Preparing Your Home for a Nanny: A Checklist

Welcoming a nanny into your home is an exciting step toward ensuring your children are cared for in a loving and professional environment. To set the stage for a positive experience, it’s essential to create a welcoming and functional space. At Governess & Co, we believe a strong foundation leads to lasting partnerships, so here’s our expert guide:

Key points:

• A space for the nanny’s belongings and, for live-in or long shifts, a comfortable place to rest.
• A written guide to your children’s routine, house rules, allergies and dietary needs.
• A childproofed home, with clear rules for the pool and stairs.
• Emergency contacts in one place, including 112, your paediatrician and the nearest hospital.
• A walkthrough of the alarm, monitors, appliances and, if the nanny drives, the car and car seats.
• The paperwork done in advance: a written contract and Social Security registration before the first working day.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace for the Nanny

• Set up a small area for the nanny to keep their personal belongings. This could include a designated spot for bags, coats, or shoes.
• If your nanny will be helping with educational activities, consider providing a desk or table where they can organize materials.

2. Organize Supplies and Resources

• Stock up on age-appropriate toys, books, and craft supplies.
• Clearly label any items the nanny may need, such as art supplies, medical kits, or cleaning materials.
• At Governess & Co, we recommend a tidy, well-organized space to support your nanny in planning and executing engaging activities.

3. Outline Daily Routines

• Provide a written or digital guide detailing your child’s daily schedule, including meal times, naps, and activities.
• Include any household rules or preferences, such as screen time limits or dietary restrictions.
• At Governess & Co, our nannies are trained to follow family-specific routines seamlessly, but clarity is always key.
• List any allergies and medications clearly, including where medicines are kept, the dose and when they may be given.

4. Childproof Your Home

• Check for potential hazards like exposed electrical outlets, sharp corners, or unsecured cabinets.
• Install safety gates or locks where necessary.
• Share any unique safety protocols, such as pool or stair use, with your nanny.
• If you have a pool, put the pool rules in writing: when children may swim, who must be in the water with them and that the pool gate always stays closed. Check whether your nanny is a confident swimmer and has paediatric first aid training before the summer starts.

5. Equip Your Kitchen

• Prepare a section in the pantry or fridge for the nanny’s meals if they’ll be dining in.
• Highlight preferred meal prep areas and utensils for the children’s food.
• Families partnered with Governess & Co often find that sharing clear kitchen guidelines ensures smooth meal preparations.

6. Designate Rest Areas

• If your nanny will stay overnight or have downtime during long shifts, ensure there’s a comfortable space for rest.
• This can be a guest room or a cozy corner with a chair or couch.

7. Ensure Easy Access to Contact Information

• Provide emergency contacts, medical details, and important phone numbers in a central location, like the fridge or a family binder.
• Highlight key services provided by Governess & Co, so the nanny knows who to contact for additional support or guidance.
• Include 112, the emergency number in Spain, along with your paediatrician, the nearest hospital with a children’s emergency department and copies of your children’s health or private insurance cards.
• If you travel or are hard to reach during the day, leave a signed note authorising your nanny to seek medical care for your children.

8. Set Up Communication Tools

• Establish a preferred method of daily updates, such as a notebook, app, or group chat.
• This fosters open communication and helps your nanny stay aligned with your family’s needs.

9. Introduce Technology or Tools

• Walk the nanny through devices like baby monitors, security systems, or appliances they’ll use regularly.
• Highlight any restrictions on technology use within the household.

10. Make the Welcome Warm

• A small welcome gesture, like a note, flowers, or a care package, goes a long way in making your nanny feel valued.
• At Governess & Co, we emphasize the importance of mutual respect and warmth in fostering long-term relationships between families and nannies.

11. Prepare the Car (If Your Nanny Drives)

• Check that your car insurance covers the nanny as a driver.
• Leave the right car seats installed. In Spain, children who are 135 cm tall or shorter must use an approved child seat suited to their height and weight and, as a general rule, travel in the back seats. The DGT recommends using a booster seat until 150 cm.
• Agree how fuel, parking and tolls are paid, and which routes and activities are approved.

Before the First Day: Contract and Paperwork

A well-prepared home is only half of a smooth start. In Spain, a nanny is employed as domestic staff, so a few formal steps need to be in place before the first working day:

• A written contract covering working hours, salary, paid holidays, duties and any trial period. Our guideline for families explains the basics, and our article on how much a nanny costs helps you set a realistic salary.
• Social Security registration, which must be completed before your nanny starts work. Most families ask a local gestoría to handle this and the monthly payroll.
• A handover period of one or two days when you and the nanny are both at home, so your children can get to know them while you are still around.

By following this checklist, you’ll create an environment where your nanny can thrive, ensuring your children receive the best possible care. Ready to find your perfect match? Contact Governess & Co today, and let’s make this transition seamless for your family!