When the time comes to choose a type of care for your baby, a nanny at home has serious advantages: constantly available for your child, it allows him to maintain his habits and his environment, and saves you from having to pick him up when going out. work.
But you still have to find the rare pearl!
Discover our advice so that the search for a nanny does not turn into an obstacle course.
ESTABLISH FIRST CONTACT BY TELEPHONE
To save time, pre-select the candidates by telephone: you will then be able to do an initial sorting by eliminating those who live too far from you, those whose schedules or vacation dates do not suit you, those who ask for a salary that is too high. for your finances or simply those with which you do not have a good feeling.
Choose at least three to meet, so you can make comparisons.
PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS IN ADVANCE
Create a list of questions before meeting the nannies you have selected. Note all the practical points to be addressed (timetables, holidays, prices, etc.) but also the educational questions that are essential to you: how does the nanny handle baby crying, older children's refusal to obey or even the quibbling at the table? Does she respect the little ones' natural sleep rhythms, or does she put them to bed at set times? Also think about the points that can get stuck if they have not been established in advance: is the candidate a smoker or not? Will she be allowed to transport your child in the car? Could she stay later some evenings if you have an unscheduled meeting? Will she take care of preparing meals for your child or will you have to leave them ready-made meals? Think carefully in advance about everything that matters to you!
ASK FOR REFERENCES
Childminders who look after children at home must necessarily have approval, issued by the PMI. A certain guarantee of seriousness which does not exist for at-home nannies: no diploma is required to practice this profession. So remember to ask candidates not only about their training and professional background, but also and above all for the contact details of other parents for whom they have previously worked: a quick phone call will allow you to get their impressions.
DISCUSS OPENLY WHAT SHE WILL AGREE TO DO
When your baby is awake, your nanny will have his work cut out for him. But what about during naps, which can be long for a toddler? Some nannies agree to take care of small household tasks: ironing, cooking, washing dishes, tidying up, etc. Others only charge for 2/3 of the hours during which the child sleeps (we then speak of “responsible presence” hours). To avoid any dissatisfaction on your side or that of the nanny, talk about it before the start of the contract!
TALK ABOUT HOW THE DAYS ARE GOING
During the week, your baby will probably spend as much, if not more, waking time with his or her nanny than with you. It is therefore essential that she takes care of her awakening! Ask her how she envisions a typical day with your child, what activities she will offer him, what outings she will do with him, whether or not she will go to places where he can meet other little ones, etc.
MEET THE CANDIDATES WITH YOUR CHILD
Does the nanny speak directly to your child or does she only speak to you? Does she seem comfortable with him, warm, affectionate? Does your little one seem to like it or does he refuse to go to it? Some signs are unmistakable! YOUR PAPERS PLEASE ! A detail which can prove to be of crucial importance in the event of a problem: remember to ask your future nanny for a photocopy of her identity card or her residence permit if she is a foreigner, as well as an insurance certificate " Professional Liability ". If you agree to her transporting your child in her car, also check that her car insurance contract authorizes her to do so.
THINK ABOUT SHARED CUSTODY
Practical and comfortable, a nanny at home is also the most expensive type of childcare. To reduce the cost, but also to allow your child to spend time with other children of a similar age, shared custody is often the ideal solution. And this, especially since after his first months, your child may sometimes find it takes a long time if he is alone with his nanny... Many sites offer to connect families to share a nanny, particularly in big cities: think about it!