Welcoming a child into this world is one of the most exciting and rewarding feelings that a couple can experience. However, If you and your partner have busy schedules this might also feel a little frightening at first. You could be asking yourself “How will we change our schedules to make this work?”, “Will one of us always have to be home?”, “Will spending less time at work negatively affect my career?”. These are all valid questions and can lead a couple to feel uneasy and nervous about the future. But there is a solution, Hiring a nanny.
Hiring a nanny can be one of the most important things for you and your partner because it can take a huge load of your shoulders and allow a healthy work/home relationship where you will not be feeling so stressed all the time. In this article, we will talk about things to look for and things to avoid when hiring a nanny for your infant.
First off, make sure to look for a nanny at least a few months before he/she will be start working for you. This is key because it will give you ample time to screen through all your potential options and really get to know the nanny before you decide to hire him/her. This will also give you time to reach out to the nanny’s references to check with his/her previous employer to see if he/she would be a good fit for your household.
Secondly, discuss your preferences and parenting method in detail. Do not be shy about your preferences around the house. The nanny needs to understand how you like things to get done, whether that’s how you take care of the kids, or how you prefer they be disciplined. The last thing you want is to hire a nanny and then a week or a month later find out she doesn’t fit your style. During this process, it would be a good idea to have you nanny shadow you for a few days so she can get a complete picture of how you like your house to be run while you are gone.
Thirdly, pay attention to red flags. If something feels off to you, do a little digging to find out the truth. Usually, not always, there is a glimmer of truth in your assumption. While it might not be the full picture, it is a good idea to prod around a little bit to give yourself peace of mind, and so you don’t further waste your time.
Lastly, try to hire an experienced nanny for your infant. This is not the time to ‘go on a whim’ and give a stranger with no experience a chance to take care of your infant, especially in the early stages of their life where they are at their most vulnerable and impressionable stage. Try and look for someone who has taken care of children the same age as yours and have had success doing it. Make sure to call their references and confirm with them what your nanny has told you.
With all that being said, we hope this article will help you in your search of the perfect nanny for your infant! And remember, sooner is always better than later.
