Did you know that September is the most common month for births in the UK? With so many families welcoming and expecting new arrivals around this time, childcare support often becomes a sudden priority. While many parents’ first thought may be to hire a nanny or an au pair, there is another option that can be just as valuable - hiring a mother’s help.
What is a mother’s help?
A mother’s help is a childcare professional who works alongside parents to provide support with both childcare and light household tasks. Unlike a nanny, who typically takes sole charge of the children, a mother’s help usually works with a parent at home which can be particularly for households with newborns and young children. Their role is designed to ease the pressure on families by offering flexible, hands-on support, especially during those early months when routines are still being established.
Why a mother’s help could be for you
Whether you’re a new mother or you are welcoming another sibling into the family, the initial transition into routines with a newborn can be overwhelming. Whether you’re adjusting to sleepless nights, managing feeding schedules or balancing the needs of older siblings, there is a lot to manage but a mother’s help can provide the additional pair of hands to support a range of things at home.
Childcare: this may be anything from entertaining toddlers to helping with bath and bedtime routines or assisting with school runs.
Practical household help: a mother’s help can take on tasks like preparing simple meals, helping to keep the house tidy or doing laundry to lighten the daily load for parents.
Emotional reassurance: a mother’s help can also act as a trusted presence for parents, particularly first-time mums, who may appreciate the companionship and guidance.
How does a mother’s help differ from a nanny?
As we’ve already touched on, the key distinction between a Mother’s Help and a nanny lies in their responsibility and experience. While nannies are typically trained to take full charge of children, a mother’s help is often earlier in their childcare career or may not have the same level of qualifications. This makes them a more affordable option for many families, while still offering much-needed support for parents who want to remain hands-on but need some relief.
For the first time since 2021, the UK has seen an increase in the number of babies born over the past year and September is notably the most common month for births in the UK. During September and the autumn months, many parents may find themselves juggling newborn care with the demands of the new school year for older siblings. A mother’s help can step in for as short or as long as you need to help manage the household rhythm, keep children occupied with age-appropriate activities and even lend a hand with school prep for older siblings while parents focus on bonding with the new baby.
How to Recruit a Mother's Help
If you’ve not previously hired a mother’s help (or even heard of the term until now), you may be at a loss for where to start. At Hampstead Nannies, we have years of experience identifying and helping to place friendly and experienced mother’s helps who can help make a difference from the start.
We will narrow down prospective candidates so you can proceed with interviewing and deciding on who is best suited to your family’s lifestyle and needs. During the interview phase, we encourage you to be vocal about any expectations you have of a mother’s help and provide real clarity on the support you need upfront. Through this, you'll set up a solid foundation for a good working relationship and ensure all parties have the same understanding of what is expected so the family and household can run as smoothly as possible.
If you’re interested in hiring a mother's help this autumn or simply want to chat through so you have a better understanding of how they can support your growing family, then contact us and we can help get you started.