What does nanny do during baby naps?

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We are looking to employ a nanny for our 10 month old. One of the things we are wondering about is - what does a nanny do while the baby naps (at home)? Our DC naps around 1-1.5 hours in the morning, and 1.5-2 hours in the early afternoon.

I understand nannies usually do baby laundry and ironing, and tidy away used baby items, but this wouldn't take up 3+ hours every single day... we don't want to pay a nanny to sit around while baby naps (this happened a while ago when we trialled a nanny).
Is it reasonable to expect her to do some light housework like emptying the dishwasher, and prepping some meals etc (we have a cleaner so wouldn't expect her to do a full on clean)?

I think the nanny should take a break - well-deserved if she's giving your baby full attention the rest of the time. Maybe she could prep some baby meals or activities, but I agree with others who have said she IS doing something. She is keeping your baby safe and supervised while you are not around to do so. If you have the same nanny when your baby stops napping so much, I hope you're going to work out how she takes a break.

If the baby naps for 3 hours it is not unreasonable to expect the nanny to do some work once she has taken her break within this 3 hour period, some of these posts are so indignant-3 hours is a long time to just be relaxing I think when you are being paid. I would feel uncomfortable being paid to just do that.

Totally agree, most 10 months babies sleep for 3 hours, all the ones I've known anyway. And most people have a work ethic, who would be comfortable sitting around for 10-15 hours, I'd have more of an issue around that person's values tbh. The thread is pointless anyway, I suspect most of the posters have never had a nanny and the nannies duties can vary anyway, depending on what you agree

But almost no one is saying she should get a 3 hour break. What most people are saying is that after she has done baby related activities, her normal lunch break plus a couple of tea breaks will take up the rest of the time and the OP can’t expect non-stop work for what may be a 12 hour day if the OP is working full time and her partner is doing the same.

@Jemandthehologramsunite , multiple people who either have nannies or are nannies (or have been in the past) have posted. While I agree duties vary as discussed, the assumption by the OP that if the nanny isn’t working non-stop, she is being ripped off (or ‘burned’ as she put it) is what people are objecting to.

They'll probably need to wash, iron and tidy the baby's clothes, prepare food, tidy up, THINK, plan. If they're hardworking and conscientious then they'll work it out. But I recommend you don't try to micro-manage every minute of your nanny's day. Some days they'll want to work harder during the breaks than others and it will depend on how full on your baby is to look after!!

You are indeed trying to micro manage her!! Cut her some slack and show some respect, she’s there to mind your child asleep or not!!

I would say you’re looking for a ‘mother’s helper’. I have one and I’m very fortunate that she’s also a fully qualified nanny. She’s not scrubbing bathrooms in nap time but she does help with laundry for the whole household, dishwasher etc. she’s a godsend actually.

Does she earn the same as a nanny or do you have to pay her more? This sounds more like what the OP is looking for.

My charge naps for 2.5 hours a day. During this time I have my lunch, do any correspondence I may need to do. I prep his dinner, and I take a break. I work 11 hour days and don’t get home till 7:30 most nights. My employer expects me to take a break. I assume you take a break? Or do you not take any time at all to sit down?

I really get frustrated with parents who have this attitude. Nannies work very long hours, babies are full on and demanding.

What if the baby/child-related duties aren’t done? And these are being left at the end of the day/week? Does this type of thing on an ongoing basis justify a chat with the nanny about use of nap time?

When I was a nanny I would make sure all household chores relating to baby were doing during nap time. This could also include seasonal wardrobe rotation, sorting out clothes which were too small, toy cleaning and rotation, setting up activities for the next portion of the day, batch cooking.

But you're right, it doesn't usually take up all that time. Sometimes I would sit and watch a show while I ate my lunch, or catch up on personal admin (working 12 hour days doesn't leave much time for that!) etc. but ultimately your not paying the nanny to 'just sit around'. You're paying them to be on call and available should baby wake up early/not nap because they're ill etc. If you don't want to pay her while the baby naps, you shouldn't expect her to have to remain in the house and be available to you.

I work as a nanny to two older children (5 and 7) from 3.30-6.30pm. I do cooking, cleaning, ironing, prepping kids clothes and pack lunches for the next day, all whilst the kids do their homework and independent play/tv. I’d expect the nanny to be able to take a break whilst the child is sleeping but then I don’t think asking them to prep food for kids, clean/tidy up after food prep, look after kids laundry and tidying toys etc is unreasonable. But you have to trust your nanny, if not everything gets done that’s because they’ve put the needs of the child first (fed, watered, cleaned, safe), and as we know every day with a child can be different depending on their mood, health etc

I am a professional nanny and I certainly would never work for someone like this. I work 11 hours a day with a two year old and a 5 month old. My only breather is when they nap. Nannies are not robots ! Are human and have feelings! All our energy is giving our charges the best possible childhood and memories ! I / and other professional nannies do cook and prep meals and make sure all their needs are met. But I defo take a break once through the day while they nap! I eat and have a coffee while cooking. It’s sad to read this and I think you should respect your nannies needs !!!!