Nanny interviews

[Vishenka69]

I signed up with Sittercity.com and got some good replies. I want to set up some nanny/babysitter interviews for next week while my mom is still here. There are two types of women who have replied so far - college students (or very recent graduates) and older women in their 60s who have grandchildren. Most of the college students are some sort of Ed majors and do have previous nanny experience and references. Some grandmas have worked for other families and some have only watched their kids/grandkids.

What kind of questions do I ask? Since I'm still trying to figure things out, how do I know if they're more knowledgeable than me? Primarily I need them to look after the baby while I catch up on sleep in the afternoon, so I can be more alert at night. Since DH is going back to work, he'll need to get at least some sleep to function.

[SuzySunshine]

If it were me and it were my infant I would ask:

- what experience do you have with brand new infants? (Regardless of whether or not these college kids are ed majors, have they ever taken care of a BRAND NEW baby?)
- references? you said they have them but actually call them and ask about question #1

I think you just want to get someone you're comfortable with, someone who will give their undivided attention to the baby and not be on an iphone or something like that. As for being new at this yourself I would just tell them that, tell them you're still figuring things out and things may change from the beginning to the end. The grandmother types will probably understand that the best.

Good luck!

Cheri is very right about the brand new baby question. Experience with older kids is quite different than a newborn. I differ with her thought on the grandmother-type, though. While they'll probably *understand* the concept of working your way through, my fear would be that they'll feel THEY know best. After all, they would have diapered their own, their grandchildren and however many others they've cared for. They very well may know best, but I don't know that I'd be comfortable with having someone else run the show.

[Tenacious_D]

CRAP!! I had a long post written out and now don't have the energy to retype everything so here goes.

1. references - more than 2
2. real experience with INFANTS not just babysit for my cousin who is 7 years old
3. criminal record...do they have a CORI on file
I would meet with the top three you like and see who is the best fit. When we were looking, I found the younger ones to be more energetic and bubbly but in the end the older women aka grandma knew what to do and our current nanny helps me when I have questions about little E. She isn't overbearing though so it's a nice balance. You will probably just go with your gut when you meet them. I would spend at least an hour with each and have them do things (feed, change, play with baby etc.) while you mosey around the house etc. I hope this helps and good luck with the search.

[Tenacious_D]

Also find out their future work plans and needs...you want someone consistent so if they are graduating soon and moving they may not be the one for you.

[Meenah]

Background check, at a real place that does fingerprinting,etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bloodwork and TB testing too. The same as if they were applying to work for a school district.

[Ladybug]

Newborn experience, wouldl they be willing to help with housework/laundry when the baby is napping, do they charge extra for that, do they have reliable transportation? I agree that an older nanny might be more reliable and long term.

[MrsK]

I found this questionnaire on line to be helpful. http://www.babycenter.com/0_nanny-in...eet_1450905.bc

Some of the questions are redundant and some need examples. For instance, "What would you do in an emergency?" works better if you provide a scenario like "suppose the baby fell off the changing table. What would you do?" I've gotten various responses ranging from "I'd do whatever you tell me to do" (not good, the point is I won't be there) to "That wouldn't happen because I would never walk away from the changing table and I'd keep a hand on the baby at all times."

Also, future plans was very important with college students. Some are finishing up next semester and will quit when their dream job comes along.

Definitely follow up on references and get a background check.

[Vishenka69]

Thanks, I'm trying to schedule as many interviews as I can this week while my mom is here, to get her perspective as well. I was also going to follow up on references/background checks for the top 2-3 that we like. First one is coming in a few hours, so I better start making a list of questions. Would it be weird if I write down their answers? I'm afraid they'll all blend in after some point and I won't remember who said what.

[MrsK]

I've been taking notes when I interview. Including the proper spelling of their names, date I interviewed them, phone numbers, and addresses. If you like them and want to do a background check, you can get maiden names, alises, drivers license numbers, etc. later.

[Momo]

don't forget to see if they are certified in infant CPR & first aid.

[Vishenka69]

So far I've met 2 and really liked one of them. But she wants more a full time job with at least 30-35 hours a week and I'm not sure if I need someone for that much. I still have 3 more interviews scheduled for next week though. I hope they won't be the same waste of time today's was. The woman who came today didn't disclose that she's on disability due to MS, can barely walk and has back issues. How she expected me to trust her with a newborn, I have no idea.

[DCJenn]

She probably is collecting unemployment and has to document a certain number of job interviews each week. Hopefully the other three will be good. Maybe you can find someone to share the one you really like?

Keep us posted!

[Meenah]

My brother has a nanny who wanted more hours than they thought they wanted in the beginning, so when they were home and with the baby she did the baby's laundry, prepared bottles, etc. Now she is full time with the baby and still does the baby "stuff".

[Vishenka69]

Why is it that the ones I like have "but's" attached? Met a very promising college student today. But, she's only available one afternoon, nights and weekends for the next two months and doesn't know her schedule for fall semester yet. I'm leaning towards her, granted her references check out. DH is on call at least one weekday, so having someone while he's gone to help with nighttime routine would be helpful.