A good nanny will have some ideas about the daily work schedule. This is important for many reasons.  A work schedule sets the stage for a more professional work quality between the family and nanny. Like any other employment relationship, this relationship needs to be defined in clear terms.  A work schedule is crucial to that end.

The first thing that needs to be clear is whether the nanny will live with the family or on his/her own. From there, the hours during which nanny will be expected to work should be detailed.

While the nanny-family relationship may not be defined in details to how other employment relationships are defined, the parties should also recognize, and the working relationship should reflect, the unique nature of childcare.  For instance, a good nanny should guarantee the families that he or she will use good faith efforts with respect to the schedule.

Below would be a suggested itinerary for a full-time nanny. We have to beware that every partnership of family and nanny is different. The items listed are very comprehensive to give an idea to the readers about the possible work tasks that could fill the different time slots during the day:

 

EVERY DAY WHEN BABY IS AWAKE:

• BABY NEEDS TO PLAY  FOR *MINIMUM* A HALF HOUR EVERY HOUR WHILE SHE IS AWAKE
• BE READ TO
• DO BELLY TIME
• DO SITTING UP TIME (BUMBO SEAT)
• BE WALKED OUTDOORS  (SEAT BELT FASTENED & CAREFUL WITH STANDING STILL = MOSQUITOS)
• INTERACT ONE-ON-ONE

 

ALSO:

• BABY SLEEPS IN CRIB OR IN FLAT STROLLER NOT IN CAR SEAT (CAR SEAT BAD FOR BABY’S BACK)
• CHANGE BABY’S DIAPER BEFORE EVERY FEEDING AND AS NEEDED

 

*Baby must always be supervised while at changing table, during play and while feeding with bottle. Baby should never drink milk with head lying on one side because it can cause ear infections.

*Baby must be picked up with both arms on torso, never raise baby by one arm or pull by one leg.

*If baby is crying while waiting for food, pick up and comfort.

*Clean hands with anti-bacterial soap after diaper change

*Hygiene very important around baby. Clean hands with soap and water during the day:  After bathroom use, after touching cleaning products or dog blankets. After scratching head, neck, nose, etc.

*If pacifier falls on floor, rinse with water before giving it back to baby.

 

Child should *only* be put to sleep when she starts fussing and only with ONE thin rolled-up blanket tucked under side of her face *not to impede her breathing. Child should not spend more than 30 minutes in infant car seat at any one time (bad for spine).  Child should only sleep in crib or in flat stroller.

 

ROUGH DAILY SCHEDULE FOR BABY

 

8:30 Am   Clean house

9:00 Am   Change Diaper Before Every Feeding And As Needed (While Water Heats Up)

9:00 Am    Feed (Never Alone)

9:30 Am    Belly Time/Back Time On Pink Mat Or Green Mat On Floor (Min 1/2 Hr)

10:00 Am  Sleep (In Crib). (If Baby Not Sleepy, Continue To Do Belly/Back Floor Time Or Read Book)

11:00 Am  Read Book

11:30 Am  Change Baby From Pj’s To Day Clothes

12:00 Am  Change Diaper Before Every Feeding And As Needed(While Water Heats Up)

12:00 Pm  Feed (Never Alone)

12:30 Pm  Go Outside (Backyard) For Stroll/Fresh Air (Baby Must Be Strapped In Seat Belt)

1:00   Pm  Sleep (In Crib)

2:00   Pm  Crib Time/Play Under Mobile

2:30   Pm  Bumbo Seat

3:00   Am  Change Diaper Before Every Feeding And As Needed (While Water Heats Up)

3:00   Pm  Feed (Never Alone)

3:30   Pm  Read Book

4:00   Pm  Sleep (In Crib)

4:30   Pm  Belly/Back Time On Pink Mat Or Green Mat On Floor (Min 1/2 Hr)

5:00   Pm  Crib Time/Play Under Mobile

6:00   Pm  Change Diaper Before Every Feeding And As Needed (While Water Heats Up)

6:00   Pm  Feed (Never Alone)

6:30   Pm  Bumbo Chair

 

CLEANING/COOKING SCHEDULE

 

Monday:  deep cleaning after 2pm.  Dinner if needed.

Monday and Friday only:  regular laundry (house rugs, bedsheets, clothes, baby clothes)

Daily:  @ morning – dog laundry and hallway cleaned

Other housework like bed making, baths, kitchen, dusting, ironing, cooking, etc – only when baby is sleeping or abuela(or mom) is taking care of baby

 

When baby sleeps or she is in ½ hour crib time (or abuela or mom is watching baby) you can take a break, watch tv, clean, cook, etc.