We're thrilled to announce our newest partnership - we'll be teaming up with Olive.You.Nanny to help our clients find the nanny or night nurse of their dreams! Check out the wonderful tips below from Sarah Davis of Olive.You.Nanny!
Who you’re looking for
It’s a good idea to make a list of specific qualities you’re looking for in a nanny; what is important to you and your family? Do you want someone who is a career nanny? Or, someone who has at least 5 years of full time nanny experience. Perhaps you are looking for someone who is younger with an educational background. Whatever it may be, make a list. You may just end up with someone you didn’t expect but it’s important to find who would be the best fit for your family.
Expectations
It’s unrealistic to think your nanny is going to do everything the way you do. Be open to the idea of your nanny bringing new ideas to the table. Chances are they have been in this industry for many years, so they may have some good suggestions! It’s a good idea to have a list of expectations for your nanny. Make sure in the interviewing process that you go through the things you want your nanny to do; in terms of your child and also around the house. (Just remember a nanny takes care of your child, and is not a housekeeper.)
A good fit
As most moms will tell you, you just know when it’s the right person. You get that feeling that the nanny will become a part of your family and you have a connection. Make sure you have the same childcare philosophies and your expectations are in line.
Screening
It’s extremely important to conduct your due diligence. You’ll want to get all of her childcare references. It’s a good idea to speak to at least 3 of the nanny’s past employers. It’s important to have a list of questions you want to ask. (If you’re working with an agency, this is their responsibility.) It’s also a good idea to do a background check on your nanny. It helps to have the piece of mind that your nanny is fully verified. If you’re nanny will be driving your child, it’s important to review driving history records.
Trial day and contract
We always recommend setting up at least a half-day trial before offering the nanny the position. Make sure you see the nanny interact with your child, show her around and where things are. You both need to feel comfortable in the situation. After the trial day, assuming all has gone well, it’s time to create a contract with your nanny. This can be as simple as hours, pay, holiday and vacation. And can get as detailed as all of your expectations, both with the child and your home (this should all be discussed in the initial interview.)
Standards
Families should offer paid holidays, sick days and vacation. You should also get an idea of what the market pay is for your situation - whether you have one or more children. You’ll want to be in the same range of what other families are paying.
Review
It’s a good idea to follow up with your nanny to see how things are going. The 3 month mark is a good time and again at 6 months and 1 year. Having a nanny is all about communication. You want to make sure you’re on the same page!
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
It’s Hospital Packin’ Time!
At 36 weeks (and earlier if you’re carrying multiples) you’ll want to pack your hospital bag. While most baby books will give you a good basic list of the essentials – pajamas, toiletries, a coming home outfit for baby – many of them neglect a few essentials that we at Baby Blueprint think are a MUST for any mom to be. Below is our list of must-haves for you and baby.
For Mom:
1. Extra hair elastics. Labor is a heck of a workout – and we guarantee you will want your hair up and away from your face. In the event that the one you’re wearing snaps, falls out etc., you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand!
2. Lip balm. Hospitals are dry, dry places and childbirth can be a long process. If you’re delivering at Prentice in Chicago, you likely won’t be allowed anything but ice chips after you clear triage – so a little lip balm will go a long way in helping you feel hydrated.
3. An extra empty tote bag. Your room at the hospital will be chock-full of freebies: infant diapers, swaddling blankets, tiny onesies and hats, information packets etc. An empty bag is the easiest way to make sure you’ve got room to take it all home!
4. A small amount of cash in small denominations ($1s and $5s). While you can certainly survive on a debit / credit card in today’s world, you may end up wanting small bills for vending machines and tips for valet parking.
5. A robe. Most baby books recommend a few pairs of maternity pajamas – and while there is nothing wrong with these, you may end up feeling (especially if you have a C section) most comfortable in a hospital gown. If that’s the case, a robe is a great way to look AND feel a bit more presentable and polished for photos and visitors.
6. Every baby book will recommend bringing along chargers for all the electronics you’re packing (cell phone, video camera). If you’re like us, you may not own an “extra” charger, and you’ll be using the one you should be packing right up until you leave for the hospital. To avoid having to remember these items in the throes of labor, stick a post-it note on top of your bag with the list of electronics (and chargers) you want to make sure to bring.
7. Your own Toilet Paper. Yes they have it at the hospital but it may not be the soft stuff you use to at home, and you’ll want something soft!
8. If you have a professional photography service at your hospital you may want to think about bringing along something for you and your partner to wear/coordinate if you want to get some shots of the whole family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all black looks great.
For Baby:
1. Diaper wipes. This item specifically applies to those of you delivering at Prentice in Chicago. The hospital will provide you with tons of baby stuff over the course of your visit (see #3 above), but they will NOT provide you with wipes. For that first diaper change, you may want more than water and a gauze pad. You’ll just have to trust us on this one!
2. Two sizes of a take home outfit for baby. Depending on the weight and length of your child, they may or may not fit into the newborn size. We recommend packing an outfit in size 0-3 as well.
3. A colorful hat or receiving blanket. You’ll be taking tons of photos in those first days – and emailing them, tweeting them, and posting them to Facebook. A bright color will show up best against the fluorescent lights of the hospital – and lend a professional look to your amateur photography!
For Mom:
1. Extra hair elastics. Labor is a heck of a workout – and we guarantee you will want your hair up and away from your face. In the event that the one you’re wearing snaps, falls out etc., you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand!
2. Lip balm. Hospitals are dry, dry places and childbirth can be a long process. If you’re delivering at Prentice in Chicago, you likely won’t be allowed anything but ice chips after you clear triage – so a little lip balm will go a long way in helping you feel hydrated.
3. An extra empty tote bag. Your room at the hospital will be chock-full of freebies: infant diapers, swaddling blankets, tiny onesies and hats, information packets etc. An empty bag is the easiest way to make sure you’ve got room to take it all home!
4. A small amount of cash in small denominations ($1s and $5s). While you can certainly survive on a debit / credit card in today’s world, you may end up wanting small bills for vending machines and tips for valet parking.
5. A robe. Most baby books recommend a few pairs of maternity pajamas – and while there is nothing wrong with these, you may end up feeling (especially if you have a C section) most comfortable in a hospital gown. If that’s the case, a robe is a great way to look AND feel a bit more presentable and polished for photos and visitors.
6. Every baby book will recommend bringing along chargers for all the electronics you’re packing (cell phone, video camera). If you’re like us, you may not own an “extra” charger, and you’ll be using the one you should be packing right up until you leave for the hospital. To avoid having to remember these items in the throes of labor, stick a post-it note on top of your bag with the list of electronics (and chargers) you want to make sure to bring.
7. Your own Toilet Paper. Yes they have it at the hospital but it may not be the soft stuff you use to at home, and you’ll want something soft!
8. If you have a professional photography service at your hospital you may want to think about bringing along something for you and your partner to wear/coordinate if you want to get some shots of the whole family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all black looks great.
For Baby:
1. Diaper wipes. This item specifically applies to those of you delivering at Prentice in Chicago. The hospital will provide you with tons of baby stuff over the course of your visit (see #3 above), but they will NOT provide you with wipes. For that first diaper change, you may want more than water and a gauze pad. You’ll just have to trust us on this one!
2. Two sizes of a take home outfit for baby. Depending on the weight and length of your child, they may or may not fit into the newborn size. We recommend packing an outfit in size 0-3 as well.
3. A colorful hat or receiving blanket. You’ll be taking tons of photos in those first days – and emailing them, tweeting them, and posting them to Facebook. A bright color will show up best against the fluorescent lights of the hospital – and lend a professional look to your amateur photography!
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