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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

I don't think my nanny knows how to change a nappy...

23 replies

IlanaK · 01/12/2009 16:30

I know this sounds odd. I hired a part time nanny (to replace one who left) who has now done 2 half days. SHe is not qualified, but she has about 4 years experience. She is great and my boys (all 3 of them) love her. When I interviewed her, I did ask about baby care (for my 16 month old) as she is currently an after school nanny with a family she has been with for 2 years and she only listed one other job quite a while ago with a younger toddler. She said no problem.

I have been in the house the two times she has come so far (I am working from home) and I have been very happy with her care. The first half day she did not change a nappy as I put my toddler to bed and did it then. Today, he did a poo and she did change him. When I changed him later in the day, I found his nappy on backwards! These are huggies nappies with pictures on the front - nothing out of the ordinary. I have been thinking this over and I just don't see how anyone can do this unless they have literally never changed a nappy before. I mean, how on earth could she have got the tabs done up around the back?!

So, the next time she is here, I had planned to leave my youngest with her while I take the older 2 somewhere so I have to have confidence that she can change his nappy and look after him.

What do I do?

OP posts:

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Hando · 01/12/2009 16:37

Does it matter that she put it on backwards? I have a dd and I had often put it on backwards when she was in nappies. Easy mistake to make.

If she didn't say she had baby caring experience then perhaps she has just spent time looking after babies but not for long periods of time so hasn't changed nappies or perhaps she has looked after slightly older ones who are already potty trained.

If she is otherwise great and the kids love her and she cares for your children well then I can't see that it matters even if she hasn't had real working experience with a baby so young before. Most new mothers manage just fine with no childcare experience.

Ask her, then you will know for certain.

Original poster

IlanaK · 01/12/2009 16:39

Really? I just can't imagine purposely putting on a nappy backwards. I keep thinking of the film 3 Men and a Baby and have visions of her holding up the nappy and wondering what to do with it!

I am in no way suggesting I don't want her as a nanny, but I am wondering if she told the truth about her previous baby experience. And also, I would have preffered to just show her how to change a nappy if she didn't know.

OP posts:

megonthemoon · 01/12/2009 16:46

Maybe her previous toddler knew how to undo them so she put them on backwards to fox him and now she's trying that with your DS

Original poster

IlanaK · 01/12/2009 16:50

Good suggestion, but he was wearing two layers of poppered vests over the nappy and a pair of trousers!

OP posts:

megonthemoon · 01/12/2009 16:52

straws duly clutched

nannynick · 01/12/2009 17:01

Why not show her how you change the nappy. Maybe say something like he gets nappy rash quite badly sometimes, so you'd like each change done as follows - then show the amount of wiping required, then put the nappy on the right way round.

Agree with megonthemoon that it may have been a case that previous toddler knew how to undo nappies, thus she may now think all nappies go that way around. (Once a child learns how to undo the nappy backwards, I find that Duck Tape is the next stage... anyone found any better ways, other than to toilet train).

Laquitar · 01/12/2009 17:15

You can show her how to change a nappy but the thing is if she doesn't know how to change a nappy a) she lied to you about working with babies b) what else she doesn't know? (first aid/dealing with emergencies etc).

Have you check references?

Gangle · 01/12/2009 17:20

I would just ask her about it. I hate asking my nanny questions like this but if it raises doubts over her experience then you have to. Just say, I noticed DS's nappy was on backwards! Are you not used to that brand/was he being a wrigglepot, etc etc, and sound her out.

frakkinaround · 01/12/2009 17:20

Maybe she used cloth nappies before? But agree with laquitar - I think you need to talk to her.

nn - cloth nappies with safety pins!

Original poster

IlanaK · 01/12/2009 18:59

Yes, I did take a reference. I spoke to her current employer who she has been working for for 2 years who was glowing about her. But the children are school age. I certainly hope she has not lied about her past experience as yes, that would make me lose all trust in her.

OP posts:

moomaa · 01/12/2009 19:02

My mum put a nappy on DS backwards once and she's had 4 of us! She just found it confusing.

navyeyelasH · 01/12/2009 19:53

I am an experienced nanny and somehow managed to put a nappy on backwards once! It was cos I had half done it backwards and then though ah sod it might as well go the whole hog now.

Maybe wait and see what the next nappy is like or do as nannynick suggests.

QOFEisinatizz · 01/12/2009 20:04

I used to put nappies on DD backwards on purpose sometimes. Once she was toddling it was sometimes easier to just put it on from behind rather than grab her and flip her over to do it properly - plus it avoided the howling.

AtheneNoctua · 01/12/2009 20:27

I don't think I would get excitied about a backwards nappy. Now if she fed my toddler chocolate on white bread I'd definitely start a thread.

But, I would sound her out for other basic baby care skills. Things like first aid, appropriate diet, discipline, etc.

So I wouldn't freak out about one backwards nappy, but I would make sure it wasn't a warning sign of other things she perhaps does not know.

thenewbornnanny · 01/12/2009 21:13

Maybe she changed a wet nappy with your DS standing up as it was easier than getting a squirmy toddler to lie down? I've done that many a time, pick your battles and all that...

Stars22 · 02/12/2009 17:33

Im a nanny. I do find it quite strange that she did that. for one she must have seen that the nappy she had taken off was done up at the front. If she was doing it for a reason like others have said if she thought toddler might undo it or because it was easier at the time, i would have thought she may have said it to you why it was backwards. However i would probably wait and see if it happened again before mentioning it, but like others said if it is because she doesnt no how, then what other things doesnt she no?? I think you need to keep an eye on her.

Blondeshavemorefun · 03/12/2009 11:59

i find it very strange that a so called nanny (tho not qualified) put a nappy on the wrong way [hhm]

but as the wise owl said, there are worse things to do feed your child white bread and chocolate spread

though does make you think what else she lied/bent the truth about

i would next day you see her, just say can you change dc regually as is getting a bit sore with nappy rash, then pass child to her and check how she put the nappy on that time

maybe it was a genuine mistake - i put baby in the bath with her shoe+socks on last week [bluch]

thenewbornnanny · 03/12/2009 12:29

But Blondes, sometimes when a toddler freaks about lying down and changing a nappy is easier all round when they remain standing, leaning against a couch for example, it's easier to put it on backwards. Before everyone jumps on her with [hmmm] 's lets give her the benefit of the doubt maybe? It's hardly neglectful, just not "normal"... and there might be a reasonable explanation. I think the OP should just ask the nanny is there a reason the nappy was put on backwards, is there a problem with nappy change time/a trick you use to make it quicker/easier?

Blondeshavemorefun · 03/12/2009 13:49

personally i would let the child strop for the 30seconds it takes to lie down a child, take off nappy, wipe and put new nappy one - but thats me

i wouldnt say it was on backwards, as guess if i were the op i would want to know if she really does know it was an accident, so see if it happens again before saying anything iyswim

susiey · 03/12/2009 16:42

I have had close friends and family on 2 occasions put on a nappy backwards but ours are tesco and have pictures on both sides! maybe just mantion it to her

LissyGlitter · 03/12/2009 16:49

For some reason my parents AND my ILs can't get thier heads around which way round disposable nappies go, and none of them seem to understand washables, even though I know for a fact that me and my sisters were in terries...maybe some people are just daft in the area of nappies?

dinkystinky · 03/12/2009 17:06

Just show her how you like the nappies put on - and explain to her how frequently you need them changed for your DS. Its not rocket science and if she's good with the kids generally shouldnt be a deal breaker - she just needs to be shown how you like it done.

Blondeshavemorefun · 04/12/2009 09:02

ILANAK - has she been back to work for you yet?

how was her nappy skills then?

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