To all of the wonderful nannies and babysitters out there, though you may love the children you care for, and engage them all day long, remember that their parents who have been working hard all day too will want to enjoy pleasant homecomings. Try to have toys picked up, faces and hands clean, and only light snacks late in the afternoon.
You don't need to be the "maid" unless housekeeping is part of your agreed upon duties. But, you should get the children to help if they are old enough, and pick up the toys shortly before the parents are due to arrive home. It is frustrating for parents to come home to a mess after they have put in a full day at work.
Next, if the children have been playing outside, finger painting, or getting themselves dirty or messy any other way, try to have their faces and hands washed before mom and dad come through the door. When parents are separated from their children all day long, many of them can't wait to get home and give their kids a great big hug and kiss. The parents will certainly appreciate not having to wash paint, dirt, etc. off their children's hands and faces before being able to hug and kiss them.
Finally, be considerate of meal times even if you won't be there. Find out what time the family usually eats dinner. If it is relatively soon after you leave, then be sure to only allow light snacks late in the afternoon. Being thoughtful and considerate of homecoming time each day will only make the parents appreciate you more!
Picture a baby inside its mother's belly shortly before it is born. Inside the womb it is dark, warm, and there is very little room to move around. The baby is all curled up, snug and comfortable in its little home. Is there any wonder why a newborn would love to be swaddled? Not all do, but the vast majority will love it. When an infant is wrapped snugly in a blanket, it helps her to feel safe and secure just like she did in her mother's belly.
Most infants experience the moro or startle reflex when they hear a loud noise, which causes them to extend their arms, legs, and neck then quickly retract them and start to cry. Some exhibit the startle reflex even in their sleep (without the crying portion). Swaddling also helps to prevent the flailing arms and legs when the newborn experiences the startle reflex and makes them feel more safe. Some babies seem to experience the startle reflex more in their sleep when they are put to bed on their backs. Since this is the recommended position for sleep for infants these days, swaddling them at bedtime may help them to sleep better as well.
Swaddling can be done with regular receiving blankets, or more securely with special swaddling blankets. Whichever you prefer is fine, but give swaddling a try
