I called to inquire about something and received the most disgusting customer service! There was a lack of phone etiquette, I was rushed off the phone before I even finished asking my questions and when I called back to let them know how disheartening the experience was, the person on the other line was still nasty and rude. Find another Agency! If they're this disgusting over the phone I can only imagine how they will treat your children when you're not around. read more

Summary: Couldn't trust the nurse with our newborn and the agency had a poor response. She fell asleep while our baby was on her and the agency expected us to pay. The second night our baby nurse was with us, we caught her asleep with the baby on her chest. At 5am, I called out her name multiple times to initiate breastfeeding and for her to bring the baby to me. When she didn't respond, I realized she was asleep. Immediately concerned, my husband turned on all the lights in the room and yet still had to rouse her awake. We felt deeply uncomfortable finding her in a position that put our two week old baby in danger - any healthcare worker for babies would know that sleeping with the infant puts the baby at a greater risk of SIDS. When my husband told her she wasn't needed anymore and should go home, the nurse asked if she did anything wrong. She didn't know? Then she blamed me for her falling asleep with the baby. What was also upsetting was that the agency pushed us hard to still compensate the nurse. We got a lot of agency pushback, even on the secondary issues outlined below. They were more interested in siding with the nurse rather than hearing our concerns. They fed us a line mentioned by another reviewer here "we have never had any issues with this nurse before". I really did not buy that, and I found it unsettling the agency had so many lines to back their nurse even when their own promises to the client were unmet. The agency still expected us to pay the nurse, however if they felt strongly she should be compensated, then they should front the bill... not the consumer. How else are poor practices going to be corrected? Initially they were only willing to credit their agency fee, but we were adamant and eventually we reached an agreement to pay for the first night only -- which we had said from the start we were willing to do. There were also a few issues with this baby nurse at the onset - the agency asked for personality that would be a good fit and 'takes initiative' with 'provides coaching' were top of the list. Services like 'maintaining the nursery space' were not followed through on - after the first night, for example, I was cleaning poop off the wall and diaper caddy from a 'projectile' diaper change that had happened in the first half of her shift (the agency in her defense: "Had this happened on multiple occasions?"). The nurse had no issues spending her time watching videos from her phone. She also provided 'coaching' based on outdated medical practices (such as cleaning the umbilical cord site with alcohol) so my husband and I felt we were doing most of the coaching. And her assistance with breastfeeding made it clear she didn't know the basics. She also interjected to the lactation consultant I was meeting with virtually- never mind I hadn't invited her to partake in the calls. All this despite 20 years with the agency... There were also issues with the agency. We were not provided a method of communication for over the weekend in the event issues like this arise. We were just given the nurse's name, but no phone number. We received no email confirmation of the booking. We had no indication of how to pay and we were not sent a contract. The booking was made for Friday and I couldn't speak to anyone until business hours Monday. There is no email listed online and no one available outside business hours. When I called first thing Monday morning, they asked why I hadn't left a voicemail. But how would I have known to do that when their automated message says to call back during business hours? Fortunately I'd sent a message via their website's contact form detailing the issues the morning we let the nurse go. Of course the nurse had already called and had a different story. The agency was proud of their low turnover rate - I suspect there was no reprimand for this nurse. I'd never work with this agency again. read more

Frances Stewart Agency sent me the most fabulous baby nurse when I arrived home with my 3 day old baby. I had talked to David a few months prior to the birth and had told him the type of person we were looking for to help us adjust to having a newborn. He not only listened but followed up with me to see if I had additional questions. I called the agency when the baby was born 8 days early and they told me they would be sending over Teresa when we got home from the hospital. The agency made a perfect match for us. Teresa was absolutely amazing with our daughter and with helping us adjust to parenthood. She was the sweetest and most caring person and having her in our home for two weeks really was wonderful. I am so so happy we had Teresa and would recommend her and the agency to anyone looking for some help with a newborn. read more

I cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful experience we had with Francis Stewart Agency and our night nurse, Donna. I now fully understand why the family in Mary Poppins grew so attached to her! Francis Stewart was a joy to work with from the beginning-set up was easy breezy. Once we came home from the hospital with our bundle of joy, Donna showed up that day and our lives were never the same. From the second I saw her I knew we were in loving, capable hands. Our baby was so well taken care of-clean and happy, sleeping long stretches, and even gained weight at her pediatrician appointment. She helped me with breastfeeding and calmed me when I became stressed out about it or discouraged. I truly think that if she wasn't there I would have quit, but I fought on! When Donna left after 3 weeks (I extended our time with her from one week to three) I cried like a baby. She had become a part of our family in such a short amount of time and I will always feel indebted to her for making our first three weeks such a memorable experience. If you are on the fence about hiring through Francis Stewart, don't be. Just do it, you won't regret it!!! read more

Worst experience with childcare. Agency sent a baby nurse who fell asleep within 3 hours on the job, holding my 6 DAY OLD baby, in front of myself and another family member. After letting her go, she was extremely rude and disrespectful. When I relayed this to management, they were barely apologetic, asked that I pay her for the day, and her car home. They insisted they get great reviews for this nanny, which is impossible to believe. Maybe previous owners did a better job? Don't waste your time, money or stress here read more

I needed help 3 to 4 mornings per week with my 2month old baby from mid February until the end of March, and potentially also April. I was very transparent that my little one had reflux (not uncommon for a child that age) so needed special attention as she had difficulties sleeping on her back and needed to be held a lot. The agency told me they had someone for me who would be interested in the position and we agreed. They sent me Irene Lee for a trial a few days after and the experience was beyond terrible: 1. she arrived 30 minutes late (9am instead of 8.30am) 2. she was very cold and did not seem very interested in the baby - but she looked quite professional so I was ready to give her a chance 3. she informed me at the end of the morning that something came up and she was not available anymore the following week but should be available the week after - which was a big surprise because not at all what was agreed on with the agency. After talking with the agency a few days later, I was told that she was not comfortable with the reflux situation because the baby had to be held a lot : did she believe I was going to pay $30/hour to have her watch the baby nap in her bassinet the whole time? This was the main reason why I needed help: someone who could help me teach the baby to nap better in her crib and hold the baby for a bit while I caught up on sleep! And if I just needed someone to watch the baby nap I would certainly not pay that person more than standard NYC baby sitting rates! The agency had no fallback to offer; the whole situation ended up being ridiculous and I wasted precious time to find someone else on my own. read more

Extremely disappointed with my experience. I did not feel one bit of value. We were mislead by what the baby nurse would do for us and she was on her phone every time I saw her with my son. We are worse off from our experience, don't waste your money. read more

BEWARE: This experience made my journey as a 2nd time mom much worse. Agency just cares about putting someone/ ANYONE in your home and getting paid. If anthing goes wrong they treat you like garbage. ALL OF THIS VIDEO RECORDED. I hired two different nuses through the agency. I was told that I was only allowed to meet one nurse at time and could not interview multiple. The first had a limp during the interview and I specifically asked if there was any reason she would not be able to go safety up and down the stairs in our duplex. She assured us it would be fine. However we quickly learned she was a danger to herself and our baby and could barely navigate stairs or walk on level ground with the baby. When I bought this up to the agency, David scolded me and was extremely rude and unprofessional. Eventually he relented when he saw her in person after a week and she admitted that she was witholding a knee problem and it was a liability to his company. They sent me a 2nd nurse and I had major concerns from the interview but David told me she was loved by many families and I should give her a try. This woman was nothing short of a lunatic. She argued with me and my husband about everything we asked her to do. She would laugh at us and walk away as we were speaking to her. She asked for 3 hour breaks and then 4 hours but would not use them to get any rest. She would leave the home for social engagements but complained as soon as she got back that she was tired. Once she admitted she was using the break to go home to host a party and then come back to take care of our child. Then she called 30 mins before she was to return and told us she needed 2 hours more. And we were paying her for a live in position 5 days a week. Her behavior was so rude and abusive my husband had to have her removed from our home. The agency did not care at ALL! In fact the crazy nurse told us David said just make sure to get the money before she left. read more

I highly reccomend Frances Stewart! They were extremely professional, courteous and kind throughout our search for a baby nurse. Over the course of two months while we had a lovely nurse in our home, David and his staff were attentive to our needs and extremely accomodating. I've worked with several domestic staffing agencies and found Frances Stewart to be overall wonderful. Our nurse, Jen, was a true doll and extremely kind to the two other small children in our home. She went above and beyond in every way! She was neat, knowledgeable, and respectful while providing excellent care for our newborn baby. read more

The absolute worst experience of my life, completely ruined my first night home with my LO. My mother tried to do something nice and arranged for the baby nurse to come to my apt. She spoke to the owner David and told him that I wanted a baby nurse who was young, specified that I have a dog and 2 cats so the person has to like animals. David sent me Laurie, an old Jamaican "nurse" who hardly spoke English, who's only prerequisite for working with mothers and babies was that she raised 9 grandchildren in her country. She straight up told me she was fearful of my dog and she absolutely hated cats. My aunt was also over, she was trying to help me breastfeed. She also brought some wine to celebrate. She offered me a sip and Laurie immediately intervened telling me I should not drink any alcohol while breastfeeding, I agreed with her and for a moment I was pleased that she was so concerned for my sons safety, what happened after was extremely disappointing. While attempting to breastfeed my son, a small amount of my hair was coming out of my hair tie and was resting on his little cheeks Laurie told me that my hair was going to hurt my sons face and give him paper cuts. My son had a bit of jaundice but was totally fine when we came home. Laurie proceeded to tell me that my son shouldn't be around anyone except myself and my husband because (verbatim) "kids with jaundice can get so much sicker then kids who do not have jaundice" at this point I told Laurie I did not believe jaundice had anything to do with the immune system and she just got quiet. After that she asked where my son would be sleeping, when I told her in the Snoo bassinet in my bedroom she told me the SNOO causes Shaken Baby Syndrome. Again I was extremely perplexed at the things she was saying, not only was she completely misinformed but she was clearly crazy. The SNOO has been tooted as the SAFEST bed for baby! She then told me that I was going to spoil my son by allowing him to sleep in my bedroom. I had enough of Laurie and then she asked my husband for a notebook, some ointment and qtips. My husband and I took my dog on a walk and when we came back Laurie told me that my cats were evil and were going to hurt my son. Another completely crazy statement made by this women. It was around 11pm and I was completely sick of her. My husband went to pick up his son who was asleep inside his SNOO, Laurie screamed "NOOOOoo do not touch the baby" my husband responded that he just wanted to hold his son for a few moments before he went to sleep, Laurie said that was not permitted and that we would ruin his sleep routine. To which I responded that we would not be establishing a routine for my son so early, he was only 5 days old. Laurie got angry and told me that we were spoiling my son. I responded that you could not spoil a 5 day old baby. I went into my bedroom and called this women an Uber. She shouldn't be working with new mothers and their babies. I assure you this was the worst experience of my life. To top it all off after Laurie left my home I noticed there were orange peels and pieces of the fruit all over my floor in the corners of my living room, etc. oranges are extremely toxic to cats. This crazy person was trying to poison my cats. Psycho! When I spoke to David about my horrible experience he had nothing to say, not even an apology for how my husband and I were treated. Save your money, don't hire this agency. They absolutely suck! read more

Sondra from the Frances Stewart Agency helped us take care of our daughter at night from the day she came home until she turned 2 months old. She was absolutely wonderful -- extremely knowledgeable and experienced, thorough and patient with first-time parents, and so loving and sweet with our daughter. I'm also convinced that our little one sleeps as well as she does at night because of Sondra's help. I cannot recommend France Stewart and Sondra enough! read more

I used two baby nurses from David for over 6 months. They were both warm, knowledgeable and great with my newborn baby. They also traveled with me to my home in Miami for two weeks. I told David exactly what I wanted in a baby nurse and he filled my requirements perfectly. read more

I am a mother of three. Frances Stewart has been incredibly helpful in helping me place not only our baby nurse, Jenny, but also substitute nurses (when Jenny was on vacation) and a full-time nanny in our home. I have worked with both David and Bonnie, both of whom took my concerns and requirements for people working in my home seriously. When our baby nurse, Jenny, was away on a vacation - at a time when our first nanny(not hired through the agency) ghosted us - Bonnie and David took up this last minute feat of getting experienced, kind and caring baby nurses and childcare in who could help me effectively meet and balance the needs of a special needs grade schooler, a toddler and a baby. When I saw they could handle all of that without breaking a sweat, I knew I wanted them to handle our nanny search. And now we have a wonderful nanny who I can't imagine life without. I'm actually grateful our first nanny left because it enabled me to work with Bonnie, who found me our super nanny. Frances Stewart has been in business for ages. They know what they're doing. They're conscientious, respectful of family dynamics and needs, and professional. I highly recommend working with them when looking for baby nurses and nannies. read more

Stay far away from this agency!!! My husband and I needed some help with our 5 1/2 month old son (he has significant reflux & other gastro issues.) We spoke with David who assured us that he could find a baby nurse who would be suited for our needs and who was also experienced in breastfeeding, older infants and GI issues. He sent us Emily Santos who was by far, the rudest person I have ever met. Within minutes of walking through my door she asked about giving the baby formula. I repeated that he was exclusively breastfed and that I was on a dairy/gluten-free, bland reflux diet for him. She persisted that we try formula because it will make him gain weight... I had to repeat myself at least 3x that we were just doing breast milk. She went so far as to find the formula container on top of my fridge (bought but never used) and bring it down to the counter to attempt to make a bottle! My child has an aversion to eating due to painful reflux and does not do well with bottles but she insisted so I gave in and allowed her to try a bottle of breast milk instead. She proceeds to take a bag out of the fridge and shake it -- breast milk handling 101 teaches you never to shake human milk -- I gently ask her to stop shaking the bag and she bristled. She started to try to pour the cold milk into the bottle. I gently told her it needed to be heated and began to tell her my process. She was not interested in hearing it and told me that I was being particular and that she "knows what she's doing" -- HOW? she has never met my baby! I was still trying to remain optimistic, even after her snide remarks and formula pushing. Even after she barked that she knew what she was doing, but put the bottle together without the anti-colic, gas reducing insert. She sat with my son and attempted to give him the bottle. He rejected it, which I expected. I attempted to nurse and he fed well so I asked her to burp him and hold him upright (reflux protocol) and try putting him down for a nap so I could shower. Surely she could handle that, right? Wrong! My sons cries went from fussing, to crying to hysterical sobbing and it was only getting worse. It was as if I put him in his room and left him alone. I thought something had gone wrong so I run out of the shower to find my son in his swing, UNSTRAPPED, purple faced and crying while Emily was in the chair with her head back and eyes closed. She told me crying was good for their lungs. I told her I didn't believe in cry it out and it is not recommended if a child is sick. She said fine, picked him up and told me to let her do her job. She also bad mouthed other moms she's worked with who didn't believe in CIO which I found so unprofessional. I was taken aback but had the monitor with me and listened while washing the shampoo out of my hair. The rest of the day was not any better, she told me it was not her job to "dance" for my son when I asked her to distract him while I have him his meds and laughed at me when I had my husband do it instead. She told me caring for my son was "hard" -- yes, that is why I sought help, so I could get a break! She also sneezed a few times but insisted it was due to dry air and not a cold but after she left I found used tissues in the bed. She was not only no help whatsoever, she was rude, arrogant, uncouth and put my baby in danger (leaving him UNSTRAPPED in the swing, hysterically crying) Emily also informed me that the only reason she was sent to my home was because she was the only one available - we were not matched based on expertise and need as promised. When I called David at the agency this morning, he told me that she lied about that and that he thought she would be a match (even though she knew nothing about breast milk handling, older babies, reflux care, etc.) He was very curt and told me he didn't feel his agency was responsible for her behavior because my husband and I decided to "take a chance" with them and would not refund our money. I am beyond disgusted and traumatized by this experience. They took an already stressful situation and made it worse. Please spare yourselves and STAY AWAY!!! read more

We hired Frances Stewart for a baby nurse after our daughter was born. We thought it was a complete waste of money and wanted to let others know of our experience. As new parents, we wanted to learn how to take care of our newborn. We needed an extra hand, as we didn't have family close by. At best, the nurse Frances Stewart sent were indifferent; At worst, they were not up-to-date on things like how to breast-feed or how to use a basic breast-pump. We had to ask repeatedly for the nurses to show us things. One nurse looked on idly while I tried to figure out how to use a pump for the first time. I was having trouble thinking straight, as I had mastitis and a fever. She admitted she didn't know anything about pumps, and I had to figure it out for myself. Another nurse they sent showed up sick to the job, even though she knew sh'ed be working with a newborn with little immunity. We went through 3 nurses before we realized that it was a waste and not going to get any better. We let everyone go early. The agency doesn't seem to do any training at all. They send women out to jobs who only pass minimal screening. I can't believe I trusted my newborn with someone who was not trained in anything and just filled out an employment form with an agency. But I didn't know better, and I was vulnerable in the post-partum period. To their credit, they did refund part of my money after my complaint, and they admitted they did not do any training of their candidates. But we were still out a lot of money and did not get the help we needed. If I were to do it again, I would go through a local listserv and ask other recent parents for referrals for baby nurses instead of using Frances Stewart. read more

The worst. A disappointing experience from start to finish. The agency was not forthcoming about our nurse's inability to communicate clearly. She arrived hours from the the scheduled time, and - with a two week guaranteed booking - disappeared for a personal appointment less than three days later. A "few hours to take care of a personal matter" turned into two new parents of twins dealing with our newborns - overnight - with no help. Unplanned and unprepared, we stumbled through a sleepless night only to have our nurse return in the morning, well-rested. Calls to the agency were met with sounds of sympathy but little assistance. Save yourself their exorbitant fee and find another agency. They'll charge you less and you'll sleep better. Hell, you'll sleep. read more

I called Frances Stewart for help after my freelance baby nurse turned out to be a poor fit for us personality-wise. David asked me some tactful questions and matched us with Grace, who was perfect for our family - deeply experienced, caring, loving, knowledgeable, and a great communicator. I trusted her instantly and slept so soundly knowing that my baby was in the safest possible care. We kept Grace as long as we could and I cried the day she left. I felt like David really listened to what I wanted and delivered on everything he promised. Thanks Frances Stewart! read more

When our twins were born prematurely, with my wife laid up in bed after the birth for an extended period of time, Frances Stewart Agency, and particularly their fantastic baby nurse, Naomi John, could not have been better for us. The Agency was responsive and understanding and Naomi was, in short, a God-send. She helped us get our underweight little boys eating, healthy and robust all the while with good cheer. We would not have been able to survive the many sleepless nights without her. Her experience and skill were unsurpassed-- showing us how to juggle and manage twins and life with twins. I can't emphasize enough that we were entirely unprepared as the babies came early. She helped us get our new household up and running in no time. Travel, illness, even a re-location, Naomi and Frances Stewart helped us through it all. I cannot recommend them enough. read more

Frances Stewart was an absolute dream to work with. We had a baby nurse for two weeks after the arrival of our first son. I honestly can't imagine our first two weeks without Gina. Gina was exceptionally helpful in getting our nursery in working order, helping to get our son on a good sleep schedule and helping me get a few extra hours of sleep so I could recover. Her attention to detail, loving/nurturing attitude and warm personality were greatly appreciated. She left me feeling prepared, as a first time mom, to care for my son while home alone on maternity leave. I can't thank her enough. read more

At the last minute the baby nurse we hired for my daughter cancelled. She was in labor and I was panicked. Being from the Boston area it is shocking to find out that baby nurse agencies don't exist in the area anymore. I googled best agencies in New York and this agency came up. I immediately called and asked for them to send anyone asap. Well they did, Yvonne was an angel sent to us from Frances Stewart. She stayed 5 months, was wonderful with my daughters 3 year old and left us with a very happy and content 5 month old. We will all miss her. She was perfect and helped the 3 year old adjust to a new sibling. Our expectations were exceeded!!!! I highly recommend the agency and anyone they will send. You won't be disappointed!!!! read more

I would highly recommend using the Frances Stewart Agency for your child care needs. Bonnie was wonderful in helping us find the right fit for a night nurse, she listened intently to our needs and provided guidance when necessary. We are so grateful for the help that they provided during our transition into parenthood. read more

When I was at my absolute breaking point with a baby that never slept, Frances Stewart agency provided me with an absolutely fantastic night nurse the same day. They also provided me an excellent interim nanny when my nanny went on vacation. Every person France Stewart sent me was excellent. I can't recommend this agency highly enough--not only because of the expediency with which they found me help and the stellar quality of the individuals they sent, but also how easy they are to work with. David and Bonnie had my back during the roughest times and were always so kind and responsive. Because they take care of vetting the people they send, I had total peace of mind with someone coming into my home and taking care of my baby and son (which you don't always have if you find someone on your own). Please save yourself a headache and call Frances Stewart! read more

Rose the receptionist is the rudest person on the face of this planet. Asking me a list of 30 questions just to send me a baby nurse marketing packet (including my 2 year old's name, my ob, and hospital info- all unnecessary info b/c ive called other agencies in the past), and proceeding to scoff at me when I said I didn't have time to answer them all and prefer that she just mail the marketing packet and I'll answer the rest later. After not receiving the packet, I called back and spoke to a man named David who then sends out a new packet to me... I received this one. BUT then, Rose decides to leave me a nasty voicemail saying that TWO packets were returned (YET AGAIN - her tone so unbelievably rude). I called her back thanking her given I did receive one packet and she answered in disbelief, "well how is it possible I have TWO returned right here?" expecting me to answer her. I said, "well I'm not lying b/c I am holding your letter in my hand with the rates and deposit info." She then said, "so you called to ask for a new packet but in the meantime you got the packet I orignally sent? Ugh." I asked if she wanted a refund for her stamp and then promptly hung up. To trust your baby with an agency that breeds this type of attitude and culture is a definitely no-no. Don't do it! read more

it was a great experience for us. The agency made sure to ask us what personality worked for us and their rates were reasonable compared to people referred to us by word of mouth. Moreover, b/c babies;' due dates are unpredictable it was nice to work with an agency that could guarantee that regardless of when the baby came there would be a baby nurse available. Mable Dwyer, our baby nurse, made the transition into having a second kid so easy for us - in fact, people couldn't help but note how calm my husband and I now seem. She was excellent and I'd happily hire her again if we ever need someone overnight. read more

The receptionist is rude. i am a potential client and she was ready to hang up on me. i had to ask why are u being so disgusting her responce was because i have a client on the other line.. " So what are you saying? I'm not a potential client?" never will I use this agency. read more

I have had very mixed experiences with Francis Stuart over the years. With my first child I had a wonderful baby nurse and when I needed help for longer but she was already booked, David found a good replacement and all was fine. I've used them for babysitting emergencies and 90% have been fine and a few were great. I agree with other reviewers that Rose is very brisk and unpleasant on the phone but she gets the job done. HOWEVER, with my second child they sent the laziest diva I have ever met. She seemed lovely and perfect the first few days. I noticed that she stayed up late reading or watching things on her phone long after the baby was asleep and that she slept in every day till at least noon and then took a literal hour to do her hair, I figured she was older and needed more down time than most nurses take. Then she started criticizing me left and right. When we had my son's tongue tie clipped at the recommendation of his pediatrician and my lactation consultant she was at me every time he cried for days, telling me of course he cries because his mother hurt him (not because he's a newborn...) I got plenty of breaks from her critical remarks though because she would just leave for hours at a time. She would say she was going for a walk at 5 and then come back after 10pm! She wouldn't answer her phone and when we finally said enough is enough it was the weekend so there was no point in trying to reach Francis Stuart about it and that is ultimately what is going to put them out of business. You can't close up shop on the weekends anymore. With all the babysitting apps and other agencies having 24 hour hotlines it is just unacceptable to be closed and unreachable. You can't even leave a message. They never give you contact information for their nurses or babysitters for fear that you might try to book them directly but if there is a problem after hours or on weekends, you are toast. We ended up calling on Monday to say we didn't need her anymore because my mother was coming to help and we just called another agency. read more