10 Things Your Nanny Should Know

Hello Clients, Families and Friends!

This month, we are dedicating our time to 10 Things Your Nanny Should Know about your family, your expectations, and your home. Sometimes with hectic schedules and busy mornings, it can be difficult to remember everything you may have wanted to discuss with your nanny.

Here at Nanny Boutique, we continue to value the importance of family/nanny communication, and hope that this list sparks you to revisit the guidelines that help make your family’s home safe, happy and comfortable for everyone!


10 Things Your Nanny Should Know:

Emergency Plan of Action. Now that the weather is getting warm and parks are filling up, does your nanny know what to do in the event of an outdoor emergency?
- Who would you like her to call first, second, then third?
- Discuss a general plan that your family is comfortable with and share it with your nanny.
- Give her a list of phone numbers to carry with her when she heads outdoors, and encourage her to always carry a cell phone.

Managing your Home Security System. Do you have a home security system?
- It may be time for a refresher course for your nanny on the proper usage of your home security system.
- Revisit your activation and deactivation codes, and what to do in case of an accidental alarm discharge.

Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detectors, and Fire Evacuation Plan. Whether you live in an apartment, a condo building, or a single family home, it’s important that your nanny knows where your fire extinguisher and smoke detectors are located, in case of emergency.
- Allow your nanny to familiarize herself with the Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Detectors in your home and building.
- Discuss a Fire Evacuation Plan. Include exit routes, alternative staircases for evacuation, and non-electrical evacuation options if you live in an elevator building.

Personal Use of Your Home Communication Systems. Does your nanny have access to your home phone, computer and cable television?
- Is it okay to use the computer, phone or television, but for limited periods of time during the day? Would you like her to restrict her usage to naptime only?
- You may want to discuss your daily usage expectations of these communication systems, to ensure you are both on the same page.

Play Dates. Does your nanny know how you feel about attending play dates with other nannies?
- How do you feel about your nanny having other nannies/children in your home?
- How do you feel about your nanny attending play dates at other homes in your neighborhood?

Heading Outdoors. Now that the weather is warming up, it might be helpful to discuss outdoor time with your nanny.
- Are there time restrictions for outdoor time?
- How do you feel about your child possibly having his/her scheduled naptime in the stroller?
- Are there places you’d like your nanny to avoid going with your child?

Who is Allowed in Your House? Do you have family in town, neighbors who may stop by, or home services that are routinely scheduled?
- It might be helpful to leave a list of names with your nanny of people who are allowed in your home when you are not there.
- You also may want to discuss who she is allowed to have in your home, and what guidelines you’d like her to follow regarding occasional guests (if you choose to allow any).

Bedtime Routine. What is your family’s bedtime routine?
- Discuss your typical process: Milk? Rocking? Singing? Music?
- If everyone is on the same page, there will be an added comfort and consistency surrounding naptime and bedtime.

Dietary Developments. It’s important to make sure your nanny knows about any new dietary developments in your child’s life.
- Are new foods being introduced?
- Would you like to make sure your child has certain foods each day?
- Or, would you like to avoid giving your child certain foods?

Doctor’s Notes. Doctor visits for infants and young children can provide a lot of exciting information on new advances in your young one’s development.
- Share any new health information about your child with your nanny.
- If your doctor gives you a handout or other reading materials, think about passing them on to your nanny.
- Also let your nanny know of any behavioral/physical/emotional changes to expect as your child enters a new phase.