How did your DC settle with a nanny?

[Igglybuff]

I'm starting back at work in a few weeks and have recruited a nanny. As it's my PFB, I'm a bit nervous about how DS will settle with her.

At both interviews he was happy going up to her and they interacted well. I've pencilled in 6 days (3 days a week for 2 weeks) of settling in where I'll gradually withdraw to get DS used to her.

I'm nervous because DS is BF (but takes a bottle), a bit clingy at the moment and going through a fussy food phase. Also it's the nanny's first job as a nanny although she has years of childcare experience.

I wondered how your DC(s) settled with a nanny - especially younger ones (DS is nearly 1). Just to reassure me really! TIA

I've always started a nanny job with a quick visit with the kids before hand ie a 2nd interview and then straight into the first day of work.

I find it a lot easier to start work without my boss / the child's parent there as from the start the child and I have to bond and get on together through the first day.

Family 1 was a sahm but big kids were at school and baby and I just went out to get out of mums hair etc and bond

Family 2 stayed at home for 1 morning but hidden in the office in case we needed anything

Family 3 left straight for work after a 15 minute hand over

Family 4 mum did 2 days work in her office and left us to it - came down at lunch time to help I had 2 11 month old babies but left it upto me what we did

Family 5 spent the afternoon with the mum and my charge then went straight in to full time work with them.

Haven't had any issues with any of them being left - although if they've been upset had lots of cuddles. Then we head out and keep busy for the day.

Agree that a short handover is usually best. Maybe one day together and you can show her where everything is/routines etc

A longer settling period is usual with nurserys and cm's - but that is usually spending the odd hour or two for a few sessions and not a full day. This is because you are taking them out of a familiar environment so they have a new place to get used to as well as a new carer. The advantage with a nanny is that your child is at home in familiar surroundings with their own toys/cot etc.

Ok, thanks. I've gone for a longer period as it gives me time to get sorted for work - things like visits into the office, hairdressers, shopping for clothes etc so I won't be around for the second half of her settling in but I will be close by if need be.

I'll also suggest local playgroups etc for her to take DS.

I allocated 2 weeks handover to our first nanny when DS was 9 months and I was going back to work. It was too long for the nanny, she got into the swing of things quickly and I was a hindrance to her. But it helped me to understand how they were going to interact when I wasn't there. On the upside I had plenty of time to get myself ready in exactly the way you describe - shopping, organising, hairdressing. It was great! So hopefully you will enjoy the same, good luck! :o

First job no handover
next a quick chat the evening before in the car DB worked locally so was there for back up

Next shared care with mum part time hours for a week.

Next one day with mum mainly because mum wanted to take the little one for her jabs

Next one a week with the out going nanny then three weeks with mum however after the second day she was out most of the time or decorating something,

Current one two days with MB little one has severe allergies so very helpful.

Indeed my current job i moved in while they were away on hoilday so knew the house .

I am easy when it comes to the hand over although the one that lasted a month i did find a bit long winded

Hi Iggly

my two settled very well

I was worried about DD as she was EBF and woudnt take a bottle. however, she has settled so well. She adores the nanny and it is very much mutual

I had 4 days settling in and then I worked shorter weeks - worked well for us especially as it is the nanny's first nanny role

She needed more guidance with the house keeping aspect of the job than anything else

Thanks everyone

I'm wondering how the nanny will cope as it's hard looking after DS as he's so active and very accident prone. And I'm going to have to step back and let the nanny get on with it.