A confident start makes a real difference to how quickly a new nanny settles in. Most of the preparation takes an evening, and it pays off in the first week.
Safety basics
- Do a quick childproofing review with fresh eyes — a new nanny will notice things you’ve stopped seeing
- Write down emergency contacts: both parents, GP, any relevant medical conditions or allergies
- Point out where First Aid supplies, medication, and emergency exits are, on day one
An information pack, written down
Verbal handovers get forgotten under pressure. A short written pack covering routines, meal preferences, nap times, house rules and screen time expectations saves repeating yourself and reduces early misunderstandings.
Practical access
- Keys or entry codes, sorted before day one
- Wifi password
- Somewhere to store activity supplies, snacks, or a first aid kit if they’ll be preparing these themselves
The goal isn’t a perfect binder — it’s making sure your nanny isn’t guessing about the things that matter.
The first week check-in
Plan a short, honest conversation at the end of week one: what’s working, what needs adjusting, and any questions that have come up. Small corrections now are much easier than unravelling habits later.