How to Prepare for Your Nanny’s First Day: A Parent’s Guide

Mar 31

Hiring a nanny is a significant milestone for any family, and preparation can help ensure that your new nanny’s first day goes smoothly! Before your nanny’s first day, you’ll want to set clear expectations, encourage a positive working relationship, and make sure your child feels comfortable with their new caregiver.

If you’ve just hired a professional nanny, follow this guide to ensure a successful start for your family and new nanny.

1. Establish a Warm Welcome

Your nanny’s first impression of your home and family sets the tone for your relationship. It’s important to make them feel valued and comfortable by:

Giving a house tour and pointing out important areas (nursery, kitchen, emergency exits, etc.)
Introducing them to your child(ren) in a warm, welcoming environment
Allowing time for your new nanny to bond with your child(ren) before jumping into responsibilities
Providing a written welcome note with key details they may need to reference later

2. Prepare a Nanny Binder or Welcome Packet

To encourage confidence and set your nanny up for success in their role, provide a detailed resource guide that includes:

Daily schedule & routines (meals, naps, playtime, school pickups, etc.)
House rules & discipline guidelines to maintain consistency
Allergy & medical information (emergency contacts, doctor’s number, medications, etc.)
Preferred activities & child interests to help them engage with your child(ren)
Household responsibilities (light cleaning or meal prep expectations if applicable)

This reference guide helps your nanny to feel prepared and aligned with your family’s values from day one!

3. Discuss Expectations & Communication Preferences

Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings and create a strong foundation for a successful nanny-family relationship. On the first day, discuss:

Preferred communication methods (text updates, daily logs, weekly meetings)
Discipline philosophy & parenting style (how to handle tantrums, boundaries, and rewards)
Emergency procedures (when to call you and what to do in urgent situations)
Flexibility & overtime policies (if occasional late nights or schedule changes are expected)

Encouraging open communication from the start helps build trust and ensures that both parties feel comfortable addressing concerns as they arise.

4. Consider a Trial Run or Shadow Day

To ease into the transition, consider scheduling a half-day shadow session where your nanny observes your family’s routines before taking full responsibility.

Allow them to shadow you through the daily routine
Encourage them to interact with your child in small ways (reading a book, playing a game)
Provide feedback and answer any questions along the way
Gradually step back to allow them to take the lead while you observe

A trial run builds confidence for both your nanny and your child, making the first full day smoother.

5. Set Up the Home for Success

Make sure your nanny has everything they need to provide great care by setting up:

A stocked diaper bag or childcare essentials (diapers, wipes, snacks, bottles, etc.)
Household keys, security codes, or entry instructions
A first aid kit & emergency contacts in an easy-to-find location
Designated play areas with toys, books, and activity supplies
Backup transportation details if they will be driving or using public transport

A well-prepared home makes it easier for your nanny to focus on caring for your child rather than searching for necessities.

6. Foster a Positive Child-Nanny Relationship

This is arguably the most important step! Your child(ren) will be spending a lot of time with this person, so you want to make sure your child(ren) and new nanny have a positive relationship! For children, adjusting to a new caregiver can take time. Help facilitate a smooth transition by:

Talking about the nanny positively before they arrive
Letting your child choose an activity to do with the nanny on the first day
Allowing space for one-on-one bonding time
Keeping goodbyes short and reassuring to avoid unnecessary anxiety

Some children warm up quickly while others may take a bit longer, so be patient and encourage a natural bond to develop.

7. Be Available for Check-Ins

While your nanny will be taking the lead, being accessible on the first day helps answer questions and provide reassurance.

Let them know they can text or call you if they need anything
Plan a mid-day check-in to see how things are going
At the end of the day, sit down for a brief recap and encourage feedback

Providing support and encouragement helps your nanny feel comfortable and confident in their new role.

8. End the Day on a Positive Note

After your nanny’s first day, take time to acknowledge their efforts and reflect on how everything went.

Express appreciation for their hard work and enthusiasm
Ask how they felt about the day and if they have any questions
Provide constructive feedback in a supportive way
Discuss any minor adjustments needed for a smoother experience moving forward

Building a strong working relationship from day one ensures that your nanny feels valued and motivated to provide the best care for your child.

Find a Trusted Nanny with Preferred ChildCare

At Preferred ChildCare (PCC), we understand the importance of finding a professional, reliable nanny who fits seamlessly into your family. Our 12-tier screening process ensures that only the top 5% of applicants make it through, giving you the highest quality childcare experience.