How do Nanny’s manage a toddler and newborn
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Anonymous
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Hi all
I have a very energetic. 2.5 year old and a 3 month old. I am hiring a nanny to take care of both but I am nervous that the two of them would be too much for her to handle. The baby has reflux and hardly sleeps for more than 30 mins and the 2.5 year old is a handful. There is no way I can take more time off work And daycare is out as an option. I guess my question is more about how do I even find someone who can manage both.. what are activities that I can suggest she do? Has anyone dealt with this issue? |
Anonymous
| She should have prior experience caring for those age groups and be able to create a schedule that works for both. I'm not sure what her limits would be due to COVID but when I was in that arrangement (2 toddler, 1 newborn) , when the baby was asleep (even for 30 minutes) that gave me time with the older ones to do crafts, although, we still did crafts when the baby was awake. During awake time, you can have the baby in the swing, play mat or even holding the baby, while you play with the other child(ren), read stories, sing songs etc. The parents were also okay with baby napping in the stroller, so we would take walks, go to the museum, playground etc. which was also good for all children. Someone with prior experience will be able to ease your mind— also, at 2.5, most kids are a little more independent (i.e., will play by themselves, get dressed, help assist with setting the table and cooking with nanny— at least my babies were, cleaning up with little to no assistance) and will probably be excited about big the big sister/brother. Trust your gut and check references that can verify what nanny says she's capable of. |
Anonymous
| You need to find someone experienced not only with the ages but also handling an infant with reflux at the same time as a toddler/preschooler. Some nannies just can’t handle the stress of an infant with reflux, so check carefully. |
Anonymous
| I can empathize. My son just turned 3 when my daughter was born. The nanny at the time, while very experienced and kind, could not meet the needs of my very energetic 3 year-old. He needed someone to play with and create fun activities for him and she was more comfortable and preferred to be with the baby. She didn't have the stamina to walk to various playgrounds on the hill or the creativity to keep him engaged while she tended to the infant. We sadly had to let her go bc of the fit. When we looked for our next nanny (who is amazing and a great fit for our family), we stressed that we needed someone with lots of energy and creativity and asked her references about this specifically. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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Nanny here. Reflux is tough! Just hire someone with a lot of experience and have reasonable goals. When I have been in similar situations, I basically wore the baby in the carrier most of the morning. That way they are upright and as comfortable as possible while I did something like take the toddler on a walk or played in the yard. Then during nap for the toddler I would try to have the baby take a real nap in the crib or bassinet and do some tummy time if possible.
You have probably already done this for yourself, but I would encourage you to have at least one room in the house that is thoroughly toddler-proofed because feeds can take forever with a reflux baby, and having a safe space where the toddler can’t hurt himself or make a tremendous mess will allow the nanny to focus on the baby for feeds. |
Anonymous
+1 23.04 again. For a nanny experienced with a toddler or preschooler and an infant with reflux, it’s not too hard. But I know of several nannies who quit 1-2 weeks in after realizing they didn’t have the patience to deal with reflux. |
Anonymous
| A good nanny will know how to handle these. |