For Families!
While on the road to finding the perfect fit for your home, there will be a few things you might want to consider in preparation for your new nanny. Everything from personalities, to schedules, and beyond have to align in just the right way to ensure that the journey will be successful and rewarding. Here are a few tips and basic suggestions that will make a big difference when you finally have secured that special nanny!
1: Emergency Coverage!
This is one of the very first things you need to consider prior to hiring!
You have a job. You are required to be there on time. But your nanny has called in sick, what do you do?
Having back-up for your family in emergency care situations is critical. With all the excitement of inviting a new person into your home, it's easy to overlook this vital step. Nannies, like everybody else, get sick and have personal emergencies as well. It's important to have a reliable backup on deck when last minute chaos strikes.
Fear not! Atomic City Nannies has you covered. Take a deep breath and please, feel free to explore any of our three babysitting/house sitting Club Programs. These membership based Club Programs allow the convenience of having a substitute nanny right at your fingertips!
While the membership programs can offer the ease of convenience, you are by no means obligated to join! As a matter of fact, you might have back up help closer than you think. Other family members, friends and sometimes neighbors can help out when you're in a pinch.
When you are in a real bind, here are a few drop in daycare options as well!
Goose and Rev Clubhouse
West Richland
509-579-4150
North Richland Kindercare
Richland
509-375-1338
Kadlec Child Care Center
Richland
509-942-2622
2: Family Emergency and Contact Information
Emergencies happen. Not always with your children. It's important to make an emergency contact sheet so that all parties know what to do when or if these situations arise.
In big bold letters at the top: Your address and 911
If your children are old enough, teach them to dial the phone and what to say if they need to call. It doesn't need to be complicated.
List children's known allergies and if possible medications such as epi-pens, inhalers, etc.
Also Include:
All work and cell numbers where you (or legal guardians) can be reached. You should also include general numbers to your place of business in the event that your personal phone can not be reached.
The numbers for Grandparents or close relatives in the event that you can not be reached.
If there is one, the number for the nearest trusted neighbor.
If your children attend preschool. The contacts, numbers and address.
Your pediatrician's contact info.
If there is specialty medical treatment involved in your childcare, the Dr and contact information.
If you have pets, include vet info for them as well. Numbers and address.
This would be a great place to include numbers and names for playdates also!
3: Helpful and Fun Information About Your Children
When you hire a new nanny, it is not uncommon that they will become part of your family. Don't hesitate to share with them any information that will help your nanny become more at ease with your children. Encourage your new nanny to do the same in return.
Some things that you might want to share can include:
Your children's favorites. Such as foods, games, music, toys, movies and activities. Things like visiting the museum, going to the zoo, visiting the park or swimming. Does your child have a favorite book? A favorite song? A favorite color? These are things that can help your nanny and children bond and become more comfortable with one another.
What types of things will help your child calm down when they are upset? Stuffies? A pacifier? A treat or soothing music?
What are some things to avoid? Things that can trigger upset? Like loud noises, certain foods, animals, strangers?
What does your daily routine look like? What changes when they are not feeling well?
Do you have monitors? Make sure your new nanny knows where they are and how to operate them.
Sometimes, nannies like to take pictures of the children when they are having fun. Anything from playing in the snow, swimming, or enjoying time out and about to share with you when you are away from the house. Make sure you are very clear on what is ok when it comes to taking photos. This can include deleting right away, not taking pictures at all, not sharing to social media, etc.
4: Daily Log
This could be something as simple as an inexpensive notebook. But having your nanny log their day with your children is a great way to learn what has gone on while you are away and it can be a great insight to how your nanny is spending time with your children. Here are a few ideas of things your nanny can include in the daily log:
- Arrival and departure time. This can be a helpful way to keep track of hours.
- Mealtimes. What your children ate and how much.
- Diaper changes and results. Especially if your child is sick.
- Nap and quiet times.
- Anything outside of the ordinary. Like a recent injury, such as a broken bone or stitches. A power outage, maintenance on the house, etc.
- If your child is sick, temp checks, and results.
- If there are daily medications, or if your child is sick, any medications that need to be administered. The time and dose. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR NANNY HAS YOUR EXPRESS CONSENT BEFORE ADMINISTERING MEDICATION. Your nanny should never take it upon themselves to administer any type of medication without your consent and/or knowledge.
5: Car Seats, Booster Seats and Travel
If you require your nanny to drive your children anywhere outside the home, you will need to provide age appropriate car seats and/or booster seats that meet the current standards for safety.
A travel bag that your nanny can grab quickly on the way out the door can go a long way in making sure that your children are safe and comfortable. Depending on the age, this could simply be a stocked diaper bag, or something geared more towards toddlers and older children. Some things you could include might be:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen
- Small first aide kit
- Any toys or comfort items
6. Providing for Your Nanny
In just about any job, we are afforded breaks and downtime throughout the day. Nanny jobs are no different and we encourage families to allow breaks for their nanny throughout the day. Keep in mind that overworked and tired nannies tend to leave their jobs sooner, make mistakes and generally feel overwhelmed. Break time for your nanny can be during nap or quiet times, while your child is in school or during screentime if you allow it. A break doesn't necessarily mean alone time for your nanny, but just 30 to 60 minutes to relax during the day with the assurance that other non-child related tasks can still be completed.
Your nanny is going to spend a lot of time in your home, so you might want to consider designating space for their personal belongings. Here are some suggestions on how to accomplish that:
- Clearing some space in the fridge to store breakfast and lunch if you aren't providing meals for your nanny.
- Providing a bit of closet space for coats, sweaters, hat, boots, etc.
- Possibly some drawer space to keep a change of clothes in case of an accident (leaky diaper, sick child vomit, spilled food, art project gone awry)
Hiring a new nanny is an exciting and important step for your entire household. Hopefully this list has helped make the addition easier for both your family and your new nanny.
