What should I expect with a second child?

[AKSK407]

Hi,

I have had my live in nanny since July. She works full time and has a great relationship with my son.

Housekeeping is restricted to my son’s things and play areas. She will sometimes cook enough enough for us as well as her and baby. She bakes as well for us (but takes it back for her bf and parents too which I haven’t minded).

I would say that her pay is above market rate at the moment and I know is well above her previous job.

I do really like her but I am feeling apprehensive now that I have a new baby in terms of what I can expect from her. I’m in hospital at the moment with my newborn and she has been helpful in washing baby’s clothes but last night she told my husband that she hadn’t done any because there was none of my eldest child’s to do so it seems like she is restricting what she does if it doesn’t involve my eldest things.

That’s just one example and it’s hard to judge as I’m not at home yet and I want to get ahead of the curve in asking you guys before I come home in what I can expect?

How is a second child’s care introduced and what can I expect from her whilst I’m on mat leave? For example, should she be washing baby’s clothes, sterilising, helping with care for baby preparing food for weaning? I intend to be the primary carer for baby but where to draw the line?

Would nannies expect a wage increase and to what extent should have increased? I’m a little worried because she is on a good package at the moment and I know she is already expecting some pay review in July even though she’s above market rate already in terms of workload and experience.

You need to sit down with her as soon as possible and go over your expectations for maternity leave. You were pregnant when you hired her so I'm guessing you wrote "all children " into her contract?

I would suggest that you state that washing is her responsibility and formalise the cooking for the family arrangements eg twice a week, also I would cover the baking element eg you are welcome to take some home for your family as long as some as left for your dp. Ideally this would have been before your baby was born, so ASAP.

I would also be inclined to reassure her she wouldn't be expected to have some charge of the baby until x months except in unforeseen circumstances plus any drs appointments for you (or state when she is providing care) but she is in sole charge of the toddler.

If she states it's extra work point out that this was factored in when she was hired in July as you were 3 months pregnant then!

I think you need to decide what you want from her and then have a discussion pretty quickly!

She may have just meant she didn't have a full load of clothes, so she was waiting until there was more to put the washing on. If you are happy for her to do a small load then just let her know that's fine.

If you have included all children in your contract, then she should help out with baby stuff when you are home too. Just have a chat with her about plans going forwards.