Tips for a Smooth Start: How to Onboard Your New Nanny in Portland
Welcoming a new nanny into your home is a major transition– not just for your child, but for everyone in your household. A thoughtful onboarding process can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll share our top onboarding tips to help set your nanny up for success and create a smooth transition.
Before Your Nanny’s First Day
Getting these logistics out of the way beforehand will start things off on the right foot.
- Set up payroll and taxes: Establish your payroll and taxes system, or sign up for a household payroll service to automate the process. They will pay your nanny with a (legally required) paystub, track and withhold taxes, and file returns. Our choice payroll partner is HomePay (This is an affiliate link). As a Pearl Nannies client, Homepay will provide a complimentary consultation and your first month of service free.
- Make an extra key: If you don’t already have one, make an extra house key for your nanny so they can get in each day and lock up when they take your kids on outings.
- Workers compensation insurance: Purchase a workers compensation insurance policy, or confirm that your homeowners insurance includes liability coverage that will cover your nanny in the event of a work-related injury.
Your Nanny’s First Day
The first day is all about setting expectations and helping your nanny feel at home. Plan to spend some time walking them through your space and daily routines.
Tip: Organize your onboarding tour by room so your nanny can learn the key details and routines for each space.
Kitchen
- Food (meals, snacks, recipes) to be prepared for your children
- Restrictions or guidelines around food
- Appropriate dishes and cups to use
- Mealtime routines
- Cleaning supplies for counters, table, and floors
- Trash, recycling, and compost system
Bathroom
- Potty routine
- Bath routine
- Dental care routine
- Diapering supplies
- Towels
- Extra toilet paper and wipes
Kids Bedrooms
- Closet and dresser organization
- Naptime and bedtime routines
- Extra bed linens
Play Areas
- Favorite toys and activities
- Any specific cleaning supplies for toys
- Toy storage and organization systems
- Rules and restrictions for any activities
Laundry Room
- Detergent for kids clothes and linens
- Any special care instructions
Medical
- Any medications your kids may need and instructions for administration
- Any medical supplies they may need – thermometer, first aid kit.
- A signed medical consent form, if you wish to provide one
Outing Supplies
- Stroller (and folding instructions!)
- Diaper bag
- Car seat
- Family car and any instructions
Tip: If your nanny will be driving your kids in their own car, install the car seat yourself to ensure safe and proper installation.
General
- Vacuum cleaner
- Batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Supplies (flashlight, radio) and protocol for emergency situations
- Emergency contacts
House Rules and Communication
Inform your nanny of any house rules and set expectations from the start.
- Let them know what areas of the house are off-limits for them or the kids.
- Create space in the fridge for your nanny to bring their own food each day.
- Explain guidelines for outings with your children: Approved locations, timing, playdates.
- Establish the best way for your nanny to reach you during the day if necessary.
- Communicate if and/or how often you would like to receive updates and photos of your child during the day.
- Decide how you will communicate about your child’s day: a written log, a daily check in, only on an as-needed basis. Detail what you would like to know, such as meals, how much was eaten, diaper/potty schedule, nap times and lengths.
Tip: Set specific screen time rules if they haven’t been discussed yet. Share what (if any) devices/content are allowed, any time limits, and any other limitations around use.
End of the First Week
At the end of the first week, sit down with your nanny to evaluate how things are going. This is a good time to:
- Provide any feedback
- Address any concerns you may have
- Make adjustments to routines or schedules
- Encourage open dialogue so your nanny can share their thoughts
Transitioning a new nanny into your home takes time. With these onboarding tips, you’ll start off on the right foot by setting clear expectations and encouraging open communication. When you work with Pearl Nannies, a nanny agency in Portland, we stay in touch during your nanny’s onboarding period to ensure things go smoothly and help clear any hurdles if they arise.