What does nanny do during baby naps?

Personally I'd say let her have a cup of tea and an hour to herself, Netflix phone etc.
Maybe wash baby bottles another small task.

Very very soon the nanny will need the time to prep activities for when they're awakes - a bit like a teacher needs time to prep for classes. Like planning crafts, getting the resources sorted, toy rotation, getting set up etc

I think you incorrectly used the phrase 'free time'. Free time is when you're not at work.

So tell the nanny she is not needed for the time baby sleeps and that you or your Husband will come home from work at those times. You are being ridiculous, who the hell do you thing is looking after the most precious person in your life ? Are you happy for nanny to put the little one down to nap then go off shopping or to the gym, no of course not, she needs to be there if baby wakes, house catches fire etc etc etc . No Nanny will stay with you long with that attitude.

Agree 💯. Hope these responses will make you think about your expectations.

@i123i

We've just been burned by a nanny we trialled before who didn't do anything during baby naps

You weren't 'burned'. What an attitude! I feel sorry for anyone who you take on if you keep that up. And I'll be surprised if they stay longer than one day, and if they are supplied by an agency they may tell the agency you're a nightmare employer, and then what will you do? A nanny is a professional child carer, not a maid or a skivvy. She is being paid to be totally responsible for that child, asleep, awake, or anything in between. She does baby stuff, period. Not wash your husband's shorts or wash your dirty dishes. You are being totally unreasonable in wanting to wring what you deem 'work' out of every single minute. Your idea of making her do 'light housework' makes you seem like an entitled right piss taker.

Did you actually discuss what you expected from her? My kids' nannies know exactly what I expect of them to do in that free time, maybe make sure your employee is fully briefed on their role.

10 month needs food, which takes time and also dishes. I doubt she'll just be sitting around.

Just to be clear OP, so an hour your nanny should get for downtime and a lunch break, and then there will always be things to do for baby such as laundry or tidying up. You can always leave a list of things, but it's very likely they won't be twiddling their thumbs. You look after your own baby for a couple of days and that should give you a good idea of the times and chores.

Knew you would get your arse handed to you after that.

Exactly, this person is basically raising your child. You can always do it yourself if you want to. SAHM here and trust me, no time is spent sitting on my arse, there is always something that needs doing. Smh.

I've heard of a family who said they wouldn't pay childminder for the child's nap times...a relative maybe?

Agree.

5 to 6 short naps no chance to get much done no proper lunch....did you experience much of this time yourself?

Lots of people both working and sah come on these boards to complain how little they can get done regarding basic jobs while baby is awake. If you want your nanny to interact with baby when awake she will need baby's nap times to get the nanny practical work done. This includes preparing healthy food, children's laundry, keeping toys and child's bedroom/playroom clean and tidy. If she properly interacts with baby when awake, especially as soon will be a toddler, she will need the gradually reducing nap times for the practicalities. A good nanny spends hours on encouraging independent eating, toilet training, independent dressing. These things take time and patience. All this before getting the paint things out, 'cooking' together ext with all the messy play clearing up, taking out to playgroups ext and to the park for walks, teaching table manners. If your nanny gets a proper break from all this, lunch and a book, maybe even some adult conversation, she will be a better nanny in the afternoon and you will have the luxury of coming home to a child bathed, ready for bed, with the toys put away and the kitchen clear of all child meals. If you find such a treasure, hang onto her and don't sweat the small stuff , especially breaks while baby naps. After all a nanny on duty never gets a proper break, she is always on call if baby wakes after 10 minutes so when it goes well for her make sure she gets a proper break. There will be people eager to poach her. Of course this all depends on her being an excellent choice so take care when choosing and try to get recommendations from people you know and trust.

I would like them to tidy up any mess they created (not in a bad way just if they did craft, please put away)

Other wise I would expect them to do what I did when my child slept, watch TV and relax

One hour lunch, two short breaks bit of child related work.

👏 brava

First of all she deserves a break, it’s a long and tiring day. Secondly your baby will grow quickly and won’t nap as much. One day they won’t nap at all and then the nanny won’t be able to have a proper break. By all means she can tidy the toys, do a load of the baby’s laundry and batch cook some meals for the baby - however please don’t make her feel she can’t take a break. As long as her duties are complete how she manages her time is down to her.

How you treat your nanny over issues like this is one of the biggest factors in retaining a good nanny and keeping a happy working relationship.

She is a professional with a multitude of skills. She is there when you're not.
If you don't want to pay for that.

One of you take care of your own damm baby

You might not be suited to using help until you understand treating them appropriately and that you are paying them for a specific role, not anything you decide you want to throw at them in the time they are in your paid service... 🤔

She'll tidy up the baby's things, wash the bottles then have a cup of tea/sandwich and a break. You still want her to watch over your child, and not clock off, and go elsewhere for those periods do you? Even if she sits down, she's still actively watching your child, isn't she?

If she sits quietly in the nursery having a cup of tea and some chocolate with a book while baby sleeps, keeping an eye on the baby just in case she’s needed, then she will be doing her job well.

I’m not sure you understand the point of having a nanny. It’s to keep the baby safe, fed, changed, needs taken care of kindly and responsibly, engaged with while awake and watched over while asleep.

My expectation would be

• wash up plates/bowls etc from baby’s breakfast/lunch
• wipe the high chair and any mess off the kitchen sides
• put away any toys not in use
• sweep under the high chair if baby made a mess eating
• REST and eat ahead of a fun afternoon!