providing playmates for your children. Especially good if you have just one child.
  
• They can sometimes be difficult to manage logistically - finding a family who are going to fit all your criteria can seem daunting but stick at it and you should find what you are looking for.
  
• If the nanny is ill you can pull together with your share family to get through the sick period, perhaps taking one day off each.
  
• For a nanny share to work, you must be able to compromise so that both families feel they are getting an equal deal. Both sides must listen to each other for it to be a success. At all costs you must avoid a situation where the nanny feels she is pulled in two different directions.
  
• Most nannies are responsible for the children's washing and ironing, this could be more difficult to arrange in a nanny share situation.

Bestbear mums own tips for nanny shares:
"We have operated a very successful nanny share with a family down the road for the last two years. The key is communication. Every month we all sit down to discuss progress, problems etc. This means that worries don't have a chance to fester so they get sorted out on the spot." Sue Philips, Birmingham.

If you have any tips on nanny shares please email bestbear.co.uk on feedback@bestbear.co.uk

Male Nannies:
Increasingly popular although still a tiny percentage of the market. Good for families who may have two or more boisterous boys, or for single mums wanting their kids to have some form of male influence.