Nanny is starting this week...what do I need to get sorted for her?

[llamallama]

Our nanny starts this week and I'm feeling a little unprepared. I have a week with her before I go back to work, any advice or tips about what she might find helpful?

So far I have :

• copies of children centre timetable
• need to get a nanny diary and nanny kitty pot/purse

Would it be helpful to get her a whiteboard/calendar to help with meal planning/activities

I will write out baby's rough routine for her. Erm... What else?

And what should I do in my week with her? I have thought of attending a couple of baby groups with her to show her venues, show her how kitchen appliances/central heating etc work?

She is a first time nanny too so looks to me for the initial direction and I'm a bit worried I will forget too much!

You have done the main part!

I would also say:

Have you got all keys cut and ready?
Whiteboard is a good idea - we use ours as a shopping list
Emergency and other numbers list including doctor
Local shops/soft play/baby groups - write them all down if she is unfamiliar with area
Think about how you are going to deal with expenses and mileage
What to do in power cut (we are always having power cuts so may not be relevant for you)

Our new nanny started a couple of weeks ago, and I also had a week 'in hand' before I went back to work. I stayed at home with her the first couple of days so that she could see what DS liked doing, how his routine works, where things are kept, how appliances work etc. I took her to a couple of groups etc and also did a really good walking tour of the area, pointing out good shops, playgrounds etc.

After the first couple of days, I left them to it. I found that much harder as I didn't have the distraction of work to stop me missing DS! I thought it was important that they had some time to get to know each other before I went back to work - but I was nearby in case they needed me (they didn't!)

I did a list of local activities and haunts, such as the childrens' library. I also did a list of contact numbers, including friendly neighbours in case she ever needed to call on them for anything. I also made sure I'd stocked up on store cupboard essentials.

Good luck!

Show her where the stopcock/gas tap/fuse box is. Also locations of smoke/co2 alarms.
Write down child(ren)'s date of birth.
Any quirks your house might have (sticky locks/taps etc).
If you are going to want to be in contact with her during the day then tell her that she is likely to hear from you so she knows you trust her but want to keep up to date on how things are going.

Thank you all! Baking bunny - great advice, thank you

I hadn't thought of all the emergency numbers and things like that!

What about Drs? Do u need to give her a signed letter or something to authorise her to take DD?

Keys... Will need to do those tomorrow!

She will need a signed letter and their red book if she is taking them in for an appointment/vaccination, but wouldn't need that in an emergency.

A map/written directions to anywhere that she needs to go in the first week or so, if it's not easy to find.

Def all the numbers; your mobile, your work, DP mobile, DP work, contact if you or DH can't be reached (grandparents/aunt/uncle), number of hairdressers/doctor/dentist is useful if you want her to make appointments etc. Your/DP's email if this is a good way for her to reach you at work. These can all be put in the nanny diary as well as nanny's phone.

Going to baby groups is a good idea, introduce her to some other nannies if you can, even if you don't know them very well.

Ask her if there is anything particular she'd like you to get in i.e. particular biscuits to go with her cup of tea or something specific for lunch (don't go over the top obviously, but she may like some peanut butter or fig rolls or something you might not have, but it wouldn't hurt to get in for her).

Make an appointment(s) to do something (lunch with a friend/haircut) towards the end of the week so you're out of the way, but not missing your DC too much!

One other thing that I forgot to mention - I also did some batch cooking of DS's particular favourites and put them in the freezer. Useful for busy days, or for the first week or so whilst she's still getting into the swing of things and may not have much time to cook. We also had a few teething problems with DS not really wanting to eat things that our nanny made to start with as it was unfamiliar so it was good to have back up!

It's also a good idea to clarify how shopping for food will work (ie who buys what so you're not doubling up or running out).

I really second HPGB's advice to make appointment(s) at the back end of the week to get you out of the house and busy. Maybe not lunch with friend and baby like I did, I ended up blubbing!

When i start a new job, i 'need' a list of important numbers (including mine) on the wall/pin board etc (also need this for ofsted if inspected). I also have them in my phone-esp school/nursery). I have the parents write 3 signed letters (both sign), one for dr/dentist appointments saying i have authorisation and it also has the name/address/number of the dr/dentist which i keep in red medical book. I have one for in case of emergency and on it it has name/adrress of nearest hospital which i keep in nanny purse and permission to give calpol/medicine as required but it must be in original box or labelled/in date etc and it says i will write in diary any dosages and time etc, which i kept at home.
I also wont drive the car til i see that i am insured (but thats because i had a job where the previous nanny in handover told me too as when she started he said she was insured and wasn't so since then i need to see the evidence im afraid).
How to use washing machine/oven etc if necessary/have unusal one. where the heating/thermostat is. I also say where the gas meter is but i never do til the gas man comes round and we are both looking for it lol.
I agree about writing down children's date of birth but also their full name. I had a job with a Kendell before but as they said Kendall thats how i spelt it when i was trying to get to gymboree and they were looking for their name on the database. My mb who was my 'main boss' had a different surname so i didnt necessary have it to hand.

Think about your obligations as her employer eg: when she starts get her "in case of emergency" details.
Put his/her birthday in your calendar
Think about setting up an account with a cab company in case of an emergency with your DC/late night babysitting, or an ICE £20 stashed somewhere.
Local transport stuff/Oyster card with an initial £20, if you are in London and she is new to it.
List of duties and when you expect her to be up to speed (need to be flexible in those first few weeks if your DC doesn't settle immediately)
Stuff for batch cooking - little tinfoil/plastic pots etc
Line up some nice pre-work things for yourself. A haircut, work clothes shopping, manicure, batch cooking for you and your DP as it will be a bit hectic for a while.

oscarwildes suggestion re batch cooking is a great one. I found life so hectic when I first went back to work and was too exhausted to cook when I got home. I also used that final week at home to do lots of boring stuff like window cleaning, getting appliances fixed, dry cleaning, car serviced etc. I also agree that you can never have too much tupperware...