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Getting your nanny job off to a good start: our top 5 tips
You’ve landed your next nanny job - congratulations! Welcome to the start of your new nanny-parent relationship.
Parents nowadays are more likely to be working from home, which means you’re more at risk of stepping on their toes than ever. This can all be avoided by developing a good relationship with your employer, but where do you begin?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips on how to develop a positive relationship with your employer that will stand the test of time.
Don't be afraid to ask questions
Whether you’re new to nannying or have years of experience among the best nannies from a top nanny and childcare agency, you’ll know that every placement can be radically different from the next. Therefore, it’s important that you learn as much as you can about your new environment as early as possible. Get yourself clued up on everything you can about the child (or children) you’ll be looking after: do they have any allergies or intolerances? What’s their routine at the moment?
Be clear on what's expected of you
Even if you know what your role entails, be sensitive to the fact that your understanding of your nanny services and how something is done can be totally different to the parents’.
Before starting your job, review what your duties are and highlight any that you think you need more clarity on. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification; it’ll show that you’re being proactive in your role, plus it could prevent any awkward encounters in the future.
Communication is key
Regardless of whether you're live-in or live-out, you'll be spending a lot of time in the house, meaning it's more likely you'll be seeing the parent on a regular basis as working from home becomes more popular. As both parties will be spending more time in the same space, it's important for nannies in UK to establish good channels of communication to avoid conflict.
One thing to immediately establish is how to communicate with the parents if something isn't working or is troubling you. By knowing how to approach them on these matters, you'll be more likely to work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
Be open to change
Even the most thought-through plans don’t always go as expected, so it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for change.
However, if you're really not happy with the changes, we highly recommend arranging a sit down conversation with the parents to talk about what your concerns are and why you feel this way. Be prepared for some push-back and be open to negotiation. It’s important to try to be as flexible as possible to keep everyone happy, and honesty is always the best policy.
Ask for feedback
Since your relationship with the parent is going to be long-term, you want to be keeping in check with what their expectations of you are and if there is anything else you can do to improve. Feedback is an imperative part of any job as it allows you to have someone else objectively review your performance to tell you what’s working and what isn’t.
These feedback sessions also act as a good opportunity for you to pitch new ideas to the parent. You might suggest setting up a playdate with another toddler their child met at the park earlier in the week, or have found a new educational app you think they might be interested in. This will show that you’re thinking of new ways to engage the child, leaving the parent satisfied that their bundle of joy is in good hands.
Building a lasting relationship over time takes work, but little and often works wonders with the best nanny agency in UK. However, if at any point you find yourself struggling to establish a good relationship with a parent, get in touch with us at [email protected] or on 020 3432 0234 and we’ll give you some pointers. We act as a neutral intermediary between you and your employer and are happy to help you through any issues you may be facing.
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Ways To Develop Your Child’s Social Skills In Lockdown
With schools, nurseries, playgrounds and summer camps across the country having been closed since March, many children have seen their opportunities to interact with others vastly limited, consequently restricting opportunities to develop all-too-important social skills such as listening, attention and cooperation. However, while these traditional methods of social interaction are currently unavailable, early year development experts have been working throughout lockdown to offer alternative ways to interact with others.
To understand exactly what these alternatives were, myTamarin reached out to teaching assistants (TAs), a child psychologist and parents across the globe to hear how they’ve continued to work on these key skills when the opportunities to do so aren’t obvious.
Here’s how you can improve your children's social skills while still in lockdown.
Read!
As well as being both affordable and accessible, reading is one of the best ways to develop basic communication and social skills in children.
Whenever you read to your child, they need to pay attention and actively listen in order to keep up with the story, occasionally participating if the book is interactive and invites them to engage. Reading with others is a great way for children to learn how to behave in a group, encouraging them to speak loudly and clearly to address their peers, as well as making sure they share the book fairly and wait until it is their turn to speak.
One of the TAs that spoke to myTamarin told us that she regularly reads with the children in her care over Zoom, making sure that the children are taking turns and listening to one another.
Watch films where friendship and family is central to the plot
Story content can also provide multiple examples of strong relationships between families, friends and neighbours as well as demonstrating how they all interact with each other. One parent we spoke to told us how she and her six-year-old would watch films where the plot is centred around these themes, citing Frozen and Finding Nemo as their favourites!
By simply witnessing the interactions between the characters in the stories, your child will pick up on the traits and habits of the “good guys” and the “bad guys” and see how each character’s actions affect their outcomes. Children are more likely to mimic the “good guys” who save the day and get the happily ever after, than the “bad guys” who are banished from the kingdom forever.
Get performing!
Has your little one ever sat you down to watch them sing, perform a magic trick or act out a scene with a sibling or some friends? If so - encore! Giving children the chance to perform not only builds up their self-esteem, but helps them to develop their verbal communication skills.
Another TA that myTamarin spoke to told us how one of her students made a virtual presentation for his classmates, entirely taking control of the session as he communicated his passions to his peers. At the end, he was able to monitor the audience’s reactions and would engage with others to take and answer their questions.
Drama performances are also a good way to get your child building up their confidence and communication skills. By actively getting involved in the story, they see exactly what actions make the hero “good” and the villain “bad”. For example, while the villain is cold, calculating and selfish, the hero is kind, generous and friends with everyone.
Costumes are a great way to get into character, so consider getting the kids a superhero cape or a golden crown in preparation for your next trip to the living room theatre.
Encourage role play with toys
Much like the point above, role play allows children to act out scenarios with toys and imaginary friends. Popular role playing examples include hosting tea parties, where children will have conversations with the “guests” (usually consisting of a teddy bear, some dolls, a couple of imaginary friends and, if they’re particularly persuasive, an adult) and share food and drink around the table. Not only does this give children the opportunity to practice interacting in social settings, but it’s also great for developing fine motor skills!
To encourage them to start role playing, bring the scene to life by buying and making your own props. Children have extraordinary imaginations, so you don’t have to worry about splashing out - with the flash of a wand, a plastic watering can becomes a kettle, and some pillows on the floor sets the scene for the fanciest restaurant in London!
To get you started, check out our video on how to make your own doily.
Go outside
Going outside may not always guarantee sunshine, but it does promise fresh air, exercise and the chance to play some outdoorsy games.
These outside activities are a great way to get children to work together towards a common goal. Scavenger hunts are a great way to do this in lockdown - hide some objects around the garden and write down a set of clues that will point them towards the buried treasure. To make it a group activity, you can video call other family members or friends to help out with the clues!
For more outdoor activity ideas, check out myTamarin’s outdoor activity recommendations.
Get them to help out around the house
Not only does getting your little ones to clean up after themselves mean keeping your house tidy, but it also gives you a chance to teach them valuable social skills.
Activities such as cooking and cleaning require adult supervision, so must listen carefully to instructions and collaborate with others to make sure they aren’t repeating the same steps. One child psychologist recommends gardening as a way to teach children empathy, as this tasks them with nurturing and growing their own plant.
Engage with family and friends on a regular basis
Above all, making sure your child speaks to a wide variety of people is one of the best ways for them to develop social skills. According to the child psychologist we spoke to, not only does it boost their self-esteem, making them more confident and outgoing, but it also develops a foundation for developing physical communication skills, such as eye contact and body language.
One way to do this is to get your child to check in with their friends or family members via virtual platforms, such as Zoom or Skype. This helps them to build long lasting relationships when the opportunity to interact in person isn’t there and encourages them to maintain contact post-lockdown too.
Getting in touch with family members, while great for developing these relationships, can also be great for learning other valuable skills. One parent we spoke to told us that her children had baked cakes with her mother and played with their mother-in-law’s dog all via video calls, showing that even at a distance you can still make great memories!
Write a letter
Another way to get your child to communicate with others is through letter writing. While the added benefit of visual and verbal cues mentioned in the point above are limited to the written word, writing a letter challenges children to communicate in a clear and concise way, all the while improving their spelling and grammar. Plus, everyone loves a letter!
One parent who spoke to myTamarin told us how her children wrote thank you letters to key workers, sending them to fire stations and hospitals, as well as leaving messages of hope for the neighbours when going out on their daily walks. Even in lockdown, we can still show our children how to be kind to others.
Here at myTamarin, we strongly believe that children need constant love and support from many different sources to grow and develop into socially competent adults. That’s why we say it takes a village to raise a child.
For more expert tips, click here to join our Academy today for lessons on health and safety in the home, coronavirus care and more.
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How to Spot a Fake Nanny Reference
It’s important to conduct thorough background checks to make sure your potential nanny is both fully qualified and competent enough to look after your little ones. But, in an attempt to cover up a bad experience with a previous employer or to appear more experienced than they actually are, some nannies will fake their references, either by writing their own reference or asking a friend to pretend to be a parent on the phone.
The statistics are scary and we know that not every parent has the luxury of having an agency screen nanny services for them. As a parent, you’ll have a rough idea of what your child’s routine is like when you’re not there, based on reports from family members and any previous nannies you may have had. Naturally, if the referee can’t go into detail about what their children’s routines are, the alarm bells in your head should start ringing.
Fake nanny references tend to list out responsibilities, typically describing a normal day with little to no detail about each activity. Spotting them is very important, so you can ensure that your children are cared for by only the best nannies.
To see exactly what we mean, here’s an example of a written reference :
If you do stumble across a nanny reference like this, we recommend chasing them up via phone call and asking for specific details. If the parent only states the obvious - for example, the child woke up, played for a bit, watched some television and then had lunch - ask them to go into detail. For example, do you have restrictions on screen time, and did the nanny adhere to them? These are basic questions that are asked about all types of nanny services. If there’s an obvious hesitation or the referee starts to get flustered, you know that this is not a real parent and that you’ve caught them in their lie.
Details like this can determine whether or not the nanny reference is fake. Not only can you tell by how they answer - as mentioned above, it is highly unlikely that a parent would get the year their child was born wrong - but also in how they react to each question. With detail-specific questions, if the referee needs to stall for time it’s likely they’ll ask you to repeat the question or will say they can’t hear you. If they’re really stuck, sometimes they’ll just hang up!
When it comes to asking for details, ask them to confirm things like birthdays, start dates, what year they’re in at school, etc. Some parents may be a little reluctant to give out personal information about their child at first, but will nonetheless be able to answer confidently, perhaps saying August 2015 rather than 8th August 2015. With questions like this, confidence is key.
Lying about the length of placement is usually the result of a nanny trying to claim that they’re loyal, committed and able to stick around for a while. Spending a long time in one placement also justifies asking for a higher salary, as it shows they have had experience working with children over a long period of time.
While there are nannies and even maternity night nurse out there that have had long placements, there’s nothing wrong with looking into this. When you first speak to the referee, make sure you double check the dates, asking what the nanny’s schedule consisted of on a day to day basis and how it changed over the years as the children got older. Similar to the points above, try to get as much detail out of their responses as possible.
Another thing to keep an eye out for when reaching out to long-term former employers is how they would like you to contact them. After working together for so long, it’s highly unlikely the nanny would lose contact with the family altogether.
At this point, we recommend using the email address provided to ask for a phone number, so you can arrange a phone call. Question the length of the message they send you - this one would have taken approximately five minutes to type out, long enough for them to say the same thing in a verbal reference. If they ignore your requests to speak over the phone, much like this referee did, odds are you're dealing with a fake.
We touched on this briefly in the point above, but this is a big red flag. Even if you have a phone number, sometimes the referees will not pick up, choosing to email or WhatsApp you instead.
The first place to look if you suspect something is in their written references. How do they write? Is the referee’s writing style similar to the nanny’s? How do they describe the nanny? One way to check the facts is to look up the parents on LinkedIn. Does the email address on their account match the one the nanny has given you? Does their position and location match up to what you’ve been told by the nanny?
The next red flag comes if the parent is reluctant to schedule a call, or can only call at a specific time on a specific day. It’s entirely plausible that the parent has a hectic schedule and needs to set aside some time, but it’s worth pushing for that phone call to investigate your suspicions. Look out for their excuses; if their excuse seems too generic or completely false altogether, it’s worth examining further.
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The Four Pillars of Childcare
It’s almost time to go back to work and you’ve decided you need an extra pair of hands to help you with your little ones. The question is: what childcare options are out there?
Too often parents find that they will go down a certain childcare path recommended by a friend or an online forum, only to find it doesn’t work for them and their family.
There are typically four categories of childcare available: childcare companies, childminders, nannies, and family or friends. In this article, we will be breaking down each type of childcare along with their pros and cons to help you find the best solution for you and your family.
Option 1: Childcare companies
Childcare companies include kindergartens, creches, and nurseries. Children are typically dropped off by a parent and cared for all day by the nursery staff, and take part in activities with a focus on learning and development, such as drawing, playing, and interacting with other children of similar ages and singing songs. Most nurseries have a “key worker policy”, meaning your children will be looked after by a particular member of the nursery staff who will report back to you at the end of each day.
Nurseries are Ofsted regulated and regularly inspected by official bodies to ensure they meet a certain standard of safety and staffing. All staff working in a nursery have been inspected by Ofsted and will have been DBS checked and trained in pediatric first aid.
Many parents opt for a nursery because of their potential for social interaction. Your child is taught to share and play with others (which is especially important if they don't have any siblings) and become familiar with the nursery staff, giving them a sense of structure and familiarity outside of the home. It also allows you as a parent to connect with other adults, which can be helpful if you cannot pick up or drop off your child one day.
However, nurseries have set opening and closing times, and often charge extra if you are late picking up your child. This can be a problem if you work shifts or have long hours, or even if you have a commute where getting stuck in traffic is a possibility.
Another issue that comes with nurseries is that one-on-one interaction is not always a possibility, leaving some children without the extra support they may need. They may not always get on with the other children either, which may make them dread going each day.
While many see nurseries as an economical option, this is only the case if you are enrolling one child. Costs can very quickly add up if you have two or more children in the nursery at the same time.
Finally, as nurseries mean your child will be interacting with other children, they are more likely to get sick and bring infection into your home. This is especially so in the current coronavirus pandemic, which has seen nurseries across the country close. Nurseries will also not admit sick children, which may leave you needing back-up care at the last minute.
Option 2: Childminders
Similar to nurseries, childminders work with children from different families, but this time from the comfort of their own homes. They are all Ofsted inspected, DBS checked and have checked in with social services. They can be found on social media groups and through the local council and government websites.
As childminders look after different children, it means that your child will be with children of different age groups, which much like nursery sees that they will be able to develop their social and interpersonal skills. Childminders are also likely to have their own children, which means that they will be able to empathize with you as a parent and better meet your child’s needs.
Childminders also look after far fewer children than nurseries, meaning that your child is more likely to get more attention and will be able to develop a relationship with their childminder.
However, childminders cannot always guarantee back-up care if they are unwell or on holiday, which may leave you without back-up care at the last minute. As childminders are normally part of a network they may recommend another childminder for this time, but this is not always the case.
With childminders being based in their own homes, there is no guarantee that they will be flexible when it comes to picking up or dropping off at after school clubs. There is also no guarantee that you will be able to come across a good childminder in your local area. Reputable childminders are likely to be booked up for months and that’s providing there are childminders in the area, both close enough to your child’s school and to your place of work, so that drop-off and pick-up won't interfere with your commute time too much.
Option 3: Family Members
Family members are a popular option for those who are in the enviable position of having them close by, whether it's a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or even a (much older) sibling. Family members are usually happy to look after your children for free and provide a familiar face when you are away. If an aunt or uncle has their own children of a similar age, it can be a great opportunity for the children to develop the social skills they would in other childcare settings.
However, many working parents are likely to have moved away from their families for work, meaning that this option is not always available. Even if they do have family members close by, there is no guarantee that they will be available to help out, especially if they are working too. There is also the risk of spreading illnesses to elderly relatives and factors such as shielding may mean they are unavailable.
Option 4: Nannies
Nannies provide one-on-one care for your child in their familiar home surroundings and are entirely focused on tending to their needs, from feeding and cleaning, to educational activities and play time. As this is in the child’s home, the nanny can cater towards the child’s schedule, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible.
A nanny is also a familiar face and can very quickly come to feel like a part of the family. This is especially the case with our best nannies at myTamarin. As we focus on matching parents and nannies by both objective and subjective criteria, we have seen placements last 2.5x longer than the rest of the market.
There are also logistical and scheduling benefits associated with hiring nannies in UK, especially if your nanny is live-in. By having their nanny services around constantly, it means there is less worry if there is a traffic jam or you need to work late, and nannies can be especially helpful in putting your child to bed if need be. You also won’t have to worry about taking time off work for trips to the dentist or doctor, and nannies will generally be flexible when it comes to picking up from after school clubs and events.
Nannies can also help out with light housework, such as laundry and cooking (or more general household duties in the case of nanny housekeepers in UK) meaning that you have more time in the evenings to spend quality time with your family.
The main reason many parents hesitate to hire a nanny is because of the cost. This is a valid concern, but only if you have one child; with two or more children, nannies can be cost-effective, and far cheaper than nurseries or other forms of childcare.
Many parents also worry that their child may not be well socialised and may only have limited opportunities to interact with other children. If this is a concern of yours, speak to your nanny - most are happy to take your little ones to play centres and parks, or arrange play-dates so that they get the interaction and develop the social skills they need.
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What it takes to be a nanny in 2020
Like any industry, the global nanny market is continually evolving. This year in particular, we are seeing changes in the types of positions and what families are looking for, largely driven by the impact of CV-19.
Whether you’re a nanny looking for a new job, a parent looking to hire a nanny, or a babysitter, nursery nurse or teacher looking for a career change with nanny jobs in UK, here are some of the trends we’re seeing across the industry.
1. Nannies are no longer flying solo
With parents working more and more exclusively from home, the working environment for nannies in UK has changed. Nannies (particularly sole charge) have gone from little or no supervision during the day while the parents are at work, to what may (unintentionally) feel like constant supervision. This can cause tension if not managed carefully. While the most successful nannies from the best nanny agency in UK have carefully honed skills which mean they are sensitive enough to know when to step in and step out and how to let go of the small stuff if things don’t go as planned, the current WFH situation can test even the most experienced and best nannies as well as laid back parents.
myTamarin says: Open and honest conversation about expectations and boundaries between parents and nannies, as well as feedback is more important than ever.
2. Matching based on subjective criteria leads to 2.5x longer placements
Childcare agencies typically suggest candidates based purely on objective criteria (e.g. availability, experience, and geographic proximity), which means the more subjective criteria often go ignored. In the new world we’re living in, matching based on criteria such as personality, values, communication and parenting style, is more important than ever. If you’re not feeling the chemistry in the first place, chances are it’s not going to work out for the long-term when you’re living and working in close proximity day after day.
myTamarin says: Questions such as “what things did you like/annoyed you about your last family/nanny” or asking about family and upbringing can help uncover some of those more subjective preferences and characteristics.
3. A pitch in attitude will go a long way
While most nannies are team players, they are generally used to working within the scope of a specific role and duties as part of their nanny services -- for example, as a nanny will spend most of her time with the children and be required to do some light child-related domestic duties and a nanny-housekeeper may spend less time with the children and more time cleaning, cooking, washing, etc. -- the lines are becoming blurred in this current environment –- parents are stepping in and handling some of the nanny’s duties or may be asking nannies to pitch in and help out with things they wouldn’t do under normal circumstances. Those team player traits are needed more than ever.
myTamarin says: Flexibility is key on both sides and having the willingness and ability to work effectively with other adults within the home and share the burden is a highly needed skill.
4. Is temp to perm the new norm?
Rather than going straight into a permanent search, more and more families are starting off with temporary cover while they take their time to find the right permanent nanny. What we’re finding in many cases is that the family are coming to love the temporary nanny and end up offering them the permanent role. There are benefits to this approach for both sides as it really does give you the opportunity to figure out if you have that chemistry and it’s a good match before committing. Temporary jobs and online nanny jobs are a great opportunity for people who are just starting out as a nanny, or transitioning from a different sector of childcare, to build some relevant experience.
myTamarin says: Nannies who are hanging out for that perfect permanent position, should be open to temporary positions as you never know how it will turn out.
5. A nanny’s online presence is as important as her CV
The days of purely hiring through CVs and written references are long gone. The more thorough agencies and employers are going to do at least two verbal reference checks with previous employers and will also check out a nanny’s online presence too. Yes, nannies are allowed a social life, but need to be able to balance this with maintaining a professional presence and demonstrating their love and suitability for childcare.
myTamarin says: At the most basic level, the right social media profile picture will help. We're also seeing that nannies who are really serious about standing out from the crowd are starting to create their own childcare/nanny specific social media pages to help build a professional brand.
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Nanny or nursery? Weighing up the options
The time has come for you to return to work. You’ve narrowed down the options and are now faced with the dilemma of deciding between sending your child(ren) to a nursery or hiring a private nanny.
In this guide, we objectively discuss the pros and cons of nannies and nurseries so that you can weigh up the options and make a well informed decision that will provide the best level of childcare for you and your family.
The benefits of hiring a private nanny
One-to-one care, consistency and flexibility
Families who hire private nannies, love the fact that their child(ren) have one-to-one care in their familiar home surroundings. A nanny will be 100% focused on attending to the needs of your child(ren) and will stick to your preferred daily schedule when it comes to meal times, nap times, play time, educational activities, and more.
A nanny is a consistent familiar face who will quickly come to feel like part of the family. In nurseries, the turnover of staff can be high which means your child(ren) may need to adapt to new faces on a regular basis.
There are also logistical and scheduling benefits associated with hiring a nanny feom the best nanny agency in UK. You won’t have to juggle drop off and pick up with your daily routine and commute. It will also give you more flexibility, if for example you are running late due to a meeting or public transport lets you down. And if you are running late for some reason, you can be confident your child(ren)’s normal routine will continue without being interrupted. What’s more, you won’t need to take time off work for your child(ren)’s routine dental and doctor visits, or if they are sick.
Because a nanny will perform nanny services as well as child-related duties such as light housework, laundry and cooking (or more general household duties in the case of nanny-housekeepers in UK), you will be freed up to spend more quality time with your child(ren) during the evenings and the weekend.
The benefits of nurseries
Constant simulation, social interaction and regulation
One of the main reasons parents opt for a nursery is because the interaction with other children of their own age can help them develop and improve their social skills. There will also be plenty going on to provide the constant mental stimulation they need, especially when they are toddlers. It can also help prepare them for starting full-time education as they will be used to being in a “classroom” environment with children their own age.
They are also not limited to the educational resources, toys and fun activities you might have at your disposal in the home or your local amenities. That said, there are plenty of groups, activities, etc that nannies in UK can attend with children in their care that will enable them to broaden their horizons from an early age and play-dates with children of a similar age can also provide that additional stimulation and help with development of social skills.
Nurseries are Ofsted regulated and are by law required to meet certain safety, staffing and facility standards. All staff working in a nursery are required to be Ofsted certified and have gone through training to work in a nursery. They will also be DBS checked and have a paediatric first aid.
If you are hiring a nanny, they should be DBS checked and have a paediatric first aid as a minimum. Nannies are not Ofsted regulated but there are some out there who are Ofsted certified. From our experience, most nannies will generally be open to going through Ofsted certification if a family asks them to.
Another reason why parents opt for nurseries, is that they’ve still got your childcare covered if one of the nursery nurses is off sick. That said, some nanny agencies in London like myTamarin, will provide a replacement nanny if your nanny is off sick.
Additional considerations
When faced with the nanny versus nursery dilemma, you need to look at both options objectively in the context of you and your child’s needs and personality traits. For example, some children will thrive within a nursery setting, while others can feel overwhelmed by being placed in what can be a hectic environment with a lot of other children.
Just because one approach worked well for one of your children, it doesn’t mean it will be the same for your other children. As one of the parents we spoke to recently said: “My son never really thrived in nursery like his older sister did. During these weeks of lockdown we’ve realised that he responds much better to individual care and attention”.
Cost is understandably a consideration for many. A nursery may initially feel like the most cost-effective option but when you break it down and build in early drop-off or late pick-up fees, temporary cover when your child is sick, holiday cover, etc, it may not be as black and white as you think, especially if you have more than one child.
Whichever route you go down, make sure you take the time to do thorough checks on the nurseries in your area, or the nanny agency you decide to work with as some will take nanny recruitment, background checking, reference checking and matching much more seriously than others.
If you've decided hiring a private nanny is right for you, we'd be delighted to help you with your search for the best nannies. Sign up here and we'll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
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7 creative ideas to entertain the kids this summer
With many of us changing our plans for the summer holidays, we’re starting to think about how to occupy the kids now that home school will soon be behind us. Here are a few creative activities which are sure to keep the kids happy over the coming weeks, whatever your budget. We might not be able to go away this summer, but with a bit of inspiration, our children’s imaginations can take us anywhere. Enjoy the ride!
Check the websites of your kids’ favourite illustrators as they often post art demonstrations and workshops. Much-loved children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt has some great short drawing videos on his site.
World-leading dance organisation Sadler’s Wells has developed a wonderful series of family dance workshops and there are 10 mini-classes to choose from.
Lots of fantastic kids’ shows have been made available online for a fraction of the price of a family ticket. Why not visit the theatre in your living room with this colourful production of children’s classic The Wind in the Willows. There’s even a free activity pack on the site too.
Get your children learning new language skills with the BBC’s award winning, comprehensive learning programme, MUZZY. They offer French, German, Spanish, Korean, Italian and Chinese.
There are some excellent, free tuition videos on YouTube but if you want to start introducing music to your kids before committing to music lessons, there are heaps of great apps out there for them to try out. How about starting with experts Nancy and Randall Faber and their Piano Adventures Player App?
For those days when you’re really missing getting out and about like in previous holidays- explore this brilliant selection of virtual museum tours for the whole family to enjoy.
Finally - how about signing up to Banjo Robinson? Watch your child’s delight as they start receiving twice-monthly, personalised letters and activities from a magic travelling cat! Wherever Banjo goes, he sends his little human friends a letter (written with the help of one of our excellent Writers in Residence- celebrated children’s authors Anna Kemp and Sylvia Bishop), a local recipe, a selection of stickers and a colouring-in sheet. He also sends some beautiful blank stationery, to encourage the child to write back. And they do! To add to the magic, this summer we’ve come up with Banjo Robinson’s Holidays at Home, a series of blogs which you and your family can use to bring the magic of worldwide travel to your living rooms. Planning a quick route around the country that your kids want to visit is lots of fun- you can include traditional foods, games, challenges (write a haiku in Japan, or build the Eiffel Tower from LEGO in France!) and even create your own playlist for the occasion. Subscribe today and receive a FREE starter pack!
myTamarin UK is here to help you out with creative ways to entertain your kids this summer. We are a top nanny and childcare agency functioning to provide the best nannies in UK for a wide range of nanny services.
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What to do about childcare over the summer
Finding reliable childcare and newborn help in London over the summer holidays is challenging in general. The COVID-19 pandemic has added a little bit more of an edge to finding help for working parents with children this summer.
So, what are your options?
Work from home (Highly unwelcome considering the difficult environment.)
Balancing working from home with childcare and home-schooling has been the norm for many since lockdown. Restrictions are starting to ease; however, it's likely to remain the case over the summer. Even as home schooling might be over, is it really a viable option? You’re still expected to be ‘working’ from home, so it will probably come down to the age of your children and how self-sufficient they are.
Lean on family
Not many of us are in the enviable position of having extended family to help or able to help with childcare. If restrictions do ease and your family members are not available to help out over the whole summer, then consider part-time nanny services to help out when they’re not around.
Hire a temporary nanny
A nanny from the best nanny agency in UK will give you the reassurance of having an experienced child care professional in your home. Your child(ren) will enjoy one-to-one attention, fun and educational activities with someone who will quickly come to feel like a member of the family. The number of days and hours can be flexible according to your needs. What’s more, as the nanny is coming to you, you won’t have to organise your working day around dropping your child(ren) off and picking them up.
Share a temporary nanny (if you can agree on requirements)
Sharing a nanny with another family (now being allowed by the government) will give you all the benefits of hiring a nanny, at a fraction of the cost. Your child(ren) will still have the same level of care and attention, with the extra fun that comes with having other children around. This works particularly well if the families know each other and have children of a similar age. The first hurdle families experience is agreeing (or not) on who’s the right nanny.
Hire an au pair (if they haven’t escaped the country)
Au pairs are a great, cost effective option, if you are able to track one down. They are not qualified childcare givers, but this is less of a concern if you are going to be at home. In return for accommodation, pocket-money and the cultural experience, an au pair will entertain your children, prepare their meals and do some cleaning and laundry. If you’re not too concerned about having a qualified child carer, a junior nanny or someone who is just starting out, could be a good alternative for you especially when employed from a top nanny and childcare agency like myTamarin UK.
Book a summer camp (keep your fingers crossed they actually open)
Summer camps have been planned to open this year to ease the pressure off working parents. This initiative if you intend to use it might help take them out of your zone for a few hours. The risk of contracting covid 19 from contact cannot be left unaddressed though. It makes wanting an inhouse nanny a far better option.
At myTamarin, we have nannies in UK with different levels of experience available for temporary as well as permanent positions in childcare. All our nannies are fully vetted and our pay-as-you-go model means we dont charge you an upfront fees! Sign up for care services this summer with us.
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How to onboard a nanny
In the corporate world, employee onboarding has become a science. Companies invest significant time, resource and money to deliver comprehensive programs that not only improve productivity but have also been proven to increase employee retention. It’s a fact that 62% of companies with a structured onboarding program see faster time-to-productivity. Food for thought when we as parents often expect nannies in UK to hit the ground running without much, if any onboarding at all?
Here are five steps that will increase your chances of making it work and getting you and your nanny off to the right start for a long-lasting relationship.
1. Make time for your nanny during their first couple of weeks
Your nanny isn’t a mind reader, even if she comes from the top nanny and childcare agency, so setting aside some time to sit down with her when she first arrives and in the first few weeks is crucial. This is your opportunity to reinforce your parenting style and family values, run through responsibilities and any specific requirements or ways you like to do things. It’s also a chance for the nanny to share any of her preferences. This is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for open dialogue and successful communication throughout your relationship.
2. Be clear about your expectations
Have clear expectations that build upon the job description you agreed. For example, a parent might say, I’d like you to take my child out every day, come rain or shine, for two hours. Or a nanny could say, if you get delayed at work, I’ll be able to stay late on any day except Thursdays when I have my zumba class. Also be clear about how you’d like to communicate with them during the day, for example via WhatsApp for non-urgent questions and photo updates, and in the case of an emergency, call.
3. Don’t go back on what’s already been agreed
There is nothing worse for getting your relationship off on the wrong foot with a nanny than changing what you originally agreed. Changes that should be avoided at all cost include changes to salary and/or hours and significant changes to responsibilities. Here are some examples we unfortunately see all too often:
A job was agreed for 5 days a week and the nanny is now expected to do 5.5 days a week (sometimes for the same salary).
50 hours a week was agreed originally but the nanny only gets to work 40. That’s a 20% drop, not only in hours, but in salary that the nanny’s lifestyle depends on.
A nanny’s responsibilities change from cleaning for the children, to housekeeping.
We’re not saying these changes aren’t feasible. But it can’t be a unilateral decision and they need to be specifically agreed between you. Some nannies will be flexible and open to change, and some not.
4. Don’t throw your nanny into deep water (without a paddle)
Yes, your nanny may be experienced and from the best nanny agency in UK, but she doesn’t have experience of working for your family in your home. You can’t expect her to just walk into the position and know what to do or where everything is. This may not seem like a big deal but taking time to show her around your home and how things work will go a long way and help her feel at home much quicker. Try to be around and accessible for the first day so you’re there to answer any questions or help with anything she’s not sure of. The more information your nanny has up front the quicker she will adapt and relax into her new role. Tell her about any specific routines or schedules, allergies or intolerances, any local activities for children that she could engage in, and any friends for play dates, etc.
5. Check in regularly and provide feedback
Checking in with your nanny every day for the first week and then at least once a week. Take some time to sit down and understand how she’s doing, what she’s struggling with and how you can make things easier for her. That’s also your opportunity to share your observations, suggestions, or anything else you’d like her to do differently. And of course, don’t forget to praise! People who are happy at work, perform much better!
6. Don’t expect too much too soon
It’s important to have realistic expectations. A nanny won’t get everything right immediately and will need a few days to a couple of weeks to settle into her new working environment and the required nanny services. Also, children need time to get used to a new person. Toddlers in particular can be quite tricky.
While you make yourself available in order to help the nanny settle in, also give her time on her own with the children to build her own rapport with them. No one wants to have their boss behind their back all the time.
We know all of this can be challenging, so at myTamarin, we play the role of an intermediary. Both parents and nannies can voice their concerns, suggestions and complaints on our common platform. So, when parents and nannies meet through us, we help mediate discussions that need to happen.
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The A-Z of prenatal and newborn support
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your third, or have just welcomed the newest member of your family, your life is bound to be turned upside down. An extra pair of hands during this exciting yet overwhelming time from the best nanny agency in UK can give you the reassurance you need and help ease you into the next stage of your parenting journey.
Doulas, midwives, maternity nurses, night nannies, lactation specialists, sleep consultants and more. This guide explores the different types of support available and will help you decide what’s right for you and your family.
Doulas
Originating from the Greek word doula, meaning “women’s servant’, doulas are companions for mums during pregnancy, birth or after birth. They have some training but haven’t generally gone through formal obstetric training.
Prenatal doulas will help you prepare for the birth of your baby, in terms of what to expect during the birth, as well as preparing your body and mind for the experience. If a doula works with you during pregnancy, they will also be there at the birth too, to provide support and guidance and ensure your birth plan is being followed.
Post birth, a doula will make sure you get all the care, support and rest you need to recover from the birth and adjust to your new world. They will take care of the baby, help with feeding, sleep and getting your baby to settle into a routine. They will also help out with domestic jobs around the house including cooking and cleaning to ensure you are getting enough rest, recovery time and quality time with your baby.
Doulas will typically work with a family for up to three months after the birth of their baby, , although this depends on individual needs and requirements. Some parents benefit from having a doula for the entire three-month period, while others may hire them for just a week or two.
Midwives
Midwives are medically trained and provide care and support during pregnancy, through labour and up to 28 days after the baby is born.
They are focused on ensuring you have a healthy pregnancy and will conduct routine medical examinations, as well as teach you the basics on how to care for your baby.
Maternity nurses
Maternity nurses will have typically completed some formal training whether it be in infant and postnatal care, or specifically in maternity nursing. Those who haven’t undergone specific training will have had plenty of hands-on experience as they are mums themselves. Maternity nurses have a broad range of experience and can help with anything from reflux, colic and tongue tie, to sleep, feeding and setting the foundations for a good routine.
A maternity nurse will show you the ropes and provide guidance while being that extra pair of hands to help care for your baby.
Maternity nurses are generally flexible whether you need them for a few days a week (during the day) or 24 hours a day for up to a maximum of 6 days a week. There are also maternity night nurses who take upon the duties of a maternity nurse as well as a night nurse.
Maternity nannies
Maternity nannies are experienced nannies who work with babies and younger children, generally up to toddler age. They aren’t necessarily qualified in infant, postnatal or maternity nursing, but they do need to have lots of hands-on experience with babies. Maternity nannies take on a more supportive role and can't generally help with the more complex baby matters such as breastfeeding that a maternity nurse would be able to do.
Maternity nannies are a great option if you want the additional reassurance of having someone with a lot of baby experience, especially if it's your first child. Although they can work with newborn babies, they don't typically start until babies are around 3 months old when they take over from the maternity nurse.
Night Nannies
Night nannies are mainly there to ensure parents and their babies get enough rest and sleep during the night.
A night nanny will take over the care of your baby for the entire night (normally for 10 to 12 hour shifts) and handle feeding, changing and settling the baby, or if you prefer, they can bring the baby to you when it’s time for feeding.
Lactation specialists
Lactation specialists have trained in all things breastfeeding. They will have a recognised qualification and will be able to help with any breastfeeding issues.
If your baby is having trouble latching, your milk supply is a little low, or you have any other challenges or concerns relating to breastfeeding, a lactation specialist can help you and your baby get into the swing of breastfeeding and can also help with any issues further down the line.
Sleep trainers/consultants
Sleep consultants are specialists in babies and sleep.
If your baby isn’t sleeping enough, wakes regularly, or is unable to sleep without assistance (i.e., nursing or rocking to sleep) a sleep consultant will help guide you and set the foundations for a good sleep routine.
The ideal time to start working with a sleep-consultant depends on a baby’s development but is generally somewhere between four and six months.
Troubleshooters
Troubleshooters are maternity nurses who specialise in certain issues such as excessive crying or distress, babies not being able to sleep or refusing to feed.
If you are looking for someone to come in and observe what’s going on, recommend solutions, guide and teach you to address the issue yourself, a troubleshooter will give you the confidence to do it on your own.
Virtual online support
In-home home support isn’t right for all families. You may not have the space, you may think it’s too expensive, or you may not want someone in your home. If this is you, online newborn support and nanny services will give you that one-to-one guidance and support from many of the specialists listed above, via video, phone and messaging. It’s a much more affordable and flexible way to get support. You can get expert advice from wherever you are, options range from single sessions if you are in need of reassurance or want some quick guidance, to multiple sessions and week-long packages to work on specific issues such as sleep or routine. You’ll come away from the sessions feeling empowered to deal with any issues yourselves.
At myTamarin, our mission is to support parents so that they can fully enjoy each stage of parenthood -- from pregnancy, to day one with their baby and beyond. That’s why we offer a variety of support options from our nannies in UK to fit your lifestyle and needs. Find out more about our residential (in-home) newborn support here and our online newborn support here.
When you’re ready to explore your options and specific needs further, book a call with one of our newborn matching experts to discuss the best way forward for you, to find the best nannies from the top nanny and childcare agency!
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Demystifying the types of nanny: Determining the right help for you
You’ve researched all the childcare options -- nurseries, childminders (someone who runs a nursery in their own home) and nannies -- and have decided a nanny is the right choice for you and your family. You may think you’ve got through the main hurdle and can just jump into your search BUT just like the different types of childcare, there are different types of nannies in UK and they offer different levels of childcare and domestic help.
Nannies, nanny-housekeepers, live in, live out, shared nannies and rota nannies. It’s exhausting just writing this list! That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you narrow down the options before you start your search.
NANNY (The specialist)
Nannies are experienced (and often qualified) childcare professionals whose main responsibility is caring for your children. This includes important nanny services like their physical and general wellbeing, organising fun and educational activities and supporting their all-round development. They will also do cooking, cleaning and laundry, but only for the children.
Considerations:
Days and hours can be flexible, depending on individual requirements.
Domestic and house-keeping support is limited to the children’s nursery/room and their clothes.
There are a lot of people out there claiming to be the best nannies but not all of them are very experienced or have been carefully vetted.
myTamarin recommends:
A nanny is a good fit for families who are looking for someone who is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of their children when they are not around. However, if you’re looking for or a greater emphasis on housekeeping, a nanny may not tick all your boxes. Nannies are popular with parents hiring for the first time, and also those who have a separate cleaner. Occasionally, because babies tend to have a couple of good naps during the day, a nanny can do (some) housekeeping as well, but be realistic with your expectations as babies are notorious for being unpredictable.
NANNY-HOUSEKEEPER (The multi-tasker)
In addition to caring for your children, nanny-housekeepers will also take care of non-childcare specific duties such as cooking, cleaning, laundry for the entire family. While the exact arrangements differ depending on individual requirements, the role of nanny-housekeepers is typically split fifty-fifty between childcare and other domestic duties.
Considerations:
Hiring one person to care for your children as well as clean your home can be a win-win situation.
No-one has eyes in the back of their head and it’s not possible to excel at either if your children need full-time supervision.
myTamarin recommends:
Nanny-housekeepers work well for families with school age children. In the mornings and evenings, they can care for your child(ren), and they can spend time on cleaning and other domestic duties when the children are at school. They can also work well if one parent is at home during the day and will take sole charge of the child(ren) for some time so that the nanny-housekeeper can focus on housekeeping.
MATERNITY NANNY (The baby whisperer)
Maternity nannies are experienced nannies who work with babies and younger children, generally up to toddler age. They aren’t necessarily qualified, but they do need to have lots of hands-on experience with families and babies. Like nannies, maternity nannies are focused on the mum and baby and will only take care of child-related domestic duties.
Considerations:
Maternity nannies can work with newborn babies, but they typically start when the baby is around 3 months after a maternity nurse or maternity night nurse has left.
Maternity nannies take on more of a general supportive role and can’t generally help you with more complex baby matters such as breastfeeding which a maternity nurse would do.
myTamarin recommends:
Maternity nannies are a great option when you want the additional reassurance of having someone with a lot of baby experience to look after your baby from an early age. We often see parents opting for a maternity nanny rather than a nanny when it’s their first time around.
LIVE-IN NANNY (The resident)
Live-in nannies and nanny-housekeepers live with you in your home, or in alternative accommodation that is provided and paid for by you. If living in your home, they will also be sharing your communal space, to some extent.
Considerations:
Live-in nannies require their own bedroom and private bathroom in most cases although some will consider sharing a bathroom with the children.
If you can offer a separate floor, or even a separate entrance, your job will be much more attractive. While some nannies will not settle for anything less, this is not a standard requirement at all.
No matter what, do not expect nannies to share a bedroom with your child(ren). While this is sometimes the case in some of the Asian cultures, it’s not deemed acceptable in most Western countries. If you somehow manage to negotiate that, it’s almost guaranteed that your relationship won’t last long.
A live-in nanny contract typically includes two nights a week of babysitting which can help with last-minute childcare emergencies, but it’s wrong to assume they will provide additional duties outside of their contracted hours just because they are living with you 24/7.
Tension is bound to occur at some point because you have someone living in your home 24/7, and when it does, it’s hard to put space between you and take a breather
You will also have to consider the “visitor policy”. Typically, parents don’t allow nannies to bring in visitors, even if they are close family, unless they have separate accommodation.
Live-in nannies are less expensive than live-out nannies, but you will have to pay for their food (during working and non-working days).
myTamarin recommends:
Live-in nannies are great for families with busy parents who have unpredictable schedules, or travel a lot. Knowing that a trained professional from the best nanny agency in UK is residing in your own home 24/7 can certainly bring peace of mind for anxious parents. In the UK, only about 19% of nannies are live-in, yet about 30% of parents look for a live-in nanny. They are in high demand! Don’t confuse a live-in nanny with an au pair though.
LIVE-OUT NANNY (The commuter)
Live out nannies and nanny-housekeepers don’t live in your home but will commute to work every day.
Considerations:
Families don’t need to worry about providing accommodation for live-out nannies.
A live-out arrangement gives the family and the nanny more privacy outside work hours.
Live-out nannies may be less flexible in terms of changes to hours or last minute changes/requests.
myTamarin recommends:
Live-out nannies are most suitable for families that need childcare support during the day, but enjoy their own space and privacy when they are at home during the evening.
AU PAIR (The traveller)
Au pairs are young (between 18-24 years old) and generally come from another country. In return for lodging, modest spend (and the cultural experience) they will do a range of childcare and domestic duties. They are not qualified childcarers, but will take your children to school, entertain them, and do some light housekeeping duties such as preparing meals and laundry (only for the children). The arrangement with au pairs is historically regarded as a cultural exchange between the employer and employee, including time out to learn the native language of the host family.
Considerations:
Au pairs often lack experience and can only work for a maximum of 30 hours a week in the UK
Au pairs working in the UK are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage or paid holidays; they are treated as a member of the family they live with and get ‘pocket money’.
Au pairs can give you and your family the opportunity to broaden your horizons, in terms of language and culture.
The organisation and payment for au pairs to relocate to the host family’s country is in part, and sometimes completely, assumed by the host family.
myTamarin recommends:
Au pairs are perfect for families who are looking for more affordable childcare support and don’t mind helping the au pair learn and develop (and vice versa as well!). It can also be a great arrangement for families who themselves may have originally lived in a different country and speak multiple languages. Au pairs are popular with families who have school-aged children so that they can provide the wrap-around care, i.e. before and after school.
MOTHER’S HELP (The collaborator)
A mother’s help performs many of the same duties as nannies, but they lack the experience necessary to be left in sole charge of the children. Instead, they focus more on supporting the mum or dad in jointly caring for the children.
Considerations:
Due to their lack of experience, hiring a mother’s help is generally cheaper than hiring a nanny.
For the same reason, it’s not advisable to leave a mother’s help in sole charge of your children for extended periods of time.
myTamarin recommends:
A mother’s help suits families with a stay at home mum or dad who is looking for a little bit of support when they are alone with the children during the day.
SHARED NANNY (The chameleon)
Nanny sharing is a situation where two families engage the services of a single nanny to care for their children. As the name suggests, the families literally share the nanny.
Considerations:
Children will have company and the cost of a nanny to one family will be about 30% less.
Vacation scheduling for the nanny can become complicated due to the different schedules of the families.
Disagreements a nanny has with one family could overflow to the other family.
Families may develop differing philosophies over time about things such as appropriate TV viewing, homework, housekeeping, playmates and playgroups.
myTamarin recommends:
Shared nannies from the top nanny and childcare agency work particularly well if the families know each other and have children of a similar age who are at the same schools. They can provide the best in-home childcare at a minimum cost. It is however a rather complex arrangement, more sensitive to any changes and therefore not typically as long lasting as other nanny arrangements. The first hurdle many families experience is agreeing (or rather not!) on who’s the right nanny.
ROTA NANNY (The insomniac)
Rota nannies work in a rota system with other nannies; they take it in turns to work and are typically required to provide constant care for the children 24/7 when they are on duty. Duties are generally split on a two-weekly basis, e.g., nanny number one works for the family for two weeks and then has two weeks off and nanny number two will cover when nanny number one is off.
We once spoke with one of the nannies who was employed by the famous tennis player, Roger Federer. Given they had two sets of twins, and their insane travel schedule, each set of twins had two nannies, who would rotate every two weeks.
Considerations:
Due to the 24/7 nature of the job, rota nannies command a high salary.
Rota nannies deliver typical nanny duties, but they may have additional responsibilities due to the 24/7 nature of the role.
myTamarin recommends:
Rota nannies work well for high-profile families who need the reassurance of having someone to care for their children 24/7.
If you're ready to find the right nanny for you, visit our website for more information.
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Why is finding a good nanny harder than finding your romantic partner?
Hands up if you’re a parent who started off your nanny or maternity nurse search as if you were hiring any other employee.
Education, skills and experience should be the priority, right? But when you really think about it, hiring a nanny or newborn specialist is more akin to searching for a romantic partner, than an employee. It’s not like the normal employer-employee relationship – your relationship is going to be incredibly intimate and will require compatibility on both a professional and emotional level – chemistry is key!
You are inviting someone into your home to attend to and help raise the little person or little people who are most precious to you and they will also see your dirty laundry (literally and figuratively)! It is therefore essential that you can build trust and seamless communication between you and her nanny services. Your compatibility in terms of family values, parenting style, personality, and communication is often more important than years of experience, education, or how many languages the nanny speaks.
We hear stories like these all the time. One of the mums at school recommended a nanny who had worked for her for two years. She was amazing and the entire family loved her. Her experience was exactly what we were looking for and with this glowing recommendation, we jumped at the opportunity to hire her. Our experience was so different though and she was gone after three months! How could we have got it so wrong?
And one of our clients told us a story about a night nanny recommended by a friend. Unfortunately, the night nanny wasn’t available right away, so she recommended her mum… Our client reluctantly hired the mum, out of pure desperation, but only for a few nights. Turns out however, the entire family loved the mum, but couldn't stand the daughter who came so highly recommended. It goes even further. Our client then passed on the details of the mum-daughter night nanny duo to her best friend, and guess what - her best friend fired the mum, but loved the daughter! How is it that two best friends can have such polar opposite experiences?
Situations like these just reinforce the fact that a good match between a nanny and a family goes far beyond skills and experience. If a nanny is a great fit for one family; it doesn’t mean she will be the perfect nanny for your family, even if she is from the best nanny agency in UK.
Personality and values-based matching
Childcare agencies typically suggest candidates based purely on objective criteria (e.g. availability, experience, and geographic proximity), so the more subjective criteria that are so important when it comes to the delicate and intimate nature of the relationship between a family and their nanny, often gets overlooked.
Based on our own experience (positive and negative!) of finding the right maternity nurses and nannies for our children, we have turned the process of placing nannies, maternity nurses, nanny housekeepers and other newborn specialists on its head. At myTamarin we call it matchmaking and it is grounded in relationship psychology. But what does this mean?
First, we had a hypothesis that finding a nanny is more like romantic matchmaking rather than hiring your next marketing associate.
Second, we studied relationship psychology and identified key attributes that generally underpin successful relationships. Then we looked specifically into romantic partnerships and what makes a good match. We spent a fair amount of time researching dating apps, and their matching algorithms. We also interviewed romantic matchmakers and reviewed their approach to matching -- their questionnaires, their techniques, their matching logic. BTW, if you want to find a really good (romantic) match, those matchmakers will charge anywhere from £10,000 to £20,000 to find you five good dates! (There is actually a lot of work and science that goes into it.) At the end, we had a solid list of personality dimensions and their pairings that make for a strong (romantic) relationship.
Then, we went back to parents (in particular mums because the mum-nanny relationship is typically more important/relevant than the dad-nanny relationship) and nannies in UK, and examined dozens of successful as well as failed relationships. Sure enough, a good number of the personality traits (and the matching among them) that was relevant for romantic matching was proven to be relevant for nanny-parent relationships as well.
We distilled the list down to the most relevant personality traits (e.g. introvert - extrovert), and the matching logic that works (or doesn’t work).
Finally, we built all this into our bespoke online childcare matching platform powered by an AI matching algorithm that continues to learn.
A word of caution though -- just like there is no perfect matching logic in romantic matching (otherwise dating apps would quickly go out of business), there isn’t a perfect matching logic in childcare matching either. We like to say to our clients, we will do 90% of the work for you, but the last 10% is on you, because only you can feel whether the chemistry is there or not.
What our logic tells us about a good match
Taking introvert - extrovert as an example. This is all about how people recover and regain their energy. Introverts (or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds. Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from other people and find their energy is sapped when they spend too much time alone. They recharge by being social.
In the case of a maternity nurse or other newborn specialist, getting this dimension right is critical as they will spend a lot of time with the mum during a particularly delicate time. If you’re a mum with introverted tendencies, having a maternity nurse who is an extrovert is going to be really tough. Why? Because you’re going to want to be left alone and the maternity nurse is going to be continually trying to seek you out. What works better in this situation is two introverts or two extroverts. A mum who is an extrovert with a maternity nurse who is an introvert has been known to work out too.
The introvert - extrovert dimension becomes less relevant when you’re matching a nanny to a family because positions are typically sole charge which means the parents are out of the house at work, while the nanny is looking after the child(ren) at home. In shared charge scenarios (when a parent and nanny are working side-by-side to look after the children), if a parent works from home, or if you have a live-in nanny, it becomes a bit more relevant.
Now let’s talk a bit about interests and how they play out in our matching process. If you’re a sporty family you’re going to want a sporty nanny, right? This isn’t always the case. Some sporty families want to bring a different persona into their family – e.g., a more creative nanny to balance things out. Whereas others are insistent they need a sporty nanny who can keep up with them and continue to focus on more sports related activities when the parents are not around.
So how does it work?
Every parent and nanny we work with is required to respond to a series of key questions (crafted by psychologists and experienced childcare professionals) before we give them access to our platform. We also speak with them in order to understand them better. You see, even once you have all the relevant dimensions and the matching logic mapped out, you still need to assess real people, on an individual basis. And we’ve learned that people don’t respond well to direct questions such as “are you an introvert or extravert”. Instead we ask different questions that inform where on the spectrum of this dimension is each individual.
All this information is the input into the matching process, where the technology (with some help from humans) is then able to suggest the best possible matches.
Here's a snapshot of what myTamarin clients are looking for in a newborn specialist based on our matching questions:
The majority of parents looking for newborn support are first-time parents and the number one reason they are looking for support is to improve the sleeping habits of their baby. In this first instance we'd be looking for newborn specialists with experience of sleep training.
What parents look for in a newborn specialist
We'd then go further and ask them to describe their perfect newborn expert. So in addition to looking for a sleep specialist, they are looking mostly for kind and affectionate nurses who are highly experienced, with someone who follows instructions easily coming a close second.
What parents look for in a nanny
Typical rabbit holes parents go down
Just like dating, parents often start out looking for people who are like them – especially when it comes to hiring a nanny for the first time – but come to realise what they need is someone who complements them. Both can work and it just depends on the individuals.
In theory, if someone is like you, it should be easier to align on things (e.g., discipline, amount of time spent outside or healthy eating/good food habits). On the other hand, if your eating habits aren’t that great, you may want someone who encourages less snacking and healthier eating; if you’re a lenient parent, you may want someone who is a bit stricter, or if you’re on the stricter side, you may want someone who is more child-led.
When it comes to first time parents and support during the early months with their child, they generally look for a newborn specialist or nanny who is more comfortable taking charge and can guide and teach them. A second time parent never wants that – they really struggle with someone telling them what to do with their baby. When it comes down to it, first time parents struggle with this too; it just takes them a while for them to find out!
Personality matching is at the heart of everything we do but it’s sometimes hard to guide parents when the clear vision of what they are looking for doesn’t stack up with the psychology behind our matching. At the end of the day the parents have the last word and it’s totally their choice. Some go straight to the maternity nurses and maternity night nurses we recommend as being the best nannies, while others ignore our recommendation and go for nannies we wouldn’t put on the top of their list. Either way is totally ok but our experience shows that parents who choose a nanny we have recommended as the best match, generally have a more successful and longer-lasting relationship with their nanny. In fact, our average placements last 2.5x longer than the average market placements!
At myTamarin, we won't charge you for our in-depth matching or your search; we'll only charge you when we've found you your perfect nanny. Sign up here to start the process to be part of the top nanny and childcare agency and see who we match you with.
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How to interview a nanny
There are hundreds of questions you could, and probably want to ask your potential nanny in an interview. But let’s face it, the baby needs a nappy change soon, the toddler can only do so many puzzles in a row, and those meals don’t cook on their own.
Above all, your interview shouldn’t come across as one long interrogation. It’s a two-way street – nannies choose families as much as families choose nannies.
You won’t necessarily turn into a professional interviewer over night, but these 7 recommendations will get you off to a good start and set you both up for success.
1. Start off the interview with an easy question
Let’s face it, interviews can be very stressful for anyone and even the best nannies are no exception. You’ll make her feel comfortable and ease her into the interview by starting off with an ice-breaker. Questions such as: Why did you become a nanny? or What do you like most about your job (and what least)? should encourage nannies to share their motivations, likes and dislikes. No one likes dealing with toddler tantrums, (right?). So, don’t expect them to like every single aspect of their nanny agency job – but on balance, the likes should far outweigh the dislikes! Ask follow-up questions if necessary, to encourage her to elaborate. And remember, if she struggles with these easy questions, then that can be telling too!
2. Try to get a good sense for if your parenting mantra resonates with her
Try to get a good sense for how nannies in UK structure their days, and whether it reflects your parenting mantra. And if not, whether you feel they could easily adjust to your preferred way of doing things. Make sure you probe on dislikes as well as reasons for leaving previous families. There’s nothing wrong with leaving a job because it wasn’t right. It takes two to tango after all! As with romantic relationships, a good match is based on compatibility beyond just availability, experience and geographic proximity. This is why we match parents with nannies based on parenting style, character, values and beliefs at myTamarin.
3. Give her the opportunity to share her dreams and hopes for the future
Who doesn’t like to dream?! Give nannies you interview the opportunity to share their ambitions, goals and plans for the future – in terms of both career and life generally. Asked in the right way and without any pressure, the answers will reveal how committed nannies and maternity nannies are to a specific type of job and/or location.
4. You can tell a lot about a person from asking questions about family or how they were raised
Give the nannies you interview the opportunity to talk about their family and ask about their upbringing or family values. This may or may not resonate with you. If they have small children or an elderly parent to look after, it might put constraints on her availability and flexibility.
5. Find out what she expects from you as an employer
Questions like What kind of families make you happy? or, What does it take for you to feel comfortable in a job? will encourage nannies to share their expectations of you as an employer. And, of course it’s your prerogative to decide if you can live up to those expectations, or not. And if you can’t, then that’s ok too. For example, you may work unpredictable hours and travel a lot for work. If a nanny or nanny housekeeper needs predictability and dislikes last-minute changes to her own working hours, be honest about your ability to deliver on this expectation.
6. Asking what she doesn’t like can be very revealing
People like the opportunity to complain. And it’s a great chance for you to assess your compatibility. It’s perfectly acceptable to say something along the lines of What are the types of things families do that annoy you (the most)? If the answer is “when a family leaves dirty dishes in the sink in the morning, and I have to put them into the dishwasher”, for example... Leaving the dirty dishes isn’t exactly a felony, but if that person is you, then you’re not going to be a good match for their span of nanny services!
7. End the interview with something positive
End your interview with something positive. Give nannies one last chance to express themselves fully and tell you more about their lifestyles, values and beliefs by asking questions about what they like doing in their free time. Finally, be prepared to answer these, and similar questions yourself. Nannies choose families as much as families choose nannies.
Now you've aced the interview, have a look at the other nanny hiring tips offered by myTamarin
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Newborn help is the difference between post-natal depression and happy motherhood
A mum of two boys (12 and 9), Leilah was brought up in a large family with four siblings, and many more cousins. She’s always had so much love for children that she needed to channel her excess love outside of the family.
She started out as a social worker, hoping to make a positive difference. And she did. But then someone introduced her to maternity nursing and that was just the perfect fit for her: working with babies + helping mothers = making one big positive difference, for one family at a time!
Having gone through two c-sections herself, she knows very well what it means to need help. Her husband has always worked a lot, and most of her family is in her native Uganda. She was left to her own devices when her babies were born.
Leilah, how do you feel about helping other mothers when you didn’t have the help yourself?
I know too well how important newborn help and maternity nurses are, and now I can make the early days experience better for someone else. Newborn help is so important, it can mean the difference between PND (post-natal depression) and happy motherhood. The lack of sleep in mothers is grossly underestimated. Lack of sleep quickly leads to some form of a depression, and low milk supply, which in turn upsets mothers even more. I get my joy through a positive impact on one mother at a time. I share my love, I reassure them, and ultimately I help build their confidence. That’s my reward.
Do you see much difference between first-time mums and experienced mums?
Yes, and no. The second-time mums are surely more confident, but they too are exhausted — and sometimes more so because of the older sibling — and they too need all the help they can get, in the form of the very best nanny services.
What do mums need the most in the early days?
Mums need rest, first and foremost. They need time to heal, to regain their energy. The next step is to get their baby into a good routine that works for both mum and baby.
What’s the most common “sin” parents commit with their babies?
They hold their baby for too long. I know, I know… When, if not when they are babies, parents are supposed to hold their children?! I’m not crazy; it really is in the best interest of both parents and their babies to teach them good sleeping habits from the very beginning. Like adults, babies need their own space too, and should learn how to self-soothe and self-settle as early as possible. You see, if they always need to be held and rocked to fall asleep (and stay asleep!), that’s simply too exhausting for parents, and also not good for the babies. This is something that even the best nannies should be aware of. If babies are being helped, they rarely get to sleep deeply, which is so important for their immune system and overall development. But don’t get me wrong — I’m all for an occasional snuggle!
What is your position on breastfeeding v. formula feeding?
We need to respect mother’s choice. As long as a baby is full, settled, and growing normally there is no need for formula milk. Formula is thicker and takes longer to digest though, hence can “stretch” baby feeds a bit further apart.
What is your typical working schedule?
I mostly do nights, up to six nights a week. I like to take Sundays off to go to church, but I sometimes make an exception when parents are in a really dire situation, or around the holiday period when a lot of nannies in UK go away or have their own family plans. But parents still need help!
At what time in baby’s life would you suggest parents get help from a night nanny or maternity nurse?
Ideally, as soon as the baby is born. It’s best to invest early on so that parents enjoy the benefits of help from the top nanny and childcare agency from the get go, and before any bad habits develop (e.g. having to hold baby to sleep). If bad habits do form, that’s not a problem, it just takes longer to break them.
But a lot of people have family visiting early on. Aren’t grandparents enough of a help?
Yes, but… [smile]. I’m all for family help. But let’s face it, at the end of the day, most grandparents are visitors who make parents, especially mothers even more tired. (There are exceptions though, and those grandparents should be beyond celebrated!!)
Which are your favourite baby products?
I swear by the large muslin squares from Aden+Anais. They are so soft and versatile. Just make sure you get the large ones. I also love coconut oil from Nutiva. It’s great for nappy rash, baby massage and cradle cap.
What do you like doing in your free time?
I love spending time at home, with my family and my two boys who are growing up too fast. I like going out for dinners — Chinese, Mexican and Indian (but not too spicy) are my favourite.
What are your hopes for the future?
Happy mothers and happy babies! And as much as I’d love to help all of them, I hope to have the opportunity to help at least a few of them.
For more information on the newborn support we offer, check out our blog on Expert advice for new mums and mums-to-be.
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Ask the expert: Preparing for birth
Preparing for the birth of your baby is exciting but can also be daunting. And if you're a first time parent, it can be quite overwhelming. From birth plans, to types of birth, to pain relief and what to expect during the birth -- there's a lot to consider.
Christina is one of myTamarin's pregnancy and newborn experts, night nanny and maternity nurse. We sat down with Christina to discuss her work as a birth doula and how she helps parents prepare for the birth of their babies. She also shared some tips and advice with us.
First of all, what is a doula?
A doula is someone who is there to serve and support women through pregnancy, birth and postnatally. As a birth and postnatal doula, I help prepare parents in the lead up to the birth of their baby and also support them in those first weeks and months after the baby is born.
A birth doula is there to guide and support parents through their transition into parenthood before the birth of their baby. They often meet with parents several months before the baby is born and talk through any questions they have about birth and also what their preferences are when it comes to the birth itself. They are there to be a reassuring presence, to make parents aware of all their options and to support and guide them. They offer something more to parents than usual nanny services or nanny agency jobs.
Postnatal doulas help parents once the baby is born, especially in those early days and weeks (although it can be longer). They support parents both practically and emotionally. This could involve helping the baby settle and allowing the parents to get some rest or helping with things that need to be done around the house.
When should parents start preparing for birth?
Around the four to five month mark of your pregnancy is a really good time to start thinking about the birth and begin making plans. However, if you do leave it until later, you can still get a lot done. If you do want to hire a birth doula, it is good to interview a few from the best nanny agency in UK to make sure that you get the right fit for you and your partner. Doing this early on means that you will have someone there at the end of the phone to talk with, if you have any questions about your appointments or the various stages leading up to the birth. However, some parents do leave it until the last minute, perhaps because they had a traumatic birth previously and anxiety is building the closer it gets to the birth, and this is also ok.
What is a birth plan?
It is normally something that is discussed with women when they go to their appointments with the midwife. As a doula, we would be looking at that in more detail and discussing things like types of pain relief, who you want to be present at the birth, if and when you want to transfer into hospital, when and who will cut the cord, whether you want vitamin k or not and how you want the ‘golden hour’ to unfold - which is the first hour of a baby’s life. It helps parents feel more in control. It is also something that the partner can take on during the actual birth and advocate for. It means there is always a point of reference, even if things go a little off plan at points, and parents' wishes can always be known and taken into consideration.
What are the different types of birth?
It is always up to the parents to choose the type of birth that would suit them best.
One option is home birth. There are many networks out there, like the Positive Birth Movement, who can support parents around that. If you decide to give birth at home, you'll still have a midwife there to support you while you're in labour. If, for whatever reason, you need help or your labour is not progressing as it should, your midwife will arrange for you to be transferred into hospital.
Another option is to have a hospital birth. If you decide to give birth in hospital, you'll be cared for by predominantly midwives, but doctors are available if needed. You can still make a lot of the decisions around the kind of birth you want and bring things with you to make it feel more homely.
Within a hospital birth, there is also scope for a c-section. This is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. Some women elect for a c-section for non-medical reasons. For others, it can be unplanned. There are various reasons for this such as the baby being in the breech position or the mother having high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia).
There are also some midwife led units that are less medicalised and are more comfortable and homely than a maternity unit in a hospital.
It is really about working out what you think would be best for you and doing some reading and research to decide. Parents should always take into consideration any medical or health needs too, so speak to your midwife and the hospital team who are taking care of you to talk through your options.
How can mums prepare physically and mentally for birth?
If you are someone who exercised a lot before your pregnancy then it is fine to continue, as long as you have discussed this with your medical team. However, it is not advised that you take on a new demanding and intense exercise regime if this is not something that you did previously. Swimming and yoga are really good as they can help you stay relaxed and you can also try out different positions for birth. At the end of pregnancy, lots of walking is recommended and sitting straight and upright so the baby can drop down into position.
When it comes to preparing mentally, having the support of a doula can really help as you then have someone who can talk through all of your options with you and be an advocate for you. They can also make sure parents have got all the knowledge they need. Putting together a birth plan can also really help parents have a clear idea of what they want your birth to be like.
What are the essential things to get for the baby?
The most important thing for a baby is to have its parents and to bond with them. We sometimes worry too much about the kit and having the latest things when it isn’t always necessary. Having a safe space for the baby to sleep, whether it’s a Moses basket or a crib, finding the best nannies is really important. Always get a firm and brand new mattress - other things can be second hand but it is really important that the mattress is new. Moses baskets are useful -- especially in the early weeks and months -- as you can put them on the sofa or and move them around easily. Swaddling can also be really lovely as it gives babies a sense of security and can help settle and soothe a baby to sleep, just make sure you follow the safety guidelines around it. Also just make sure you have plenty of muslins and baby grows. If you’re wanting to bottle feed, you need to think about bottles and sterilising equipment. For additional help needed for looking after your baby, you need nannies in UK from the top nanny and childcare agency.
What are the signs to look out for that show you are going into labour?
Every woman is different, so the road to birth is always different. You might start to feel some twinges, often described like period pain. Sometimes your waters break, although this isn't very common. Although in films birth is often incredibly dramatic with lots of screaming and shouting, that’s very much not like most women’s experience. It is normally much slower and more gradual. It can go on for a day or two. You might have some pains that then subside, then wake up the next morning and have them come back. The best thing to do is stay at home for as long as possible and keep hydrated. If you fancy it, have something to eat. If it’s the middle of the night, try to get back to sleep in order to preserve your energy levels for later on. The pains will become stronger and closer together and not just dip away like in the early stages. At this point call on your midwife and get their guidance and advice on when you should be going into hospital (if that is what you choose to do).
What should parents bring to hospital?
What is important in birth is that you feel safe and secure, as our bodies work much better when we are in this state. Therefore, it is really important to take with you things that will make you feel relaxed. It is nice to bring things that feel personal to you. It could be lots of blankets and extra pillows so that you get comfortable. Some people take fairy lights and oils to burn. Others take pictures and photos to put on the wall of family and friends in order to create a nice space and atmosphere. Music is also a great way to get into the birthing zone. And of course you need snacks and food for you and your birthing partner. When it comes to clothing, lots of women like to wear big baggy t-shirts or nighties in order to be comfortable. Then also pack some clothes to change into afterwards and some clothes for you little one, like vests and babygrows. When it comes to taking your baby home you will also need a carseat.
What is the best thing a partner can do to support mums giving birth?
Partners are so important when it comes to support through pregnancy. They should be involved in all the decisions that need to be made and go to as many appointments possible. If parents do have a doula, they are there to answer the questions that partners have as well as mums. There are lots of breathing techniques and massages that partners can do to help with surges and contractions during birth. They can make sure the birthing space is kept the way the mum wants it to be. This could mean keeping the lights down low and making sure everything is set out nicely. They can also be the advocate for the mum during birth and make sure the birth plan is being implemented and wishes respected. This is really important because when women are birthing they need to get into the mammalian brain, and every time she is asked questions or lights come on the birth can be stalled. Partners can be important when it comes to protecting that space and taking on those questions so the mum can focus on giving birth.
Why is skin to skin important?
Skin to skin immediately after birth is really great for the baby as it helps to regulate their heartbeat and temperature. The skin to skin can be with the mum or the birthing partner and is a lovely way to bond, especially in the first minutes of birth.
What is the best way for a mum to emotionally and physically recover after birth?
It is great to have a plan in place for those postnatal weeks, just like for birth. All the baby needs in those first weeks and months is for the parents to be there and to bond with them. Mums should make sure that they are eating well and try to rest as much as possible. They don’t need to be rushing around and doing all the housework, which is where a nanny housekeeper may come in handy. Partners can make sure there is lots of nutritious food around for the mum to graze on throughout the day. Reaching out online or by phone to support systems can be a great reassurance. Rest - for both mum and baby - is absolutely key..
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Why nursery nurses make the best nannies
If you’re like any other parent hiring a nanny for the first time, the chances are that you’re looking for a lady with 20+ years’ experience, who has also raised her own children and excelled in nanny services. What’s more, the 20+ years’ experience will need to have been gained working as a nanny in private households and ideally, she won’t have changed jobs more than twice during those two decades.
We get it. We see these types of requirements every day at myTamarin. What we also see is that parents with requirements like these are missing out on some of the best nanny talent out there among nannies in UK! Nursery nurses, i.e. the qualified childcare practitioners who have worked in nurseries -- or the kindergartens (of our fellow Americans) -- are often the most overlooked but arguably the best childcare partners you could wish for.
Here are the five reasons why nursery nurses make amazing nannies:
The master of taming multiple children
There are strict guidelines on the ratio of staff to children in a nursery: for under two years old, it’s one carer to three children, for two to three year olds, it’s one carer to four children, and for three to five year olds, it's one to eight children. (Eight!)
For nursery nurses, this means multiple personalities, multiple tantrums, multiple nappies to be changed, multiple likes and dislikes, multiple allergies and multiple parents to update and report progress to.
The ability to juggle all that while ensuring each child feels included and valued at the same time, is an art that requires patience, understanding, as well as well-honed multi-talking skills. If a nursery nurse has mastered all that, just think about the magic she could weave in your home with fewer children to look after and one set of family values!
Creativity that’s needed when you work within four walls
Being a nursery nurse requires stamina and bundles of energy, patience and tolerance, a sense of fun, good communication skills and interpersonal skills.
What’s more, unlike even the best nannies who rely on organised activities such as Monkey Music and Gymboree, frequent visits to local parks or museums, and playdates with other nannies, nursery nurses have to be incredibly creative and have a vivid imagination to be able to constantly entertain (and develop) children within the confines of the nursery.
Coming with an array of ideas for activities that don’t require much more than what’s already residing in your home, nursery nurses can significantly help your children’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional development.
They’ll keep you in the know
Nursery nurses are required to complete diaries and detailed reports for every child they’re responsible for. Information such as when and what they ate, how long they slept for, when their nappy was changed, etc. is all relayed to the parents. They will also keep track of any developmental milestones such as the first word, the first step, or that they’ve learned to roll a ball instead of throwing it, etc.
If they’re used to doing this on a regular basis for a number of parents, you can comfortably expect to be updated regularly too. And they’ll make you feel involved and supported as a parent at the same time.
Formal education and training
Nursery nurses often have childcare qualifications such as NVQ in Children’s Care or CACHE (Diploma in Child Care and Education). They also receive ongoing training from their supervisors and through organised workshops and seminars. This means they’re fully equipped to be able to support children’s early development and education and help prepare them for the next stage in their development.
So, if your preference is to have someone who is developmentally focused, then a nursery nurse may be just right for you, much more than a maternity nurse or nanny housekeeper. There are also nannies out there with some level of formal childcare training, but you don’t come across them quite so often.
Salary expectations that won’t break the bank
The average salary for a nursery nurse is £18,000 to £20,000 for 35-40 hours, that’s £9.00 to £11.00 per hour, whereas the average salary for a full-time nanny is upwards of £40,000 for 50 hours.
If it's a nursery nurse’s first time working as a nanny, they’ll command a salary at the lower end of the market average. What’s more, they won’t be set in their ways and will be eager to learn. For you, as a parent, this means you’ll have the opportunity to help shape and train her into becoming your practically perfect Mary Poppins.
At myTamarin we’re investing in our nannies. We’ll soon be helping nannies develop their career through the myTamarin Nanny Academy. For nursery nurses looking to transition into being a nanny, it will help them get a better understanding of the expectations of the role and help them transfer the skills they’ve already gained as a nursery nurse by joining the top nanny and childcare agency in UK.
With thanks to Ellen, one of myTamarin Customer Success Executives. If you’d like to schedule a call with Ellen and discuss your childcare needs, select a slot here.
For more help in your search for a nanny, read our blog on How to interpret nanny CVs and profiles.
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How to explain a night nanny to your mum
I had been lying on our bathroom floor, hugging the toilet instead of my 5-week old baby, when my husband finally put a stop to my guilt-driven resistance to any help whatsoever. If my mum could do it, and if mothers for centuries could look after their babies without any paid help, why shouldn’t I?
But the truth was – I simply couldn’t. Three bouts of mastitis and three rounds of antibiotics, coupled with (oh-so-cliche – but so true!) sleepless nights led to a major case of gastroenteritis, and hence the move to the bathroom. Despite my life-long suspicion of the medical profession (yes, you guessed it – I don’t think my self-sufficient self needs any help), I begged my husband to call an ambulance as I was sure death was near. (I’m not exaggerating.) But my husband was too busy looking after our 2-year old, jealousy-possessed, but otherwise very cool toddler.
Fast forward, I survived. But not without help. My baby needed me, and I needed help to look after him. Here, I’ll say it again, *I* needed help. If I wanted to be a good mum to my baby (and my toddler), I needed to accept help. And with no family nearby, I needed paid help - nanny services.
My first baby taught me that sleep was incredibly important – for him *and* me. It was sleep that gave me the energy to play with him during the days. It was sleep that kept my immune system strong to protect us both. It was sleep that kept my milk production up (yes, I'm a breastfeeding addict, too). It was sleep that helped me stay (sort of) sane during those early days. And so I knew that the help I needed was for the nights.
Until then, I wasn’t familiar with the concept of a night nanny at all. Now, I strongly believe that every mum (and her baby!) deserves a night nanny, even more so than a maternity nanny. Strike “deserve” – mums should be entitled to a night nurse, like they are to a health visitor.
If like me, you aren’t familiar with night nannies, I’ve pulled together the key facts about these angels of nights, who are much more than regular nannies or nanny housekeepers.
What exactly is a night nanny?
A night nanny or a night nurse is a childcare professional who is specialised in helping parents with babies during the nights. Nothing prepares parents for the incredible fatigue and drop in energy following lack of sleep. However hiring a night nanny may be the answer – not just as a short-term fix, but also a longer-term investment in family well-being.
What exactly does a night nanny do?
Night nanny usually arrives around 9pm (although some are happy to start earlier or later), and stay until around 7am (however, some will leave earlier or stay longer depending on family needs). During that time, they take sole charge of looking after the baby – feeding, changing, settling, and teaching baby good sleep habits. Depending on whether the baby is breast-fed or formula-fed, she brings the baby to her mother every time the baby is due for a feed, or feeds the baby expressed / formula milk through a bottle.
How long do parents hire a night nanny for?
A night nanny helps with babies from newborn until about six months, although many parents use them well beyond the half-year mark. They may be hired for a few weeks, or several months. Some parents hire them for a couple of nights a week to catch up on rest, while others use them during weeknights, especially if they are working and/or one of the parents is travelling.
Is a night nanny a babysitter?
No. A night nanny is more qualified and more experienced than regular nannies in UK, looking after babies throughout the entire night, and helping parents get babies into better routines, and ultimately longer sleep.
How is a night nanny different from a maternity nurse?
A night nanny helps the family during the nights only and is typically a ‘live-out’, whereas a maternity nurse looks after the baby during the days as well and is typically a ‘live-in’.
Who can benefit from hiring a night nanny?
Literally everyone can benefit from hiring a night nanny from the best nanny agency in UK, because there are many benefits:
Parents get some much needed and well deserved rest;
Parents regain their strength and energy to really enjoy their baby during the day;
Baby gets a longer and better sleep too, which is incredibly important for baby’s development (only food is more important for them to grow healthily);
Baby gets into a better routine, wakes up fewer times a night, and is in better mood during the days (not to mention that parents need to wake up fewer times too!);
And much more…
Especially families with no relatives nearby, first-time parents, parents of colicky babies, babies with reflux or special needs babies, parents with active toddlers, parents of twins or triplets, parents with demanding jobs and families where one parent is travelling extensively find the investment into a night nanny hugely beneficial.
How much does a night nanny cost?
In the UK, night nurse fees vary from about £140 to £170 a night for single babies (excluding any placement fees), depending on the night nanny’s level of experience as well as how many hours she works. Typical hourly rates are between £14 and £18 an hour gross.
Is a night nanny worth it?
Well, you know my answer! A night nanny is worth much more than a new bag of baby clothes or the Nth baby activity that you’re doing to keep yourself awake. I would go as far as to say that night help in early days is more beneficial to you and your baby than private birth facilities!
Regardless of whether you consider hiring a night nanny a luxury or a necessity for your family, keep in mind that more rest at night will help you be a better parent, and give your best to your baby during the day. At the same time, better sleeping habits will help your baby develop their full potential. And it is very hard to put a price on that.
At myTamarin we help you find a night nanny that matches your parenting style, personality, preferences, values and beliefs.
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