Starting Strong: How to Set Your Nanny Up for Success on Day One
You’ve done the hard part—found a wonderful nanny who feels like the right fit for your family. Now it’s time to make sure their first day goes just as smoothly. While the initial excitement of welcoming someone new into your home is real, it’s also natural to feel a little nervous. Will your child adjust well? Will the nanny feel comfortable? How much information is too much (or not enough)?
The good news: With a little planning and a lot of clear communication, your nanny’s first day can be a positive, confidence-boosting experience—for everyone involved.
1. Set the Tone with a Warm Welcome
Starting a new role in someone’s private home can feel intimidating, even for seasoned professionals. A warm, friendly greeting goes a long way. Take a few minutes to introduce your nanny to any family members who are home (including pets!), show them where to store their personal items, and offer something simple like water, tea, or a snack. These small gestures make the start of the day feel less transactional and more relational—just what you want when inviting someone into your family’s inner circle.
2. Share What Matters Most, First
Your nanny is here to care for your children, but on day one, their top priority is understanding your family’s unique rhythm. Start by walking through your child’s daily routine—wake-up time, meals, naps, school schedules, playtime, and any routines or preferences that help your child feel grounded.
Be sure to highlight key comfort items, communication styles, or behavioral cues your nanny should know. FFor example, if your toddler only naps with a specific blanket or your preschooler lights up when given a choice between two snacks, that’s golden information.
Write it down or provide a printed or digital copy your nanny can reference—it’s a gift they’ll appreciate more than you know.
3. Give a Practical House Tour
You may have done a quick walkthrough during the interview and trial, but a more detailed tour or refresher on day one helps your nanny feel confident and prepared. Point out:
Where daily essentials are kept (diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks).
Child-safe zones and off-limits areas.
Emergency exits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency phone numbers.
How to use any key household tools (monitors, strollers, thermostats, etc.).
Any quirks about your home—like a sticky door or an alarm system—that might be helpful to know.
If your nanny will be driving your children, take time to go over car seats or vehicle use, and do a quick tour of nearby parks, schools, or drop-off points if possible.
4. Talk Through Expectations
Even the most intuitive caregivers need clarity on how your household operates. Outline your expectations in plain language—whether it's screen time limits, schedules, or how messes should be handled. If your nanny will have downtime during naps or quiet time, let them know how you'd like them to use it (some families encourage tidying, others don’t—it’s all about what works for you). All of this should be outlined in your work agreement, but it’s good to review this all in person as well.
Also, be clear about your communication preferences. Do you want updates throughout the day? Photos? A summary at pickup? Whether it’s via text, an app, or a notebook, creating a plan for checking in helps avoid over- or under-sharing.
5. Don’t Skip the Transition Time
Even if you’re working outside the home, try to build in 30 minutes at the beginning of the day for a brief transition. Spend a little time with your child and the nanny together, then gradually step back so they can get acquainted one-on-one.
This gentle shift allows your child to adjust to the change while giving your nanny a chance to observe your interactions and start building trust. For families working from home, consider stepping out for a walk or running an errand so your nanny can confidently lead without distractions.
6. Make Room for Questions (and Imperfections)
It’s okay if not everything goes perfectly on day one. Expect a few bumps—it’s a learning process for all parties. Encourage your nanny to ask questions as they come up, and check in with them at the end of the day.
Ask:
How did the day go from your perspective?
Were there any moments that felt unclear or challenging?
Is there anything you need to feel more prepared moving forward?
This simple dialogue opens the door to mutual understanding and continuous improvement—and shows your nanny that you value their input.
7. Keep Resources Handy
Some families find it helpful to prepare a simple binder or digital folder with important information:
Emergency contacts
Pediatrician and nearby urgent care details
Allergies, medications, and dietary needs
School schedules and login info (if applicable) or general daily schedule (e.g. nap and feeding times)
Family rules and household preferences
You don’t need to create an elaborate guide—just a few well-organized pages can give your nanny a helpful reference point for common questions that come up in the early days.
A Strong Start Makes a Lasting Difference
The first day sets the tone for your nanny’s experience—and your child’s comfort and confidence in this new relationship. When parents take time to plan, communicate, and welcome a nanny with care, the payoff is huge: stronger trust, fewer misunderstandings, and a smoother path toward a happy, healthy caregiving partnership.
At Trusted Nanny Match, we support families not just in hiring, but in creating lasting, successful relationships with their nannies. We offer guidance on onboarding, help you define expectations, and ensure your caregiver has everything they need to thrive from day one. If you’re looking for a nanny who fits seamlessly into your family—and support to make the transition as smooth as possible—we’re here to help.
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If you’re looking for a wonderful nanny, newborn care specialist, family assistant, housekeeper, or other household staff, please reach out to us!
If you’re looking for your next great family to work with as a nanny, newborn care specialist, housekeeper, or other household staff, please connect with us!