Being a busy mom who balances the demands of a job with the obligations of raising a family, you frequently find yourself in need of additional helping hands. Hiring a nanny is one option that you think about. 

A nanny will make house chores easier and give you the peace of mind to concentrate on your work and business. But choosing to let someone into your house and give them responsibility for your children’s safety is a big step.

 It takes more than just finding someone to watch your kids; you also need to connect with the right person who will fit into your family's system, live up to your standards, and make sure your kids are happy, safe, and receiving proper care.

8 things to consider before hiring a nanny

• Experience and qualifications: Be on the lookout for nannies who have had previous childcare experience, especially with kids of your age. To examine how good, dependable, and effective this nanny is in childcare, check references and possibly reviews from prior employers. Ask if they possess the necessary credentials, such as those in early childhood education, CPR(cardiopulmonary resuscitation), or first aid.

• Background check: Make sure the nanny has no criminal history by doing a comprehensive background check. The local police force can handle this. Make sure to ask for their government-issued identification to confirm their identity. Also, make sure the nanny is authorized to operate in Nigeria if she isn't a national. Verifying work permits or other legal documents may fall under this category.

• Health and safety: To make sure the nanny is healthy and clear of infectious diseases, ask for a recent medical report. Find out if the nanny is knowledgeable about essential safety measures, including how to manage crises, conduct CPR, and provide first aid. The nanny's personal cleanliness and hygiene habits should be reviewed and observed, as they will affect your child's health.

• Personality: Take note of how the nanny interacts with your child during the initial meeting or trial period. Check out qualities such as kindness, patience, and interaction skills with your child. Verify if the nanny's ways of living, values, and approach to child care relate to the expectations and values of your family. This includes routines, food choices, and ways of discipline. Check to see if the nanny can effectively communicate with both adults and children. Comprehending and fulfilling your child's needs requires effective communication.

• Duties and responsibilities: Establish clear expectations for the nanny, including what she will be expected to do for specific activities like meal preparation, light housekeeping, and childcare duties.

 Make feeding, sleep, playing, and educational activities part of the regular schedule. Check to see if the nanny can comfortably carry out these activities. Be sure that the nanny is informed about and prepared to manage any specific requirements, dietary restrictions, or medical concerns your child may have.

• Salaries: Do your research to find out the average price for nannies to calculate a reasonable and competitive salary. Take into consideration the nanny's background, credentials, and so on. Provide benefits like health insurance, leave holidays, bonuses, and chances to further their career. This may aid in keeping qualified nannies. Clearly state when and how payments will be made, including if they will be made in cash, by bank transfer, or on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.

• Trial period: To determine whether the nanny will work well with your family and whether they can complete the necessary chores, start with a trial period that lasts a few weeks. Regularly assess the nanny's performance during the trial time and offer helpful criticism. Respond quickly to any problems or complaints. Depending on the nanny's performance and your family's comfort level, determine at the end of the trial period whether to keep the nanny on board.

• Legal considerations: Create a thorough employment contract that outlines the duties, compensation, perks, working hours, and termination policies. A copy should be signed by both parties and kept. Make sure that all local labour rules are followed, including those that deal with minimum pay, overtime, and working hours.

By taking these things into account, you can make a smart decision and employ the service of a nanny who will be a dependable and encouraging presence in your home, taking care of your kids while you take care of your job responsibilities.