To suspect my nanny is drugging my child?

[Bambooshoot]

I have a nanny for my son who is now eighteen months old, she has been with us since he was ten months old. I recently noticed that the level of the emergency bottle of Calpol had gone down dramatically and I know we have not given him any. I put a mark on the bottle to see if it would go down any further, and sure enough, it has. She is the only other person in the house. Is it possible for Calpol to evaporate over time, or is she giving it to him and not telling me/writing it in the book? If so, would IBU to sack her on the spot for endangering his health, in that we could have come home from work and given him another dose without realising? I suppose she could be taking it herself, at a stretch - I just think this is a pretty serious allegation and I don't want to upset the relationship by suggesting she is giving it to him if it can just dry up anyway?

If the 2.5 cm went in one lot/2 lots I'd say she took a dose herself for a headache. If she's trained she will know giving calpol to a not-unwell child won't 'drug them' so I can see no motive.

I did check, DH swears under oath it wasn't him, I can't afford a cleaner (too much spent on the nanny!) and no one else ever comes to the house (family are overseas).

Drugged" is a very strong word to use and my advice would be to take your child to A&E and explain your concerns and take the bottle of Calpol with you. oh ffs.

A&E - why? There is nothing to suggest the child has taken an overdose. Just ask the nanny.

Why does the op need to go to a and e? I mean, I know she seems a bit overwrought but I don't think she needs a and e for that...........

I think it sounds like the nanny took a few pennies' worth of Calpol from her employer.

So why post on MN then?
If she doesn't want to ask the nanny and she thinks the child has been drugged then call the bloody police then.
It's a baby she is talking about.
Why FFS?

Maybe she's embarrassed that she takes calpol? It is weird IMO.

paxillin - She would have done better to help herself to the Co-Codamol in the very clearly marked medicine box next to the Calpol. Or the paracetamol in capsule form, or the Asprin, or the Ibuprofen. I can't see the need for snaffling the Calpol unless she really, really likes strawberries - or, as some posters have suggested (which I had not considered) that she prefers liquids/finds it acts more quickly.

I would be worried in your circumstance as well OP. She shouldn't be taking your son's medicine firstly, if she is, and she shouldn't be giving it to him. Either way she's doing something wrong. Only difference is, if she is taking it herself it's not the end of the world. I would ask her outright - did you give DS calpol- i wouldn't ask her if she took it, because either way she'll say yes. See if she comes up with that answer herself or not.

avamiah - I posted because I wanted to know if Calpol evaporates over time, and this is exactly the sort of thing that Mumsnet can (and did) help me with. No need for A&E or the police, I hope.

Bambooshoot,
Then it's obvious that she must of knocked the bottle over and believe me it's very easy to do.
Case Closed.

Hope u get to the bottom of this op

To answer that particular question, it only evaporates over a very, very long period of time, as the bottle is fairly airtight and leaves behind a crust residue as it does so. It's usually almost out of date by the time this is noticeable.

As a nanny I give medicine if I feel the child needs it not often by somers with teething etc. As a nanny I am close enough (like a mother) to realise if they're just a little under the weather or if they're I'll and use my judgement. I try to and ways ell my boss if carpal has been given but sometimes in the event of a handover I may not mention that I gave camp old at 7.05am however if it's been within the last 4 hours then I would definitely mention.

I knew of a woman who once said she gave her (difficult) son OTC medicine in the bath before bed. When I looked aghast, she changed her mind and said she was joking.

Very dangerous - please ask some questions of your nanny.

And yes I have often dropped the bottle and spilt some or I haven't been able to give a dose (spilt t) and had to do it again.

Just ask her. But don't say have you been drugging do. Just ask if you need any more capillary on the family shop

What other things has your nanny done OP?
You mention that she's gone against your wishes before.

I've been known to take paracetamol in liquid when mine where small. It tastes bloody lovely!

avamiah - fair enough, you do what you think is right.

Really Meadows? Is that from a sidelines offended POV or as a HCP? Because I don't know any HCP that would recommend a parent concerned that their child may have had a drugs overdose shouldn't seek medical attention.

You can't fire a nanny for there being 2.5cm less capol. If there's other stuff yes but you have no proof of anything. It's either her or a play date needing some.