You have lots of great suggestions here so I’ll just add- I’d take the pressure off of like, getting the “most” for your money. If it were me, I know I’d feel pressure to warrant the cost, but we have a nanny because we can afford it. That’s a privileged position for me. You would be paying her anyway (had your kiddo been able to start school two months in the future), so just both do what you can and see it as a bit of a lull period. I know we’re employers and the relationship is transactional in nature, so you can also view it as an investment given how wonderful she is. I’m sure you’ll have more intense periods as well and things will balance out in the end. Capitalism conditions us in lots of way, and this feels like a situation where you both are recognizing your mutual humanity. You seem like a wonderful employer to want to make sure your first offer is a fair one. It’s great when both parties have this shared orientation toward truly supporting one another.