Email   |   info@idahonannyagency.com
Phone   |   +1 (208) 610-4928

Having a baby, what should you bring to the hospital?

Having a baby, what should you bring to the hospital?

Congratulations on adding a new member to your family soon. As new mothers, we always want to be very prepared especially when you’re having a baby. Adding a new member to the family can sometimes be overwhelming with what needs to be done before the baby even comes. Are you wondering what you should pack or bring to the hospital? Having the hospital, postpartum, and diaper bag packed and ready before the delivery date of the baby will help you relieve stress and stay organized. The baby delivery date is not always accurate it’s great to get everything set beforehand. The list provided below has only basic materials to bring. If you have a caregiver or a nanny in your family this list could benefit you both. As a nanny I would create a basic list like below and ask the mom if she would like to add anything and go over it together.   

 What’s In Your Hospital Bag? 

  1. Clothes  
  • Loose fitting clothes (dark colors preferred)  
  • Tank top 
  • Nursing bra and undergarments,  
  • Robe 
  • Comfy sweatpants  
  • Nursing gowns (pick button down nursing gowns still get the skin-to-skin bonding with baby) 
  • Non-slip socks or slippers 
  • Time to go home outfit  
  1. Toiletry 
  • Brush 
  • Chapstick 
  • Nipple cream and nipple pads  
  • Vicks Vapor Rub 
  • Eye drops 
  • Dermplast pain and itch spray  
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • Prenatal vitamins  
  • Shower shoes and towel 
  1. Miscellaneous: 
  • Rice bag or heating pad for the back 
  • Diffuser with calming essential oils 
  • Pregnancy pillow (mark it by bright colored pillowcase) 
  • Snacks 
  • Computer 
  • Phone charger 

Postpartum Specific Bag 

  • Peri bottle (Frida brand is preferred) 
  • Postpartum underwear like the brand Always Discreet Boutique Maximum Postpartum underwear  
  • Pads (@thehoneypotco)  
  • Nursing pads 
  • Tucks cooling pads 
  • Bralettes, bloomers, and postpartum leggings (@baebeibody) 

Baby Diaper Bag  

  • Formula just in case 
  • Haaka (@Haakaausa) 
  • 3-4 newborn gowns with hats (plus going home onesies outfit) 
  • Swaddle  
  • Diapers 
  • Burp clothes  
  • Swaddle 
  • Diaper balm (@zoe organics) 
  • Wipes 
  • Pacifiers  

For significant other 

  • Ear plugs or air pods 
  • Slippers 
  • Pillow (colored pillowcase) and blanket 
  • 2-3 changing clothes plus pajamas and a hoodie  
  • Toiletries  
  • Laptop, laptop charger, all entertainment 
  • Bluetooth speaker 
  • Snacks 

There are a lot of favorite brands or other tips so comment below. It’s better to pack a lot than too little! The worst thing to do is sending your partner to go get things or to not have items when needed. I hope this list of items and materials will be a great guiding tool to know were to start. Thanks for reading and sharing!  

  

How to set your Nanny up for success.

How to Set Up Your Nanny for Success 

You just hired a nanny to be a part of your family and are looking forward to having the support you need around the house and with the children. After establishing the written contract and pay services, there are many steps to assure your nanny is set up for success. 

Introducing the Nanny 

On the first day, be present with the kids and the new nanny to assure they are comfortable with each other. The initial introduction is important for both the children and the nanny, having a treat and eating at the table or having the nanny join them during play time is a good way for everyone to get to know each other. Incorporating a nanny into the family is a big change, it may take some time to adjust and for everyone to become comfortable. It helps the children become more comfortable with the nanny if you are around as they will look to who is familiar for reassurance. 

Show the Nanny Around 

Give the nanny a tour of the house and show them where everything is they may need. Make sure the nanny is familiar with all the appliances and how to use them the way you intend. Remember, everyone does things a little different, it really helps the nanny if they know exactly how you like things done. This includes demonstrating how to use child specific appliances such as bathing and feeding/cooking equipment. Lastly, make sure the nanny knows where the First/ AID CPR kit is located, fire extinguisher, and medicine cabinet. Run through the fire safety protocol and emergency procedures, safety is the number one concern for both the nanny and the parents, it greatly benefits the nanny if they understand your expectations. 

If the nanny is new to the area, show them around the neighborhood and neighboring areas. Make sure they know which parks they can take the children and what areas to avoid if there are any. This will help the nanny feel more comfortable with taking the kids out of the house. 

Create a Routine and Schedule  

Document the children’s routine or go over the schedule and create a new routine together. Your nanny might need some guidance and a schedule will provide structure. Make sure to express that you don’t expect it to be followed exactly, it will be of great relief to the nanny if they have some flexibility with the schedule/routine. At the end of the week, you should debrief with your new nanny on how it’s going. If you’re communicating through an app like Baby Tracker or using a nanny journal to make sure that’s working for them and you both are on the same page. 

How to Make Your Nanny Feel Welcome 

Provide the nanny with their own personal nanny bag or other equipment if applicable. For example, it is most convenient if the nanny has their own diaper bag with their own supplies. Associated with that make sure to keep enough supplies for when they need to restock their bags. This relieves a lot of stress on the nanny as they are responsible for their equipment, shared equipment tends to be more chaotic.  

Designate a personal space where your nanny can put their stuff or finding a spot in the kitchen for her own food. Give clarification if your nanny is welcome to anything in your kitchen like showing her how to use the coffee machine or provide snacks that the nanny enjoys. With these basic tips I hope it improves your nanny experience.  

The biggest component to a healthy and enjoyable transition is communication. Just like that in a marriage, find what works, adjust what doesn’t but allow there to be a learning curve. You may have chosen the perfect Nanny but if you don’t help set them up for success it may not go as expected. Things may come easy to a parent as they do these tasks every day but for a Nanny they are getting to know you and your child(ren) using cliff notes.  

Why nannying is considered a great career

WHY NANNYING IS CONSIDERED A GREAT CAREER?

by Risa Ontiveros

Have you ever wondered if you are on the right “career path”? What is even considered a good career? The definition of a career is simply an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life. People seldom consider a nanny as a career choice. And more often wonder why it is even considered a good career path.

What is the definition of a nanny? A nanny is an in-home childcare provider that has a one-on-one professional connection with the children and with the families. Nannies can be either live-in or live-out but always provide lots of at home assistance and are given lists of tasks and responsibilities. It is a position that requires wearing many hats where you are generally responsible for are the child nutrition, housekeeping, behavioral advising, counseling, teaching as well as being a physically demanding career. 

With our expertise we have come to find every family will have different expectations and different responsibilities assigned for their nanny. Many nannies will also have expectations and limitations or responsibilities that they offer in return. This article is written in a generalized format, not specified to any certain family or nanny experience but as a compilation of many different experiences.

What are a Nannies Responsibilities?

In many cases nannies will have the responsibility to meal prep for families. In some instances, kids or parents may have food allergies that will need special accommodation. Nannies will therefore have to adapt to food allergies or food preferences of the family. For example, lactose intolerance and celiac disease is not uncommon, and nannies will need to be cautious with what ingredients they use when preparing meals.  Nannies responsible for newborn care may also help with the transition from breast milk to solids or will support with non-choking solids for toddlers or even picky food eaters.

The housekeeping responsibility of nannies are commonly mistaken or abused depending on what is agreed upon in the contract. In general, a nanny is not supposed to be a full-time housekeeper as well. It is acceptable to have the responsibility to clean the children’s space or any mess caused by the children. This includes cleaning their dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the playroom or bedroom, cleaning the kitchen after meal preparation, and occasional errands related to the child.

Nannies may be responsible for accommodating to children’s developmental and behavioral characteristics.  Part of their responsibility may include finding resources to assist with their needs. Nannies should provide a safe environment of which they can practice safe behaviors. It is essential to have communication with parents about behavioral expectations and progress, and to assist whenever they may be unsure.

Given that you will be spending most of you time with the child or children, counseling is another important role that a nanny is responsible for. Although not usually recognized as a counselor, nannies are critical in providing guidance in many different subjects. A nanny may be responsible for regulation of emotional responses, offering advice in certain circumstances, recognizing, and reinforcing positive behavior, and inspiring individual growth and self-regulation. Most importantly, a nanny must not overstep their responsibility as the parent and communicate with the parents as needed to cooperatively work together guiding the child as they develop.

The expectations for the nanny and the children vary greatly, and teaching may be a larger role in some families than other. However, depending on the age(s) of the child or children there will always be some teaching involved. Whether it be developmental milestones or sports or music, a nanny will be responsible for teaching.

How Does a Nanny Career Progress?

Now that we have established a general understanding of what being a nanny is like, we can discuss how a nanny can begin and progress throughout their career. The initial introduction to becoming a nanny usually begins in a type of childcare profession such as a babysitter, daycare worker, youth camp worker, or a paraeducator. These professions can later evolve into becoming a full-time nanny. 

Babysitters are usually short-term caretakers with minimal responsibilities. However, they are also usually required to be First Aid/ CPR certified and take the basic babysitting certifications. Many babysitters start babysitting through close friends and families, although that is not always the case. In general, babysitters are mostly responsible for watching the child or children while the parents are away, they are not held to as high of standards as a nanny.

Daycare workers work at an in-home daycare or a traditional daycare, usually working with ten or more children. They generally have less responsibilities as compared to a nanny, but usually watch more children. Most of what they do is provide activities for the children and clean the classroom. In most cases they do not have to provide meals for the children, parents are usually required to provide food and the daycare worker will make sure they have the opportunity to eat. The activities vary greatly depending on the daycare and the number of children. They are usually operated on a set daily schedule ranging from five to ten hours a day. Lastly, they are responsible for the children’s hygiene and cleanliness while they attend the daycare.

Youth camp worker generally work during the summers and oversee creating activities for kids attending the camp. They are usually responsible for running different activities as wells as setting and cleaning up activities. They usually do not have to feed children or have any hygiene responsibilities. Most of the job includes supervising children’s behavior and keeping them entertained.

Paraeducators are under supervision of the school team special education teachers, applied behavior analyst therapist (ABA), speech therapists, physical therapists, and classroom teachers. Schools usually require more schooling and certificates to become a paraeducator. For example, the candidate must pass the paraeducator state test even if they have a degree. After that they usually must take courses in CPI and First Aid/ CPR. In many cases there are college courses that are provided by the schools to progress into a lead paraeducator. Paraeducators are responsibilities include the children’s education, implementing the Individual’s Education Plan (IEP), and following the ABA plan therapists provide. They generally do not have to worry about meal prep, drop off, or any after school activities.

All these types of work experiences could assist with determining if being a nanny is the right direction. Taking nanny courses or certificates could also increase. There are so many professions that introduce people to become a nanny, many of which were not discussed. Initially becoming a nanny may be one of the toughest obstacles you will face, luckily, once you become a nanny it is much easier to progress. Similarly, to becoming a nanny there are many different routes you can take once you become a nanny. Many nannies take classes and continue to gain certifications to progress through their career, some solely rely on experience, most utilize a combination of both educations and experience.

There are several certifications you can take to enhance your knowledge and that would build up your nanny resume. To be in childcare its mandatory you take or update your American Red Cross Child, Pediatrician First Aid CPR/AED, and water safety certifications. There are many places to earn certificates online such as Infant and Childcare Academy, Newborn Care Solutions, International Nanny Association, Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years, etc. Each of these sources offer many different certificate options, all of which will educate you and increase your value as a nanny. You can take college courses and earn certificates at US Nanny Institute and Nanny U, which are both trade schools with a specialized curriculum and online classes taught by college faculty. An associate degree and/or specialized certifications in early childcare development is very beneficial and valuable.

Many nannies will only earn the required certifications and rely on previous work experience to progress through their careers. Educations and certifications generally add to your value as a nanny; however, experience is very important and can be viewed as more valuable. Nanny experience does not only entitle duration of working as a nanny, but also the different types of experience with different families with different scenarios. It is very valuable to have experience with all ages from newborns to teenagers. It is important to have experience with families with multiple children, twins, or children with special needs. Having a variety of experience adds to your value as a nanny and allows you to be eligible for a wider range of positions.

Most nannies will utilize a combination of education/certifications and experience through their careers. As nannies gain experience with families, they usually take some courses of earn certificates related to their experience. This method is very valuable because nannies will have both experience and educations/certificates which may put them to a higher advantage for possible positions then a nanny with only experience or only education/certification.

What Makes Being a Nanny a Good Career?

Every nanny will take their own path of progression through their career, usually related to their individual circumstances and families they work for. Asking for advice is always welcome, just remember their path will be different than yours. The variability and everchanging work environment of being a nanny is part of what make being a nanny so enjoyable.

As an African tribe proverb stated, “it takes a tribe to raise a child”, and it does a take a tribe to take care of a child. Being a nanny usually means you become part of the family’s “tribe” and share a special relationship with them. A nanny can have a positive effect on a child’s growth and development including cognitive and social development. Children are known to be less stressed when they have a consistent person to take care of them. Being a part of a family and being instrumental to the child’s development and growth is a privilege. When a caregiver is nurturing, sensitive, and positively engaged the children will benefit from them and build a bond that is memorable. Not only will you bond with the child but with the parents as well. Creating many friendships that can last a lifetime.

A career as a nanny can allow for a very flexible lifestyle. Many families want to work with their nanny and make sure they are accommodated for, which means they may be willing to adjust their schedule to accommodate for the nanny’s personal life. This allows you to participate in activities such as sports, clubs, or other personal hobbies without affecting your work life. Being a nanny also allows for flexibility to find work almost anywhere desired. With some exceptions, nannies are needed almost everywhere people live, this allows you to travel and live-in different places while being able to find work when needed. Another great benefit is being included on family vacations, many families will bring their nanny on their vacations which means you will travel and get to partake in their trips and get paid all at the same time. 

Lastly one of the most sought-after benefits of being a nanny is the pay and benefits. In some cases, health benefits, transportation, groceries, housing, and paid time off are all benefits families are willing to provide. Depending on your experience/qualifications and location the pay can also be very appealing. Most nannies make enough to live comfortably, and continuing raises are not uncommon allowing for continual growth.

Back to our main question, why is nannying considered a good career? Well, the actual job description and work involved with being a nanny is enjoyable to many. Becoming a nanny is also fairly easy and there are many of different routes you can take. Once you become a nanny, there are again many different routes you can take to continually progress as a nanny in your career. The rewarding nature, the flexibility, and the pay and benefits of being a nanny are what most people find appealing. Combine everything discussed as well as others not mentions the overall career choice to become a nanny sounds amazing.

TIPS TO BE A GREAT BABYSITTER.

TIPS TO BEING A GREAT BABYSITTER

Babysitting is a great way to get more experience caring for children, and to make extra money. Plus, working as a babysitter offers you a chance to get your “foot in the door.” When you’re a trustworthy and hardworking babysitter, you can work your way up to becoming a temporary nanny, summer nanny, or even a full-time nanny!

If you want to be an amazing babysitter, We can share some important tips below. While we offer up these tips to help out babysitters, we know that they’re a great refresher for any nannies, too!

TIP #1: TAKE BABYSITTING COURSES

If you’re new to babysitting, a course can give you a look at what to expect in the job. Babysitting courses are offered online or in-person across the United States. The American Red Cross offers Babysitting & Child Care Training courses, and so does the nonprofit organization Safe Sitter.

What will you learn in a babysitting course? A course may teach you about child behavior, safety, bottle feeding, diapering, what to do in an emergency, and more.

TIP #2: BE HONEST AND OPEN WITH THE PARENTS

Good communication is essential for being a great child care provider. Before you agree to babysit for someone, know your limits and discuss them. Ask questions about what they expect and need in their babysitter. If you’re not a good fit for the family, that’s okay: just be honest.

When you’re babysitting, don’t be afraid to ask the parents questions! Your willingness to communicate shows parents that you want to do your job well, and that if you don’t know something, you feel comfortable asking them for help.

TIP #3: BE RESPECTFUL OF DIFFERENCES

You should always respect the children, the parents, and the house rules. Remember that you’re caring for their children. That doesn’t mean you should try to change the way a family does something, even if you believe it’s the “right” or “better” way. 

Observe how the family behaves in their home and take note of anything you may need to remember to do. For example, you may have to remember to take your shoes off at the door or avoid bringing certain foods as snacks for yourself. You might see these cultural and personal differences as an opportunity to learn about other families and cultures.

TIP #5: KEEP THE HOME (AND KIDS) TIDY

Remember how we said to respect the house rules? You should treat the family’s home with respect, too. That means keeping it as tidy as possible and cleaning up after yourself and the kids. 

You don’t have to worry about making their home spotless — your first job is to take care of their kids — but be mindful of how you leave it. If you’re able, wash or put away any dirty dishes that you use, throw away trash, and clean up any areas that may get messy, like the diaper changing area or kids’ playroom. If the kids go to bed while you are still on the clock, you should leave the house at a minimum as clean as when you got there.

TIP #6: BE FLEXIBLE AND READY FOR ANYTHING

Kids are unpredictable! Try to be ready for anything and everything that may happen. The unexpected doesn’t have to be an emergency, either. Parents may get stuck at work or in traffic and run late. If this happens so often that you feel you’re being taken advantage of, talk to the parents about your concerns, of course. But being flexible every once in a while can show parents what a trustworthy babysitter you are.

BONUS TIP: WORK WITH A PERFECT FIT!

If you want to grow your babysitting services in Northern Idaho, let Idaho Nanny Agency help! We’re always looking to add wonderful babysitters to our list of referrals. We aim to make the best match possible between local families and child care providers. Here you can learn more about working with Idaho Nanny Agency.

Covid-19

Before the coronavirus pandemic, around half the families in the United States reported having trouble finding child care. Post-pandemic? That number jumped to nearly two-thirds of families because of business restrictions, school closures, and stay-at-home orders. 

There’s no doubt about it: the nanny industry has changed in the wake of the pandemic. Our team at Idaho Nanny Agency knows that this can be an interesting time for both families and childcare professionals. 

Largely due to the demand for nannies across the country has increased ten fold. Why? Many families previously relied on daycares and school as a child care option. But with closures and restrictions it has made finding quality child care nearly impossible. Idaho Nanny Agency has had to make some adjustments. We’ve found that actively recruiting part-time and full-time nannies helps us expand our pool of nannies to meet our families’ needs. As well as keeping open lines with our families and nannies. Making sure we have up to date information about local Covid-19 restrictions and statistics. 

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us, nanny agencies included. We understand parents’ frustration with the changes in the nanny industry. Juggling your children’s schooling, work, and the health and safety of your family is not easy. If you’re looking for a nanny or temporary care in Norther Idaho, the team at Idaho Nanny Agency is ready to help.