Nanny bored?

[Newmarket1985]

We have a 8 month old baby and a new nanny who is nice. In her previous job she was very busy, minded a family with small children and did housework too. We just want the nanny to mind the baby (no cleaning/housekeeping/dishwasher stuff needed) Her duties are feeding and minding baby, doing baby laundry. However, I am concerned she seems a bit bored/restless. Is there anything I should do to keep her happy? Should I ask her to cook babys food or do more stuff with baby? The baby is relaxed and not very fussy. Thanks in advance for all replies.

If your rate is the same for all nanny tasks why do you not utilise her for other household tasks? Is this because you have someone else doing this already?

Does she take the baby out?

Does she tidy and manage the nursery ie check for outgrown clothes etc

Looking after babies can be a bit mind numbing tbf (but omg I’d take one Over my 2 and 4yo today!!). Are there local groups or activities she could take the baby to?

i suspect she won’t be bored once your baby is a little older and toddling around….

you could ask her if she has some free time in the day while baby naps to do things like cooking for the kid, their laundry, sorting outgrown clothes etc?

What counts as reasonable nanny or household tasks? In her last job she did housework and minded the children but I am happy to have her just mind the baby. I didn't want her to do too much. I was worried about her being run off her feet but now she seems a bit bored, no idea what to do 😬

Talk to her!

She’s not a robot OP, just talk to her, ask how she’s finding things and if she feels like she’d be able fit some more household tasks into her day, or if she’d rather not.

Are they getting out of the house? In a job where I had care of just one baby, the family had a dog and that was great as it meant we went on a dog walk at least once a day. Do they go to any baby/toddler groups?

You should talk to her. Ask her what she wants from the role and what you can do to support her? Are you around when she's working? It can be a bit stifling and annoying to have you there while she's trying to get on with her day.

So I’ve got a young baby and a nanny. Exactly the same, I don’t want housework or anything I just want her to focus in the baby. I’ve asked her to structure her days as follows:

• breakfast / weaning (takes about 45 mins)
• play time, actively involved and engaging the baby, taking to the baby and encouraging her (even though my baby couldn’t care less that’s she’s there yet!)
• nap time (she can grab a bite to eat/coffee) then bottle
• then out for an activity Playgroup/rhyme time/trip to the park
• back for lunch/weaning (another 45 mins)
• nap / break
• structured activity / game. In time this will be things like paining, but I’ve asked her to suggest age appropriate games and she has had a few fab suggestions. There is instrument play/bubble play/hand painting and in time it’ll be arts and crafts/baking etc…
• More play/walkabout or crawlabouts and then reading, to settle in the afternoon!
• dinner and then bathtime

it’s up to the nanny to stay engaged. I want my baby to know she’s got someone who is interested and wants to be involved. I don’t want her distracted on housework etc… my baby is crawling and climbing and constantly getting into all sorts so the nanny is very occupied. If your little one isn’t on the move yet then don’t worry, the nanny will have her hands full soon enough!

Sure she isn’t bored

R.E.M. she chose your job and family after being with older kids

talk to her

in a few months routine and activity’s will change

Amazing she has free time. I feel like I am constantly racing around w my 8 month old!