Preparing Your Child for a Full-Time Nanny

Going back to work after maternity leave? Are you looking to supplement your family's income? You have decided to go back to work and hired a full-time nanny for your child or children. The transition doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to make the process smooth:

Before your new nanny starts on her first day, it is recommended to get your child used to being away. A few weeks before the expected start date, leave your child with your spouse or sitter for short periods of time (30 minutes or less) and work up to longer time intervals. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for a child seven months or younger, it may be particularly difficult for him to adjust since he's dealing with issues of separation anxiety.

Introduce your child to the new nanny while you're there. We recommend you conduct a working interview in which you spend an entire day with the new nanny and your children to help everybody adapt to the new situation.

Make the first encounter with the nanny a positive one. When you're ready for the first meeting between baby and caregiver, the AAP recommends holding your child in your lap while talking with the nanny. This gives the nanny chance to make eye contact with him. Give everybody some time to warm up to each other, but don't let your children feel any reservation in your body language as they will pick up on it easily.

Once you're ready to head back to the office, consider starting on a Wednesday, rather than a Monday, so that your first week apart won't seem so long.

Try not to let your child pick up any apprehension that you may be feeling about being separated from her since that might make her anxious, too. For instance, don't make a big deal about the time you'll be away by drawing out a long good-bye. Act naturally to help your baby relax, and she'll soon figure out that there's no need to worry since you'll be back.