Did you find a new sitter or nanny? Great news! And congrats on connecting with a great match for your family. Whether it’s every-once-in-a-while date-night help, after-school homework help, or a full-time nanny, introducing someone new into your family’s routine takes some thoughtful prep.
Planning out the first few visits or weeks (for a longer term situation) will help everyone feel more at ease. Before welcoming a new sitter or nanny, check out our quick-start guide: It covers everything you might want to do before your caregiver arrives, what to share during the first day, and how to build a strong working relationship from the beginning.
Before The First Day
Share Your Family’s Routine
Every family has its own rhythm, and unless your caregiver is clairvoyant (doubtful) you can’t expect she or he will know it right away. Be sure to take a few minutes to walk through:
- Morning and bedtime routines
- Nap schedules
- Meal and snack times
- Favorite activities
- Screen time rules (and ideas for screen-free activities)
- Homework expectations
- Household rules
The more specific you are, the more confident your caregiver will feel.
Create a Family Information Sheet
Having important information in one place can make the transition much smoother.
Include:
- Emergency contacts
- Your address
- Pediatrician information
- Allergies and medical needs
- Medications
- School and daycare schedules
- Wi-Fi password (if appropriate)
- Neighbor or nearby emergency contact
Keep a printed copy in an easy-to-find location and update it as needed. We’ve got a downloadable one for you to use, too!
Talk About Your Child
Every child is different. That’s what makes them amazing! Help your sitter or nanny get to know yours by sharing:
- Favorite games and toys
- Comfort items
- Food preferences
- Fears or anxieties
- Personality traits
- Calming strategies
- Bedtime routines
These details help caregivers build connections faster.
Set Clear Expectations
One of the best ways to avoid misunderstandings is to discuss expectations early.
Topics to cover include:
- Arrival and departure times
- Transportation responsibilities
- Household tasks
- Meals and snacks
- Phone use
- Visitors
- Discipline approach
- Outdoor play
- Pet care
Encourage questions. It’s much easier to clarify expectations now than after routines are established.
Introduce Your Caregiver to Your Child
Best case scenario? Schedule a quick meet-and-greet before your caregiver’s first visit, if time allows. This gives everyone a chance to:
- Learn names
- Explore the house together
- Play for a little while
- Practice saying goodbye
Young children often adjust more easily when they’ve already spent some time with their new caregiver.
Walk Through Your Home
Show your sitter or nanny where to find everyday essentials, including:
- Diapers and wipes
- First aid supplies
- Extra clothes
- Cleaning supplies
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguisher
- Snacks and dishes
- Outdoor toys
The less time they spend searching, the more time they can spend with your child.
Discuss Safety
Before you leave, be sure to review important safety information.
This might include:
- Door and window locks
- Home security systems
- Emergency exits
- Pool or water safety rules
- Medication storage
- Food allergies
- Car seat instructions
- Emergency procedures
A few minutes of preparation can help everyone feel more confident.
Agree on a Communication Plan
Every family is different. Some love frequent updates, while others prefer a quick summary at the end of the day.
Decide what works best for you then touch base about:
- How often you’d like updates
- Whether photos are welcome
- Preferred communication method (text, phone, app)
- When to call immediately versus send a text
Setting communication expectations upfront helps everyone stay on the same page.
Allow Everyone Time to Adjust
Even the best match may need a little time to settle into a routine.
Your child may:
- Feel shy
- Test boundaries
- Be extra emotional
- Need more reassurance
Your caregiver is also learning:
- Your family’s routines
- Your child’s personality
- Your expectations
Patience during the first week can go a long way.
Check In After the First Time
Don’t wait until something feels off to talk. Ask your caregiver:
- What’s going well?
- Are there any questions?
- Is anything unclear?
- Is there anything that would make the routine easier?
Then ask your child age-appropriate questions about how they’re feeling.
Open communication helps build stronger relationships over time.
Focus on Building the Connection
Great child care partnerships are built on mutual respect. Simple habits can make a big difference:
- Say thank you.
- Share schedule changes as early as possible.
- Be clear about expectations.
- Celebrate milestones and successes.
- Offer constructive feedback kindly and promptly.
A positive relationship benefits everyone—especially your child.
Complete Your First Week Checklist
Before your caregiver arrives, make sure you’ve:
☐ Shared your daily routine
☐ Reviewed household rules
☐ Discussed communication preferences
☐ Provided emergency contacts
☐ Explained allergies or medical needs
☐ Given a home tour
☐ Reviewed safety information
☐ Introduced your child to the caregiver
☐ Scheduled a check-in after the first week
Ensure a Strong Start
Whether your caregiver is helping once a week or your nanny is becoming a key part of your family’s daily routine, taking time to prepare for their first week will make everyone feel more comfortable. When expectations are clear, communication is open, and caregivers have all the information they need, they will be better equipped to focus on what matters most: building a positive relationship with your child. A little preparation today can lay the foundation for a successful child care partnership for months (or years!) to come.
