Do Alec & Hilaria Baldwin have five nannies to care for two small children?

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We haven’t been covering Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin for a few months. It’s not that they’ve gone quiet. If anything, Hilaria just gets more and more “extra” on social media, because I guess being a yoga instructor means that we need to see how she looks in a bra and panties at all times. But overall, sure… they’ve sort of settled down. Hilaria gave birth to their second child, a son named Rafael, back in June of this year. Alec is now the father of three – Ireland Baldwin (19 years old), Carmen (almost 2 years old) and Rafael. So two children under the age of two. How many nannies do you think Alec and Hilaria need for those two babies? The answer is five:

I am forever indebted to the women who have helped care for our children. Muchos gracias Lizzy, Sandra, Zena, Lisa and Avril

A photo posted by Alec Baldwin (@iamabfalecbaldwin) on

My intent is not to nanny-shame. Hilaria and Alec both work, although I’m pretty sure both have pretty light schedules compared to most working parents. And two kids under the age of two… of course that’s more than a handful. But FIVE nannies? “Lizzy, Sandra, Zena, Lisa and Avril.” I suppose one of those women could technically be a baby-nurse or something, considering Rafael is so young. But that’s still FIVE childcare handlers for two kids. Two kids who have two able-bodied parents. Okay, maybe I am nanny-shaming a little bit. I could understand if the five women were Alec and Hilaria’s entire staff, like one woman is a maid, one woman is the cook, one woman is the driver, and two nannies. But it does seem like Alec is basically saying they’re nannies?

Do you think Duchess Kate is a little bit jealous? She has to make do with a staff of a dozen but only one full-time nanny (that we know of). Ha, I just realized that Kate and Hilaria are pregnancy twinsies as well – they had matching pregnancies and everything. Hilaria is TWO YEARS YOUNGER than Kate too.

After I wrote up all of that, Hilaria posted a lengthy explanation on her Instagram. The gist? Not all of the five women are technically “nannies.” Some are classified as “babysitters.” Go here to read Hilaria’s explanation.

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Photos courtesy of WENN, Instagram.

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78 Responses to “Do Alec & Hilaria Baldwin have five nannies to care for two small children?”

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  1. Lilacflowers says:

    I believe Hilaria has two of those nannies to keep track of Alec.

  2. tracking says:

    She works? What does she do? I know this is common practice (multiple nannies) among wealthy folks, but I find it ridiculous.

    • ThatMitsyGirl says:

      She’s a yoga instructor.

    • Sabrine says:

      I think the nannies trade off. They have the same ones but they rotate them. I would have a truckload of nannies if I had small children and the funds to pay for them. Why not? Alec and Hilaria are good and attentive parents. Their babies are gorgeous.

      • Starrywonder says:

        Yeah they do. There are regulations on how many hours you can work so I am sure one is a day nanny one is a night nanny, etc. A friend has an au pair and I forget how many hours that she works, but she gets at least one day off a week.

  3. Catelina says:

    Their kids are gorgeous. The nanny thing is weird

  4. Dhavynia says:

    Well I would think he works a lot more than her. He might not have leading roles in movies/TV but he’s everywhere.
    I’m not surprised about the number but I don’t think they all work at the same time, these nannies/babysitters are not always exclusive. That said, I don’t she SHE needs that much help because, you know, yoga instructors are not the same as actors, or executives, just saying
    I do however appreciate the honesty. Not everyone will willingly say they have that many people looking after your kids

  5. suze says:

    That’s a lot of nannies/child minders/”help”.

    HOWEVER. At least she’s upfront about it. No coy “we do EVERYTHING ourselves” to make her relatable to the masses. I sort of respect that.

    • whipmyhair says:

      Doing their bit for the economy!

    • Josefa says:

      Same here. I see nothing wrong. 5 women are getting paid for a job and the babies are being taken care of. If everyone is being benefitted why would we care?

  6. jwoolman says:

    Shifts. Probably 2 each for day/evening shifts and one for overnight. They have the $$$, why not? That way they’re covered if they have to go to functions at night and get back late. Doesn’t mean they don’t do anything for the kids themselves. People without funds just get frazzled and sleep-deprived dealing with two kids that age, but they can afford the help. In older times, when several generations lived under the same roof, other adults in the house could help the same way.

    The reason for having two nannies instead of one per shift is so the kids can be doing different things (outing for one, home stuff for the other. Also means they’re covered if a nanny has to skip a day or is otherwise occupied (people do need to use the toilet..) or they might choose to have overlapping half-shifts.

    • ldub says:

      this.
      it makes sense. if i had money i’d probably do the sam. just sayin.

      • Green Girl says:

        Yup, I would, too. Especially when you’re dealing with both a toddler and an infant!

    • Kiddo says:

      Makes sense. That’s a nice photo of Alec with the kids in the kitchen. I like that there is stuff all over the counters, like they live there, instead of Architectural Digest perfection.

      • Skyblue says:

        I like the picture of Alec in the kitchen too. The kids are cute and all but I love seeing celebrity kitchens with normal everyday clutter. Saw a similar one of Cindy Crawfords kitchen.

    • Luca76 says:

      Exactly what I thought. im not a fan of either but I won’t partake in nanny shaming.

    • Lucy2 says:

      That’s what I figured too, it’s not five at the same time, but in shifts.
      I can’t stand her, but at the same time it’s nice that she acknowledged them and all the help they provide.

    • Crumpet says:

      This. And it was nice of her to thank them and name them all. So many celebrities pretend their help is part of the wallpaper.

    • Trashaddict says:

      Each shift, one to do cleaning and the other to really spend quality time with the kids. One as backup when the others are off (or maybe they rotate). If only employers understood the need for redundancy for contingency planning like mommies do! Maybe doing PA type stuff if they have a party to plan, etc. If only everyone had those resources…

  7. MrsBPitt says:

    Maybe one of the nanny’s changes Alec’s diapers? The saying used to be it was tragic to see babies having babies…these days, it’s tragic to see Grampa’s having babies!!!! Just kidding (sort of)! Does anyone else think that Hilaria looks like she is about to break out into a wicked witch laugh? She looks smug! No wonder that she and Alec get along so well! Babies are adorbable though!

  8. Jessica says:

    Eh, full-time nannies don’t suit everyone’s lifestyle. They might have a night nanny for the baby right now, two who do a day or two a week, and two ‘baby-sitters’ for whenever they’re just going out for a few hours.

    My children spend two days a week with one childcare worker, one day with another, and one afternoon/early evening with an over-qualified ‘baby-sitter’. It was impossible to find one person who would do that and just that (not quite enough hours to make a decent income, but enough to make scheduling other work tricky), and I didn’t want or need childcare 5 full days each week. These wonderful ladies have others clients like me who only need them a day or two a week.

    • sills says:

      Yeah, these could all be part-timers. I did some childcare for multiple people just as you describe when I was younger and I was very happy to have the work! Props to them for thanking their carers, no shame in admitting you use help.

  9. Kkhou says:

    No shame. I am a mom of two four years apart and stay at home. If we were able to have a babysitter/nanny to help us have 1:1 ratio at all times I think everyone would be happier. My kids spend a lot of time tagging along at one another’s activities.

    As mentioned above, it is probably multiple shifts plus optional overnight or on call help. They don’t have five at the same time. And, at least they are both honest about the help they have and appreciative to their staff. Having help doesn’t mean the parents aren’t present and loving.

    • jugstorecowboy says:

      Heck yeah! I’m currently staying at home with three (only one under 2) and would take a nanny or three in a heartbeat. And laundry service, I might sell my soul for that one.

      • AtlLady says:

        jugstorecowboy, I feel your pain. I had 2 under the age of 2 and lived hundreds of miles from anyone I knew so I had no help at all. I don’t think I slept through the night for years and laundry was always piled up. Just remember the Mother’s Mantra – they DO grow up, they DO grow up. The most fun thing you have to look forward to is watching your brood eventually become parents themselves. The lessons you taught them unawares come forward and it is fascinating.

      • Kelly says:

        @atllady I understand what you are saying (I really do, I was there) but I’m not at the “lesson part” yet, just took my oldest to college today 😢. And my heart is breaking

  10. Anniefannie says:

    I have no judgement for someone who very publicly thanks child care providers, refreshing really.
    I can’t help the slight horror I feel for Ireland’s choice in tat’s however, I’m not opposed to them in general but they’res a lot of commitment that went into the one on her bicep and I’m not feeling it?

    • cannibell says:

      +1 on the thanking and acknowledging the nannies. The whole “I do everything myself” song and dance of a lot of these public figures – particularly women who look three weeks postpartum as if they’d never been pregnant because they have the time and money to spent five hours a day exercising – gets a little old.

      Also, they’re paying those caregivers, and having a job is good. (Hopefully they’re paying them a living wage, at least the full-time ones….)

  11. KikiGee says:

    It says, ‘who have cared’, not, ‘ who care’ – it’s possible its five helpers over a period of time, so some may have come and gone.

  12. Esmom says:

    You could also read it this way: she’s listing all the nannies who have cared for the kids up to this point. She says “who have helped” not “who are helping.” Maybe they can’t get anyone to stay for longer than a couple months.

  13. Astrid says:

    At least they’re honest. If you’ve got the money, use it. I would have liked to have help back in the day when I had my pack of kids. They are probably happier parents because of the help instead of dead tired

  14. Tanya says:

    Yeah, I’d totally do this if I could. One for each child, so that the older one isn’t a slave to the baby’s nap schedule, and the younger one’s naps don’t get ruined. One for weekends. One for evening/nights so you can go out. And one backup so that the others can have sick/vacation days.

  15. snowflake says:

    Adorable babies!

    • PennyLane says:

      Both of those children look well cared for, happy, and very much loved. Whoever it is taking care of these kids, they’re doing a great job!

      No judgement here.

  16. Majicou says:

    Eh, if someone can afford help, they should do it.

    *Anyone remember when Alec called Ireland a pig? And look, they’re all better now.

  17. Jayna says:

    I’m sure some of these are part-time nannies, babysitters, or recent help. But I want to give a big shout-out to Alec. First of all, he’s the only celebrity to admit to heavy childcare and publicly address his nannies/babysitters and thank them from the bottom of his heart and name every one of them. That’s a first in celebrity world, where it is all very vague when addressing their nanny situation. And the Baldwins don’t require them to jump out of the frame when papped. They are out with them a lot and don’t pretend otherwise.

    Something else I had been wanting to say and was waiting until a Hilaria or Alec story came on CB. I don’t know if anybody has noticed, but Alec has been downright happy and cheerful before and during and after the baby came, or at the least, normal. Zero fights with paps or lashing out. Out walking around doing his thing with no scowls and smiling when out with his children and wife or just acting normal when out alone. It’s been unbelievable and gone on for quite a while.

    He seems to have finally found his zen. He must be on an anti-depressant or lots of yoga or something. Whatever it is, well-done, Alec. I’m proud of you. I enjoy his instagram. Great photos of his family and dog and around town.

    • Kate says:

      Good comment. I totally agree with your first paragraph (though I’m not an Alec Baldwin watcher and can’t speak to the rest).

  18. Ally8 says:

    “…because I guess being a yoga instructor means that we need to see how she looks in a bra and panties at all time.”

    Lol. Exactly. Weird that noted paparazzi puncher Alec Baldwin chose to be with such an exhibitionist.

    • meme says:

      Ironic, isn’t it? If she’s SO busy with her work schedule, how come she finds all this time to post on social media?

  19. kai says:

    She gets bonus points from me for acknowledging her nannies. That would actually be a nice trend.

  20. gatinhaXoXO says:

    “muchos gracias” – she claims to speak spanish and have grown up in Mallorca…..does anyone else find this ODD?

    • Colette says:

      No my best friend ‘s mom speaks fluent Spanish but can’t spell Spanish.I asked her to write a note for me in Spanish,it was a hot mess and she was born in Mexico.

      • gatinhaXoXO says:

        i can see that, but Spanish is a phonetic language and this would be a glaring mistake to anyone with even a basic understanding of the written language. just my 2 cents!

    • E says:

      lol was just about to say that it’s “muchas gracias.”

  21. Murphy says:

    While I don’t put this past her because she is so nuts but tries to portray the opposite on instagram, its possible that some of them were nannies in the past but he included them since they did help.

  22. Grace says:

    But she doesn’t even work, does she? Sure, she needs a babysitter so she can go to events or if she needs to pop put for a lunch with friends, but full time care? What the heck does she do all day?

    The kids are gorgeous though, and she and alec do seem happy together (him paying for 5 nannies while she does yoga positions must help….)

    That’s a big tattoo on Ireland. Sometimes i wonder if this generation are going to regret all these tattoos. Women more so, as men don’t really show off their arms.. I fully respect their choice and their interests but a lot of them are SOO young when they start getting tattoos. Look at the One Direction boys – covered in them and they are barely in their 20s

  23. Cinderella says:

    A nanny for each of the Baldwins. Sounds about right.

  24. Kate says:

    Five child minders seems excessive, but I have no problem with women who have the means hiring help if they need it. Throughout history, and in many parts of the world even still today, women traditionally had a large network of kinswomen helping them care for their infants and small children. The idea that a vulnerable woman recovering from childbirth should shoulder 100% of childrearing duties is unnatural, and it’s a modern anomaly of the industrialized West. We have to stop demanding that mothers become martyrs and stop sucking the joy out of motherhood by telling women that they cease to matter as individuals once they have children. I fully intend to have a baby nurse for nights after my child is born. My husband travels for work and is only home on weekends, and my mother lives over 2 hours away and won’t be able to move in to help once I return to work. I’ll essentially be a single parent entirely on my own Mondays – Thursdays. This is the only child I’ll ever have, and I intend to enjoy it. I’m not trying to be a hero and don’t feel that I have anything to “prove” to anyone, least of all judgmental strangers. Motherhood is not a competition. I want to be a present, happy and healthy mother for my child, and I’m good with admitting that I’ll need help to get there.

  25. BB says:

    I don’t know if the tweets are still up, but Alec was freaking out about this on Twitter. He categorically denies it and called a female reporter a hag, called someone else a twat and said he was going to sue a newspaper is Syracuse for running the story. What a weird thing to flip out about. Who cares if they have multiple nannies? It’s not like anyone is claiming they are bad and neglectful parents, they just pointed out his instagram picture where he thanked five different women for caring for their children.

    • Jayna says:

      Oh, my God. I was just praising him farther up for how zen he’s been this whole year. LOL

      He’s probably freaked out because Hilaria is all over him like a bad rash right now.

  26. Kate says:

    I just noticed in hindsight that my comment might seem strangely defensive. I’m not responding to anyone here but rather still prickling from a conversation I had the other day wherein I was attacked for admitting that I was going to be hiring a night nurse. I had never previously seen claws come out so quickly. You would think I had just confessed to being a serial killer.

    • thaisajs says:

      My one regret in the months after I brought my daughter home from the hospital was that I didn’t hire a night nurse a few times. My kid had colic and it was honestly the worst few months in my life. Night nurses aren’t cheap, but looking back on it, I should have splurged.

      So if you want to hire one — GO FOR IT. There’s no point suffering with a newborn every night if you don’t have to. Especially if you’re going to be home alone.

      • Trashaddict says:

        I feel for you, thaisajs. Colic is the worst. You begin to understand child abuse. Something so basic as keeping a baby happy and fed and you can’t stop them from screaming. Horrible for your self-confidence. My mom told me a great story from back when she was a young mom. A woman she knew complained to her doctor about the baby’s terrible colic. The doctor proceeded to write her a prescription for sleeping pills. She was aghast and said “I couldn’t possibly give those to the baby”. The doctor said, “they’re for YOU”. Go home, take these, get some sleep, and have someone else watch the baby.

    • Jayna says:

      You will learn not to confide everything to other mothers. They can be so horribly judgmental, and if not to your face, with a look or behind your back.

  27. Tough Cookie says:

    Good for them…I would have had 5 nannies as well if I could have afforded them!! No shade from me.

  28. thaisajs says:

    I can see having a nanny and maybe a couple of babysitters you can call if you have an evening event. But five seems a bit excessive.

  29. Tessa says:

    More to the point
    Why would you reproduce with someone who psychologicaly abused their eldest child?
    Maybe the nannies are there to watch balein with the kids

  30. qtpi says:

    Heck yes they need all that help! It’s a full time job making sure that her T and A are displayed to full advantage.

    https://instagram.com/p/6gWc1LA8UE/?taken-by=hilariabaldwin

  31. Sassback says:

    I’m mostly a nanny shamed, only because I was a nanny for five years for more than one family. And every nanny I know has the same complaints that I do about it. 5 is a lot because that means probably a weekend nanny, a night nanny, a day nanny, and each child probably has a nanny to themselves. It’s like, do you ever have a moment of the day with zero nannies? Like constantly having help in the house?

  32. Ravensdaughter says:

    ALec looks like he may drop a kid in that last pic. Hilari(a)ous.

  33. NeoCleo says:

    MAJOR side-eye. No matter how they spin the explanation it is excessive. With that many attendants around they must fight each other over who gets the kids next. Unbelievable how out-of-touch with reality the wealthy are.

    • boredblond says:

      Five nannies guarantees you never have to take care of your kids..use them for photo ops, maybe say goodnight. Five people to parent, care for and shape your kids..why have them?

  34. Liz says:

    I love that Alec took the time to thank his employees by name. I’m sure the woman appreciate that they’re not overworked as happens so often in these types of positions. Having this much help doesn’t mean the parents are not involved. These woman work in shifts.

  35. Mona says:

    The kids are very cute but the little girl looks more like Putin’s daughter than Alec’s…

  36. LO says:

    Every celeb has at least 2 nannies. Some celebs I know have 3, 4 nannies for 2 kids.

  37. guest says:

    So you depend,, got to know, spend hours of your day with these people caring for your kids, and all you’ve learned from their native language is “muchos gracias”?

    Either you communicate with them in english (and thank them in english) or, you learn to communicate in their native language.