The arrival of your nanny: making her start easier!

You have found your top-nanny, she'll be there in a few days. The beginnings of the care with the nanny and the first separation with mommy and daddy are rich in emotion. To avoid any practical problems, prepare  for the arrival of the nanny as best as you can. Above all, talk with your child who knows something is changing and needs to be reassured.

Preparing your home

Your nanny is arriving in a place she does not know, help her out as much as possible! If your new nanny will be living with you, you can expect the amount of preparation required to be significantly more. Is her room ready? Is there fresh bedding, clean towels, is there room for her things in the closet?

Tidy up as much as possible, if she knows the right place for toys, clothes, coats, shoes, she will be able to put them away herself!

Provide her with:

• The building's code and keys (and tell her where she can find another set if she loses them .. it happens!)
• a list of phone numbers including: mom and dad's work and cell, grandma, neighbour, all emergency numbers (police, fire department, poison control, etc),
• a bit of pocket money in case she needs to go to the pharmacy or pick up milk at the corner store,
• any important information regarding the child's health such as allergies, asthma medication, blood type and so on.

Show him how to use the dishwasher, washing machine and TV if you want your children to watch one or two cartoons in the day (no more, eh!   )

Teach her to open up and fold down the stroller. 

And secure your home; with children between 18 months and 3 years old as domestic accidents are the most common.

Communicate with your nanny!

Your nanny will be more comfortable from the get-go if you fully explain expectations, duties and responsibilities before she starts. Always treat your nanny with respect and take into account any cultural difference you might have (if she's not from Canada, for example). BabyCenter gives you their take on making it work with a nanny.

Remember to introduce your nanny to your neighbours, and let the ballet teacher or soccer coach know she will now pick up your child after practice.

In addition, so that your little darling is not troubled, tell your nanny about your little habits. For example, she should know that we always need a story before going to sleep, we are allowed to watch an episode of Toopy and Binoo after nap time, the cat isn't allowed to sleep in the baby's room, we eat better with the pink spoon than with the green... all these details are critical!