When you have someone other than yourself caring for your children, it can be a daunting task to make sure you have provided them with everything they need. If you are unsure, need some help, or just want a check list, check out these ninety-nine items that every nanny needs.
Medical
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Anti-itch cream
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- Fever reducer
- Allergy medication
- Cold medication
- Cough medication
- Pepto Bismol
- Vitamins
Emergency Numbers
- Primary care doctor
- Emergency contact
- Neighbors
- Local police department
- Local fire department
- Close relatives
- Your work number
- Your spouse’s work number
- Your cell phone number
- Your spouse’s cell phone number
- Poison control
Drinks
- Water
- Sports drinks
- Juices
- Clear sodas
- Milk
Food
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Lunch meat
- Cheese slices
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Ketchup
- Chicken nuggets
- Fruits and vegetables your child will eat
- Bananas
- Cheerios
- Eggs
- Butter
- Goldfish crackers
- Frozen peas (for ice pack)
Transportation
- Working vehicle
- Age appropriate child seats
- Gas money/card
- Map or GPS device
- Appropriate music selection
- Child locks on windows and doors
- Extra set of car keys
- Security system
- Jumper cables
- Emergency kit
Scheduling
- Your schedule
- Your spouse’s schedule
- A calendar with holidays marked
- Set hours per week/month
- Prior notification to changes in schedule
- Set vacation days
- Schedule of children’s activities
Safety
- Deadbolts on doors
- Security system
- Locks on widows
- Child gates on stairs
- Child locks on cabinets
- Emergency telephone
- Battery operated radio
- Emergency supplies
- Fire extinguisher
- CPR kit
- Child-safe internet browser
- Child-locked television
- High chair
- Play pen
- Baby monitor
Paperwork
- Nanny agreement
- Guardianship documentation
- W-2/1099
- Children’s insurance information
- Children’s health history
- Children’s immunization record
Entertainment
- Television
- DVD player
- Child appropriate DVDs
- Game player
- Child appropriate games
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Building blocks
- Computer with internet access
- Child appropriate bookmarked sites
- Educational toys
- Children’s books
- Stuffed animals
- Craft supplies
Other
- Rocking chair
- Crib/bed with safety rails
- Potty chair
There are, of course, many more things your nanny could request from you, but these ninety-nine should get you started off on the right foot. Depending on the ages of your children, your needs may vary. Make sure that you discuss the situation thoroughly with the nanny and offer her any help you can. After all, the children are your first priority.