• 刚来北美，或者准备在美国生娃的准爸妈们，是不是对“找月嫂”这事儿一头雾水？‍ 毕竟美国没国内那种“坐月子”文化，好月嫂育儿嫂是真的难找！今天就来给大家把这个流程掰扯清楚，都是血泪教训总结的实用干货，帮你避开大坑！

    For those of you new to North America or planning to have a baby in the US, are you confused about finding a confinement nanny? After all, America doesn't have the same "confinement" culture as China, making it incredibly difficult to find a quality confinement nanny! Today, we'll break down the process, providing practical tips based on hard work and experience, to help you avoid pitfalls!

    1. 为什么美国找月嫂/育儿嫂更“卷”？

    和国内不同，美国本土文化里没有严格的“坐月子”习俗，导致专业月嫂资源相对稀缺。市面上不少月嫂可能经验不足，甚至存在身份问题，选择起来得擦亮眼睛。早点开始找是王道！

    1. Why is it so difficult to find a confinement nanny/babysitter in the United States?

    Unlike in China, American culture doesn't have strict "confinement" customs, resulting in a relatively scarce supply of professional confinement nannies. Many confinement nannies on the market may lack experience or even have identity issues, so choosing one requires careful consideration. Starting your search early is key!

    2. 靠谱渠道哪里寻？

    * 熟人推荐：最稳妥的方式！朋友、同事用过的月嫂，服务质量和人品都有口碑保证。但也要多沟通，适合别人的不一定适合你。

    * 专业家政机构：有些机构专门服务华人社区，他们会对月嫂的身份、健康、经验进行审核，信息更透明。但要仔细核实机构资质和口碑。

    * 线上平台与华人社区：比如aixinbaobei.com或专门的华人保姆网站，还有微信群、当地华人论坛等。但这类渠道需要你自己多做背景调查。需要月嫂/育儿嫂请联系爱心宝贝（国际）家政公司老师：086-13366982255（微信同号）

    2. Where can I find a reliable source?

    * Recommendations from acquaintances: The most reliable option! A confinement nanny who has been used by friends and colleagues often has a reputation for quality and integrity. However, it's important to communicate frequently; what works for one person may not work for you.

    * Professional housekeeping agencies: Some agencies specialize in serving the Chinese community and will vet the nanny's identity, health, and experience, providing more transparency. However, be sure to carefully verify the agency's qualifications and reputation.

    * Online platforms and Chinese communities: Examples include aixinbaobei.com or specialized Chinese nanny websites, as well as WeChat groups and local Chinese forums. However, these channels require you to conduct extensive background research. If you need a confinement nanny/childcare nanny, please contact the staff at Aixinbaobei (International) Housekeeping Company at 086-13366982255 (WeChat ID).

    3. 身份与资质，绝不能马虎！

    这是重中之重！确保月嫂/育儿嫂拥有合法工作身份（绿卡、公民或合法工作签证）。如果对方是持旅游签证“打黑工”，一旦被举报遣返，你的宝宝可能面临无人照顾的窘境，订金也难要回！

    * 专业证书：除了育儿证，高级母婴护理、催乳师、产后康复、营养师等证书都是加分项。但要留意，国内证书在美可能不被当地部门认可，最好询问是否有美国当地相关培训或认证。

    * 健康证明：务必确认对方的健康状况，包括体检报告和疫苗记录。

    3. Identity and qualifications – don't skimp!

    This is crucial! Make sure the confinement nanny/childcare worker has legal working status (green card, citizenship, or a valid work visa). If they're working illegally on a tourist visa and are reported and deported, your baby could be left unattended, and you'll have trouble getting your deposit back!

    * Professional certifications: In addition to childcare certifications, certifications in advanced maternal and child care, lactation consultant, postpartum rehabilitation, and nutritionist are all pluses. However, be aware that Chinese certifications may not be recognized by local authorities in the US, so it's best to inquire about relevant training or certifications in the US.

    * Health certifications: Be sure to verify the other person's health status, including physical examination reports and vaccination records.

    4. 面试是技术活儿，问题要问到位！

    确定几位候选人后，一定要进行电话或视频面试，甚至可以安排一次短期试用。

    * 经验细节：不要只问“有经验吗”，要深入了解她带过多少个宝宝、年龄段、护理细节（比如怎么给新生儿洗澡、喂奶时间安排、拍嗝技巧等）。

    * 餐食偏好：如果你有特殊的月子餐要求，沟通她是否能胜任，以及对当地食材的了解和适应能力。

    * 性格与理念：观察她的沟通方式、耐心程度，以及她对育儿理念的看法，是否与你家庭契合。

    * 紧急情况处理：了解她是否有应对突发状况（如宝宝夜哭、生病）的经验，以及基本的英语沟通能力（以便必要时拨打急救电话）。

    4. Interviewing is a technical job, so ask the right questions!

    Once you've shortlisted a few candidates, be sure to conduct a phone or video interview, and even arrange a short trial period.

    * Experience Details: Don't just ask "Does she have experience?"; delve into the number of babies she's cared for, their age groups, and the details of their care (e.g., how to bathe a newborn, feeding schedules, burping techniques, etc.).

    * Dietary Preferences: If you have special postpartum meal requirements, discuss whether she's capable of providing them, as well as her knowledge and adaptability to local ingredients.

    * Personality and Philosophy: Observe her communication style, level of patience, and her perspective on parenting to see if they align with your family's.

    * Emergency Management: Find out if she has experience handling emergencies (e.g., a crying baby at night, an illness), and whether she has basic English communication skills (so you can call emergency services if necessary).

    5. 清晰的合同，避免后期扯皮！

    口头承诺不可靠！务必签订一份书面合同，把所有细节白纸黑字写清楚。

    * 工作内容：明确月嫂/育儿嫂的职责范围，例如是否包含简单家务、买菜做饭、夜间带娃、陪同产检等。

    * 工作时间与休息：规定每日工作时长、休息时间、节假日安排。

    * 薪资与支付方式：明确26天或30天制、薪资总额、小费比例、加班费、支付周期。如果涉及跨州聘请，还要问清机票和差旅费谁承担。

    * 违约条款：提前约定双方解除合同的条件和赔偿机制。美国劳工部有提供保姆雇佣协议范本，可以参考。

    5. A clear contract to avoid future disputes!

    Verbal promises are unreliable! Be sure to sign a written contract that spells out every detail in black and white.

    * Job Description: Clearly define the confinement nanny's/childcare responsibilities, such as whether they include light housework, grocery shopping and cooking, nighttime babysitting, and accompanying prenatal checkups.

    * Working Hours and Rest: Specify daily work hours, rest periods, and holiday schedules.

    * Salary and Payment Method: Specify whether the contract will be a 26-day or 30-day system, total salary, tip percentage, overtime pay, and pay schedule. If the contract involves interstate employment, also clarify who will cover airfare and travel expenses.

    * Breach of Contract Clause: Agree in advance on the conditions for termination of the contract and the compensation mechanism. The US Department of Labor provides a sample nanny employment agreement for reference.

    6. 薪资预算，心里要有数！

    美国月嫂/育儿嫂的费用因地区、经验和服务内容差异很大。

    * 月嫂：通常按26天计算，2024年行情大致在$7000-$8500美元，小费一般10%-20%。有些地区可能在$6500-$7500美元，高的可达$10000美元。

    * 育儿嫂/保姆：长期住家育儿嫂月薪大约在$5000-$6000美元/26天。按天计费约$150-$200美元/天，带睡或复杂工作会更高。

    * 钟点工：约$30-$35美元/小时，通常3小时起步。

    找月嫂/育儿嫂是件大事，多花点时间精力做功课，才能给自己和宝宝一个安心舒适的开始。祝所有准妈妈们都能找到称心如意的好帮手！

    6. Budget your salary!

    The cost of a confinement nanny/babysitter in the United States varies greatly depending on region, experience, and service level.

    * Confinement nanny: Typically calculated based on a 26-day workday, the 2024 market price is approximately $7,000-$8,500 USD, with tips typically ranging from 10% to 20%. In some areas, it can be $6,500-$7,500 USD, with rates as high as $10,000 USD.

    * Babysitter/nanny: A long-term live-in nanny's monthly salary is approximately $5,000-$6,000 USD per 26-day workday. Daily rates range from approximately $150-$200 USD per day, with higher rates for sleep-in or more complex work.

    * Part-time worker: Approximately $30-$35 USD per hour, typically starting at three hours.

    Finding a confinement nanny/babysitter is a major undertaking. Spending time and effort on research will ensure a secure and comfortable start for you and your baby. I wish all expectant mothers can find a good helper that satisfies their needs!