Baby hasn't taken to nanny

[Anonymous]

We've had our nanny for 2 months now and while I really like her personally and she does the job well for the most part, I am just not sure she is the right fit for our baby. The baby is pretty easy going with me or DH, but cries a good amount with the nanny. Not all day or anything, but much more than when with us or even with my mom or MIL who babysit on occasion. Maybe the nanny is not nurturing/comforting enough, maybe it's that she isn't engaging enough - it's hard to explain exactly. She is just a quiet person and maybe that is part of it. When the baby gets upset she doesn't pick her up and hug her and talk sweetly to her or anything. She just kind of shushes her (not in a mean way at all) and walks around. She doesn't seem super affectionate, which DH and I are and the baby seems to respond well to.

The nanny tells me herself that the baby cries and fusses a lot, plus we have a Nest camera in her room so I can see for myself. I also work from home on occasion (but in another room with the door closed) and I can hear it.

Has anyone dealt with a nanny just not being the right fit? Do we give it more time? Again, I like the nanny but it's most important that my baby likes her. What would you do here?

[Anonymous]

I’d start the search for a new nanny.

- signed, a nanny

[Anonymous]

I'd try a "let's check in about how things are going" talk. Ask her what you can do to make her job easier/more pleasant, etc., and then tell her she's doing great and one thing you'd like is for her to rub the babies tummy if she starts fussing and if she doesn't stop within 30 seconds, you'd like her to pick the baby up, and hug and rub her back, etc.

Spell out what you want done. THEN if things don't change, look for someone else.

[Anonymous]

I think one of the reasons people hire nannies vs daycare is for the child to get undivided attention. It would bother me if manny would let my baby cry and fuss if there is no need for it. I’d look for a new nanny.

[Anonymous]

I would start a search for a new nanny as well. I think part of being a nanny is finding creative ways to sooth a crying baby and being nurturing. Be aware some people are there just for the money and not necessarily because they love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would start a search for a new nanny as well. I think part of being a nanny is finding creative ways to sooth a crying baby and being nurturing. Be aware some people are there just for the money and not necessarily because they love it.

Agree. I’m an infant nanny, I absolutely love everything about infants. I cuddle, kiss, nurture and soothe. I can’t imagine working with an infant and not cuddling and soothing them.

[Anonymous]

You need a new nanny. I have three kids, and at different points have had nannies and tried daycare. Something fits or it doesn't, usually after 2 weeks or a month at the most. You said it yourself that the nanny isn't comforting your child, and obviously your child needs to be comforted. Now is not the time for the school of hard knocks. Start looking for someone new.