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First Years (0-2)

The nanny diaries Who can you trust with your baby? By Carol StarcevicPublished: May, 2010

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As every working mom knows, child care can be the primary barrier between pursuing a career and raising a family. Selecting a nanny, particularly for your new bundle of joy, is an important decision.     You are introducing a secondary caregiver into your household, and this person will provide integral care for your baby. It is a decision that no parent takes lightly, so allow yourself time to identify your family’s needs, expectations, residential logistics and finances. Communicate with your extended family or support network to make sure all of the right questions are being asked.     What duties can be expected? According to Candi Wingate, founder and president of nannies4Hire.com, duties include providing a nurturing environment for the baby, as well as contributing to her well-being and development on a day-to-day basis. Bathing, meal preparation, housekeeping, homework, exercise supervision, and transportation are commonly part of a nanny’s daily duties.     Do you handle the search yourself or hire a placement agency? If conducting your own search, you may save some money, but it will be time-consuming. Referrals from family and friends are ideal. Or place an ad in the local paper or online. A placement agency does all the work for you, including background screening; how detailed this is depends on the agency and its options.      Expect to pay a placement fee ranging from $800 to $5,000, according to the International Nanny Association. If you go with an agency, be sure to ask how they screen candidates: Do they perform drug tests? How long have they been in business? Are they willing to rehire someone? If you don’t like what you hear, move on.     Ask for a resume and at least five personal and three work-related references. Many parents like to conduct an initial interview by phone or e-mail. You can also request a background check. You’ll need a prospect’s written consent, as well the social security number and aliases they’ve used in the past seven years. You can also request this from your local police department for a fee.     Compose an agreement to be signed by both of you. It should include mutual expectations, specify each and every duty you want her to perform, and include the pay rate. Start her on a weekly basis until you reach a “comfort zone.”     Because you are entrusting a new person with your most precious gift, and for your own peace of mind, do not hesitate to drop by unannounced or ask neighbors or relatives to do the same in the first few days and weeks. Less intrusive than a “nanny cam,” spontaneous visits establish an open-door policy and will gauge how at ease your caregiver is with your baby. Carol Starcevic is a contributor to OC Family magazine. STRAIGHT TALK FROM A NANNY 1. As soon as you leave, the baby will stop crying and start playing or fall asleep. So please, just go. 2. I can’t read your mind, so please tell me what your expectations are. 3. I don’t mind cleaning up, but don’t leave the same mess waiting for me the next day. 4. When I go “above and beyond,” a simple “thank you” is more appreciated than you realize. 5. Have a cell phone. If you are going to be more than 30 minutes late, please call me. 6. Please pay on time. I’m sure you don’t like to ask your boss for your check either. 7. Your baby will eat foods he doesn’t like if you make it fun. Source: nannies4hire.com HELPFUL RESOURCES > Seeking Sitters – kimkane@seekingsitters.com > OC Nannies – ocnannies.com > TLC Domestic – californianannies.com > College Nannies – collegenannies.com > Merry Poppins To Order – merrypoppinstoorder.com > Bella Bambino Nannies – bellabambinonannies.com > Dedicated Domestics – dedicateddomestics.com > eNannySource – enannysource.com

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