Can I ask our nanny to do non-related baby stuff?

[Anonymous]

We wrote it into our contract. That we wouldn't ask for anything that couldn't be done via public transit, and it would not be more than X number of errands in a week. It's been working out fine for five years now.

[Anonymous]

Nannies take care of children. They are not housekeepers. There is a difference.

[Anonymous]

I think its ok to ask for stuff like that. It actually makes the day go quicker to get out and about and do things. As long as you are realistic about expectations I think its fine.
As child gets older its good for them to realise that the world doesnt revolve around them and that we do things to help other people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nannies take care of children. They are not housekeepers. There is a difference.

Going to the post office or picking up a couple of things at the store is not housekeeping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I do weekly grocery runs for nanny family. I also runerrands such as dry cleaning or picking up presents for their friends kids. I also cook for the family occasionally. I work with two-year-old twins and have been with them since they were born. It is certainly possible to find someone who is willing to do these types of things, but you may have to pay a little bit more and be upfront about the fact that you would like someone who can take on a little bit of a household manager role.

Op here. We have a housekeeper and will not ask her to do things weekly. We may ask her to drop things in the mailbox, run and pick up extra diapers if the shipment hasn't arrived, and pick up things at the store or the farmers market when the baby starts eating solids.

I would happily drop thing in the mailbox, pick up extra diapers and baby supplies and take the baby food shopping. I am a nanny and consider this all pretty standard nanny duties (well I guess dropping stuff in the mail isn't really but toddlers love posting things). I think its nice to get out of the house in between naps for a walk to the supermarket, or come home from the park via the store.

[Anonymous]

Why can't you ask the housekeeper to do this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hum no. A baby requires a lots of attention and a structured schedule to a T, asking a nanny to handle miscellaneous stuff is asking for trouble. Must be your first child but you will learn soon.

What the heck? How do you think stay at home parents, or nannies of multiple children handle daily tasks?

[Anonymous]

You can, and she can decline.

Depends on the nanny and the needs of your baby. I nannied for twins from 2 weeks to 2 years, and could handle grocery shoppings and extra chores.

I never felt like I took time away from the twins, or had a hard time balancing both.

Just make sure it's an environment where she never is forced to choose between household chores and your child. Don't overload her and keep communication open.

Have your pay reflect her responsibilities.

[Anonymous]

Of course. Babies sleep a lot. Mine slept 4-5 hrs during the 10 hr shift. I asked nanny to do nothing, but that was because I didn't think my rate was on the high side. Baby now a toddler. I actually do all the baby laundry, replace diaper pail, prep purees, do the baby dishes. Because of my original promise she could have nap times off, I feel a little trapped about asking her to do stuff now. I'd raise it in the beginning.