Older nanny for infant -- pros/cons?

[Anonymous]

The one thing I would want to know more about in your situation is how current is her infant safety knowledge? Does she know how to probably use a carseat? Does she put baby to bed on tummy or back? Those types of things. I've seen some older nannies who don't keep up with current knowledge and do some questionable things...like putting a 7 month old to bed wrapped up in a boppy pillow (so it's like a big ol' hug) and that type of thing, or just never ever leaving the house because it's too much work to get out the door.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The one thing I would want to know more about in your situation is how current is her infant safety knowledge? Does she know how to probably use a carseat? Does she put baby to bed on tummy or back? Those types of things. I've seen some older nannies who don't keep up with current knowledge and do some questionable things...like putting a 7 month old to bed wrapped up in a boppy pillow (so it's like a big ol' hug) and that type of thing, or just never ever leaving the house because it's too much work to get out the door.

Hmm... those sound like stupid and lazy nannies, not older nannies! All nannies should have extensive CPR training (the eight hour course) and be up to date on all newborn and infant care directives( takes two minutes to read but classes are also available at Red Cross). We had a young, healthy, vibrant college aged nanny who put the baby's onsie under the diaper -- so age is not a real factor in competence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The one thing I would want to know more about in your situation is how current is her infant safety knowledge? Does she know how to probably use a carseat? Does she put baby to bed on tummy or back? Those types of things. I've seen some older nannies who don't keep up with current knowledge and do some questionable things...like putting a 7 month old to bed wrapped up in a boppy pillow (so it's like a big ol' hug) and that type of thing, or just never ever leaving the house because it's too much work to get out the door.

Thanks...yes I think she would be willing to take a course. She is up to date with CPR and says she believes in lots of outdoor time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again...just wanted to say thanks to all for the reassuring comments. Yes, her recent references say she is very good at taking directions, good at keeping to schedule parents set, and so on. She seems to be a lot less ego driven than other younger nannies we have had. I don't anticipate conflict with her on that level. I am mainly worried about the physical aspect but I can see how this is more of an issue at 1.5+ than now. Good things to think about.

I think you are being a little silly and quite ageist. Unless this nanny is 80 or in poor health, I don't see where the stamina issue comes into play. My mother is 60 and still runs marathons. I would hire an older nanny in a heartbeat if I could find one.

Thanks for your opinion. My question is based on the fact that I'm not as fit as I was at 20, and the same goes for the vast majority of people I know. Maybe you know something about the general rules of aging that I don't?

Apparently, I do know something more than you about general rules of aging!

It is not age but overall health that matters. We are taking about taking care and teaching little ones here - not sharp shooting or professional sports! Of course, general health and fitness matter more than age for a nanny. If you are a mother or young children and not as fit as you were in your twenties, that is your fault - not a product of your age. My mother who will be 61 next year ran the NYC marathon while my next door neighbor who is clinically obese and only 29 had a heart attack. Fitness not age.

How interesting. It sounds as if your mother might beat death, and as if general statistics matter a lot less to you than anecdotes. I wonder why the National Institute on Aging says:

"The rate and progression of cellular aging can vary greatly from person to person. But generally, over time, aging affects the cells of every major organ of the body. Changes can start early. Some impact our health and function more seriously than others. For instance, around the age of 20, lung tissue starts to lose elasticity, and the muscles of the rib cage slowly begin to shrink. As a result, the maximum amount of air you can inhale decreases. In the gut, production of digestive enzymes diminishes, affecting your ability to absorb foods properly and maintain a nutritional balance. Blood vessels in your heart accumulate fatty deposits and lose flexibility to varying degrees, resulting in what used to be called “hardening of the arteries” or atherosclerosis. Over time, women’s vaginal fluid production decreases, and sexual tissues atrophy. In men, aging decreases sperm production, and the prostate can become enlarged."

Of course, different individuals age differently and genetics matter. But overall, I don't think it's ageist at all to say that biological and physical function peaks between 20-35 years of age. Why would athletes retire if what you say is true?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again...just wanted to say thanks to all for the reassuring comments. Yes, her recent references say she is very good at taking directions, good at keeping to schedule parents set, and so on. She seems to be a lot less ego driven than other younger nannies we have had. I don't anticipate conflict with her on that level. I am mainly worried about the physical aspect but I can see how this is more of an issue at 1.5+ than now. Good things to think about.

I think you are being a little silly and quite ageist. Unless this nanny is 80 or in poor health, I don't see where the stamina issue comes into play. My mother is 60 and still runs marathons. I would hire an older nanny in a heartbeat if I could find one.

Thanks for your opinion. My question is based on the fact that I'm not as fit as I was at 20, and the same goes for the vast majority of people I know. Maybe you know something about the general rules of aging that I don't?

Apparently, I do know something more than you about general rules of aging!

It is not age but overall health that matters. We are taking about taking care and teaching little ones here - not sharp shooting or professional sports! Of course, general health and fitness matter more than age for a nanny. If you are a mother or young children and not as fit as you were in your twenties, that is your fault - not a product of your age. My mother who will be 61 next year ran the NYC marathon while my next door neighbor who is clinically obese and only 29 had a heart attack. Fitness not age.

How interesting. It sounds as if your mother might beat death, and as if general statistics matter a lot less to you than anecdotes. I wonder why the National Institute on Aging says:

"The rate and progression of cellular aging can vary greatly from person to person. But generally, over time, aging affects the cells of every major organ of the body. Changes can start early. Some impact our health and function more seriously than others. For instance, around the age of 20, lung tissue starts to lose elasticity, and the muscles of the rib cage slowly begin to shrink. As a result, the maximum amount of air you can inhale decreases. In the gut, production of digestive enzymes diminishes, affecting your ability to absorb foods properly and maintain a nutritional balance. Blood vessels in your heart accumulate fatty deposits and lose flexibility to varying degrees, resulting in what used to be called “hardening of the arteries” or atherosclerosis. Over time, women’s vaginal fluid production decreases, and sexual tissues atrophy. In men, aging decreases sperm production, and the prostate can become enlarged."

Of course, different individuals age differently and genetics matter. But overall, I don't think it's ageist at all to say that biological and physical function peaks between 20-35 years of age. Why would athletes retire if what you say is true?

Oh, Sweetie, nannies are not professional athletes and mothers are not professional athletes. Please stop being so silly and either stop posting or admit that you are being ageist. Would you hesitate to see a 60 year old physician or hire a 60 year old attorney? What about teachers - will all of your children's teachers be between the ages of 25 and 30? You are over-inflating the physical challenges of happily caring for and teaching a a child (perhaps you have some physical issues like obesity?). I am young but refuse to ever fall into the ageist propaganda you seem to buy into for a nanny position. So unfair and ugly.

Now I am done with this thread. Look within and I hope your potential nanny never reads this forum.

[Anonymous]

I have a slightly overweight nanny and she rocks. Anyone can have health issues, skinny or overweight.

[Anonymous]

It depends. I have seen some older nannies being super involve and doing their job just right and some dozing off on the job at library/park or unable to move and keep up with their charge. Take your chances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends. I have seen some older nannies being super involve and doing their job just right and some dozing off on the job at library/park or unable to move and keep up with their charge. Take your chances.

I have a younger nanny but I have also seen young nannies dozing off and seemingly unable to move to keep up with their charges. Our younger nanny has a major problem with addiction to her phone which is not as prevalent in older nannies.

I think the person matters more than the age.

[Anonymous]

It's hard to have recent infant experience if she's spent a significant amount of time with her previous family. See how she does with her preschooler in order to gaige her energy level. Plan on a trial period and don't hesitate to not continue with her if she doesn't seem to be ideal.

[Anonymous]

If all other aspects of this nanny are a great fit, go for it! You can always have her take a class on infant care or have a service come in to train her and you on the latest safety guidelines and care, proper use of equipment, etc. I think she sounds like a wonderful person who will provide loving care to your infant while respecting your parental boundaries. Good luck!