Choosing the right nanny means finding someone who is dependable, experienced, and a good fit for your family. Parents should check references, ask about CPR certification and vaccinations, discuss sick-day policies, and establish expectations for feeding, sleep, discipline, and daily routines. Having these conversations before hiring a nanny can help parents and caregivers stay consistent and create a safe, supportive environment for children.
As a pediatrician, I get asked lots of questions about having children that don’t fall into the “medical advice” category. Everything from advice about different pre-schools to my favorite place to host a birthday party. One area that comes up frequently is nannies – how to find them, what to ask them, how to keep them. Sadly these topics are not covered in medical school though some may argue they should be!
I do offer some child care tips to my families searching for the perfect person to care for their little ones. Getting recommendations and following up on references is key. So is making sure your nanny is CPR certified and up to date on vaccines (this includes being on board with getting the yearly flu shot). It’s also a good idea to discuss sick day policies ahead of time and coming up with an agreed-upon plan for when the nanny is sick or your child is. Being on the same page regarding feeding, boundaries, and sleeping is also important. If you plan to have your child cry it out for naps but your nanny intends to rock her to sleep, you are going to have some disagreements. Beyond that most of my nanny recommendations come from my experience as a mom and the lucky employer of the best nanny ever.
That’s why Spring Valley Pediatrics is bringing in professionals to answer the myriad other childcare questions we know you have. On Thursday, January 23rd at 7pm, Barbara Kline, the owner of White House Nannies, will be at our office answering all of your nanny questions. Come ready to raise your hand – we look forward to hosting you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should parents look for when hiring a nanny?
Look for a caregiver who has appropriate experience, strong references, and an approach to childcare that fits your family. Spring Valley Pediatrics recommends getting personal recommendations, following up with references, and discussing important expectations before hiring.
Should a nanny be CPR certified?
Yes. Spring Valley Pediatrics recommends making sure your nanny is CPR certified. CPR training can prepare a caregiver to respond appropriately during certain medical emergencies involving infants or children.
Should I check a nanny’s references before hiring?
Yes. Getting recommendations and following up with references are important parts of evaluating a potential nanny. Ask previous employers about the caregiver’s reliability, experience, communication, and ability to care for children.
Should my nanny be up to date on vaccinations?
The article recommends discussing vaccination with prospective caregivers and ensuring a nanny is up to date on recommended vaccines, including an annual flu vaccine. Families can talk with their pediatrician about current vaccination recommendations for caregivers.
What should I discuss with a nanny before hiring them?
Talk about your expectations for feeding, naps and bedtime, boundaries, discipline, activities, communication, and other daily routines. Parents and caregivers should agree on how important childcare decisions will be handled.
