Hiring a nanny

Maybe you can't turn your home into a daycare, but it's worth taking a safety lesson or two from licensed daycares. To begin with, write out your street address and telephone number. Should a caregiver have to make an emergency call, she may become confused and forget the house address. Also list all emergency information at each telephone in the home. Include the numbers to call for police, fire, and ambulance. The list should include the full names and job titles of both parents, a number where each can be reached and the name of both employers. Add to the list the names of baby's doctor, and family members or friends who can be called in an emergency.

Post a menu detailing feedings and make sure the nanny knows how to operate a microwave. However, formula should not be heated in a microwave because it heats food or liquid from the middle out; what tests warm on your wrist can, in fact, be dangerously hot for your baby.

Childproof your home and backyard, Spend some time with the nanny showing her the neighbourhood, including the location of parks and libraries. Discuss where she is permitted to take your baby and let her know that you want to be informed beforehand of outings. One mom discovered her baby was making a cross-town trip on the streetcar several times a week. When the nanny was asked about it, she explained that she took the baby with her to visit friends who lived several blocks away.

Introduce her to the neighbours. Let her know who in the neighbourhood is likely to be home during the day if she runs into a small problem and needs assistance. Last of all, set down the house rules. While you can't regulate her life outside of working hours, it's important that she show up for work cheerful and well rested. Above all be sure she knows her job description -- what you expect her to do and to not do.