Nanny Tricks of The Trade

1. Use kitchen shears to cut food.

Forget using a fork and knife to slice foods into bite-sized pieces. Instead, use kitchen shears. They’re good for cutting everything from cheese to toast.

2. Toss dirty clothes directly into the washing machine.

If you’re caring for little ones, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be doing at least a load of laundry per day. If your employers are okay with mixing colors on cold, skip the hamper and toss dirty clothes directly in the washer.

3. Use baby wipes to wipe up spills and clean off water rings on microfiber furniture.

Drool, sippy cups and bottles can leave microfiber in a mess. Use a wet wipe around the edges of the water ring and buff out the fabric with your hand. Voila, the spot will be gone.

4. Store art supplies in plastic rolling carts.

If you’re looking to keep crafts convenient but not easily accessible, store them in a closet. Roll it out when you’re ready to use them.

5. Keep a stocked diaper bag by the door.

Keep a fully loaded diaper bag ready to go by the front door. It will make getting out of the house a breeze, especially when there is no time to spare.

6. Use a straw to quickly hull strawberries.

Pop a straw into the bottom of the strawberry and out the top to get perfectly hulled strawberries every time.Less waste, less mess.

7. Create your own back-up care network.

Want to look like a hero? Have a list of recommended nannies ready to step in and provide care should you need a day off. Some families will even allow the nannies to cover for each other, should the nanny have an appointment come up during the day.

8. Always have a written work agreement.

Make having a written contact part of your job search process. Always use one, and never chance working without one.

9. Insist on written reviews in your contract.

When jobs go south, they go south fast. Asking for a reference after you’ve given notice or have been let go isn’t going to result in an accurate reference that takes into consideration all of your years of service. Insist via your work agreement a written reference before signing on with a family for another year.

10. Encourage employers to use a payroll service.

Want to guarantee you’ll never have to ask for your paycheck again? Insist your family enrolls in a nanny payroll service.

11. Save notes and cards from your work family.

It’s always good to hang on to proof of how great the family thinks you are. These notes and cards will come in handy if you find yourself hard pressed to secure a written reference.

12. Keep a nanny journal.

A nanny journal not only facilitates communication between the nanny and her employers, it allows you to track your day and any inconsistencies in it.If a child seems off or falls down and gets hurt, there’s a plan in place for recording that information.

13. Put identification tags on car seats.

The assumption is typically that the kids in the car belong to you. Having a label on the car seats with the children’s information and parent’s contact information can be super helpful if there is ever an accident and you are unable to provide such information.

14. Have a CPST check your installation.

Good nannies don’t take chances with car seat safety. Visit safekids.org to find a certified passenger safety technician near you to check your car seat installation.

15. Use spring rods to keep sliding closets closed.

Wondering how to keep those sliding closet doors closed? Use adjustable café style curtain rods. Place them high up between the edge of the door and the closet door jam and presto chango, the kids can’t get in.

16. Answer questions about your personal life in general terms.

Do you have plans tonight? Yes, I do, thanks for asking. Taking a shower in peace is certainly a highlight of the day, especially if shutting the bathroom door is something that simply doesn’t occur during working hours.

-Morningside Nannies

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