nannies/nanny employers, how do i settle ds with nanny?

[woodstock3]

i'm going back to work in a few weeks, we've finally found a nanny we really like but am worried it's still going to be a big shock for our 8mo ds. i've never left him for more than about three hours during the day and then only with his father/grandmother. have told the nanny we would like to do some trial sessions before she starts full time, but how many times do they need to have met? should i leave him with her for a full day in advance or a few hours at a time? any tips for making the transition as smooth as we can?

Prior to starting with my current family, as my schedule then allowed me a few spare hours, I visited the family every other week, for an hour or so, to get to know the children a little. Ended up visiting 3 maybe 4 times I think. Youngest child was a little older though - 11 months.

I'd do a couple sessions of a couple of hours each, and then a 2 or 3 half days. I think seeing her often will do more to familiarise him with her than will the length of the stay at 8 months.

If it makes you feel any better, I had an 8 month old charge once and had just a couple of short sessions (like mum going to the hairdressers or to do the shopping) before I started full time and the baby was fine! I carried her around a lot at first, in a sling to give my arms a rest, and I think that really helped her feel more settled with me.