How do I onboard a new nanny?

Onboarding a new nanny well sets the tone for the whole working relationship. A thoughtful first week helps the nanny learn your household, builds trust with your children, and prevents the misunderstandings that cause early exits. Plan the onboarding before the start date so the first days feel organized rather than improvised.

Start with a written agreement and a clear first-day plan. Before the nanny arrives, put the key terms in writing: the schedule, the duties, the pay, time off, and how changes will be handled. On the first day, walk the nanny through the home, showing where everything is kept, from food and supplies to first aid items and cleaning products. Introduce the children slowly and let them get used to the new caregiver at their own pace. Stay nearby for part of the first day if you can, so the children see that you trust the nanny and the nanny can ask questions as they come up.

Next, share the daily routines in detail. Write down wake-up times, meal times, nap times, school runs, and bedtime routines, including the small details that matter, such as how each child likes to be settled or which foods to avoid. Cover allergies, medication, and health notes in writing so nothing depends on memory. Explain house rules about screen time, outdoor play, snacks, and visitors. A written guide that the nanny can check during the day is far more reliable than a single spoken briefing, and it shows respect for the work you are asking them to do.

Safety and contacts come next. Share the numbers for parents, a trusted neighbor, and the children's doctor, and explain what to do in an emergency, including where the nearest hospital is. Show the nanny the fire exits, the first aid kit, and any safety equipment in the home. Talk through scenarios such as a child becoming ill, a stranger at the door, or a power cut, so the nanny knows your expectations before anything happens. If the nanny will drive the children, check the car seat, review the routes, and agree on the rules for outings and pickups.

Finally, build in check-ins. Meet briefly at the end of the first day and again at the end of the first week to talk about how things went, what worked, and what needs adjusting. Ask the nanny what would help them do the job better, and share honest feedback kindly. A short daily handover note, in either direction, keeps small issues from growing into big ones. Good onboarding takes a little time up front, but it gives the nanny confidence, gives your children stability, and gives your family a working relationship that lasts.

Next step: Post a free ad on Jv119 to find a nanny in your area and start your family off with a smooth first week.