Preparing your home for your new nanny's arrival can make the whole experience smoother for everyone involved.
Here is a guide to help you in setting up your space for a welcoming childcare experience, and positive working relationship.
First impressions matter!
Make sure to warmly welcome your nanny. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere benefits both the nanny and your children, helping them feel comfortable and establishing the tone.
Once the nanny has met your child a few times and you've positively prepared your child, involving the nanny in family life as much as possible aids in building connections and establishing trust.
Be available to answer questions your child may have, and provide feedback during the first few weeks.
Regularly check in to ensure everyone is comfortable and aligned with expectations.
Showing your nanny appreciation goes a long way!
Take some time to walk the nanny through your home .Point out key areas :
Your child/children's bedroom, laundry baskets, clothes, toys and so forth
The kitchen and where the meals, snacks are kept. Any feeding instructions or equipment use
Additionally, the vacuum cleaner, dustpan and brush etc.
The bathroom, where to find extra towels, toilet roll, extra nappies, wipes etc.
Any private rooms such as an office space, or parents bedroom
Ensure everything is well stocked in the beginning
Set up a safe and engaging environment
Ensuring your child's safety through childproofing is essential, providing peace of mind for both you and your nanny.
Look around the house an view what could be a potential hazard.
A well organised , child-friendly space makes it easier for the nanny to keep your little one safely engaged and entertained.
Remove choking hazards or sharp objects
Put chemicals, dangerous household products in locked cupboards or out of reach
Secure heavy furniture and cover electrical outlets, and sharp corners
Lock away garden tools and equipment
Perhaps have a lock on the office door
Set out safe and age- appropriate toys
Window locks for upstairs
Medications are in a locked box, cabinet, or placed high up.
Check that doors, windows and baby gates are secure
Ensure your nanny is shown where to find first-aid supplies, medications, and/or allergy treatments.
Clear routines
Before the nanny starts, ensure everyone is clear on your child's current routine. A consistent schedule
helps the nanny understand expectations, whilst helping the little one feel secure and comfortable.
Ensure, the nanny is briefed on mealtimes and snack times. Sleep routines, favourite toy or comforter, along with any particular house rules.
You may like to talk through how your child likes to unwind before bed. There may be a particular story or music they like, or preferred lighting in the room.
Remember, if you have cameras in your property it is a legal obligation to inform the nanny of this.
Provide clear instructions on what your child can or cannot eat, and where to find it.
Be especially clear if your child has allergies or medical requirements , and ensure this is clarified before the nanny starts.
Establish a system for regular updates, this may be a whatsapp group, texts, or a nanny diary. A shared calendar for appointments, playdates and special events is highly useful.
Important contact information
Ensure the nanny has a list of emergency contacts in an easy-to-find location. Include:
Your number and an alternative contact number, this could be a partner, close family friend, grandparent, or neighbour
Your child's doctor's surgery
Nursery or school (if applicable)
Local emergency numbers
Another parent at nursery/school (if relevant)
Prepare for emergencies
Along with the contact numbers , ensure your nanny knows how to use all the locking mechanisms in your house.
Make sure they know where the spare keys are kept
Where other keys to sheds, office,windows etc are kept
Label different keys using a specific tab you can write on
Emergency exits
Fire extinguisher
Where the fuse box is kept
Torches incase of a power outage
Details of a neighbour who will have spare house keys ( believe me this happens where keys get left in the house accidentally)
Set expectations
Clear communication from the beginning is key to a successful working relationship.
Discuss any household do's and don'ts for example, screen time, tv time, snacks and/or treats, dealing with negative behaviour. Make sure you and the nanny are on the same page when it comes to setting boundaries.
Clarify any expectations for extra responsibilities like light housekeeping or specific instructions from the start.
In Summary
Preparing for your nanny does not have to be complicated. By organising your space, sharing essential information , and communicating openly, you can ensure a positive stress-free experience for everyone involved. Plus the added bonus of peace of mind!
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