I don’t know how to nanny two children.

[Anonymous]

I’ve only been a nanny for seven years although I was a preschool teacher for 15 years prior. My only job before this one was an only child for five years. I’ve been in my new position for two years with my brilliant charge and my employer just had a new baby.

I’m very engaged with my two-year-old charge and he definitely expects and enjoys my engagement. Right now, my employer is on maternity leave and her mother is with us but come January, I’ll have both children alone.

So my question is: what things can I put in place now to make this a smooth transition for both myself and my older charge? Should I get my own carrier for the baby (who will be 3.5 months)? Any advice is welcome.

Thanks, nannies and SAHMs!

[Anonymous]

There’s a huge difference between preschool with a class of the same age and two children 2 years apart, especially when one is an infant.

First of all, you need to check with the parents and find out how they feel about the infant sleeping anywhere other than at home in the crib. This will determine how much your schedule for the toddler will change.

Second, you need to find out if the baby will be ebf, bottlefed with pumped milk or formula fed. This will also determine how much your toddler’s schedule will change.

Don’t make any plans to get a carrier (they should provide a body carrier, if they want you to use it).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s a huge difference between preschool with a class of the same age and two children 2 years apart, especially when one is an infant.

First of all, you need to check with the parents and find out how they feel about the infant sleeping anywhere other than at home in the crib. This will determine how much your schedule for the toddler will change.

Second, you need to find out if the baby will be ebf, bottlefed with pumped milk or formula fed. This will also determine how much your toddler’s schedule will change.

Don’t make any plans to get a carrier (they should provide a body carrier, if they want you to use it).

OP here and thanks for your response. First, my employers are fine with the nanny sleeping places other than her crib. Second, EBF. Mother will nurse when home (she’s always worked from home) and I’ll give the baby pumped milk bottle once or twice a day.

I have their credit card and the parents told me to buy anything I think I’ll need. They’ve always been great about stuff like that. Parents told me to charge a carrier if I think it would help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a huge difference between preschool with a class of the same age and two children 2 years apart, especially when one is an infant.

First of all, you need to check with the parents and find out how they feel about the infant sleeping anywhere other than at home in the crib. This will determine how much your schedule for the toddler will change.

Second, you need to find out if the baby will be ebf, bottlefed with pumped milk or formula fed. This will also determine how much your toddler’s schedule will change.

Don’t make any plans to get a carrier (they should provide a body carrier, if they want you to use it).

OP here and thanks for your response. First, my employers are fine with the nanny sleeping places other than her crib. Second, EBF. Mother will nurse when home (she’s always worked from home) and I’ll give the baby pumped milk bottle once or twice a day.

I have their credit card and the parents told me to buy anything I think I’ll need. They’ve always been great about stuff like that. Parents told me to charge a carrier if I think it would help.

*. Fine with the baby (not nanny) sleeping places other than the crib!!

[Anonymous]

You sound like a good nanny working for good people. You’ll get the hang of it.

My advice for now would be to start solitary play/quiet play with your charge so he gets a little used to playing without you engaged or watching him. Also take this time to really double check for any possible child-proofing goofs a the lamp he’s never shown any interest in with the hanging cord, bathroom cabinets, etc. It’s amazing what they can get into when you’re forced to take your eyes off them!! Talk to your employer about crafting the baby’s schedule around the older child’s schedule.

I, personally, love the BabyBjorn Carrier Free.