Checking up on your nanny

If you did all the background and reference checks on yournanny beforehand, chances are you have a nanny you can be sure of.  However, if you didn’t do full duediligence or if your nanny had no prior experience or references, and you haveconcerns, here are some warning signs of a “bad nanny.”

1. Your normally happy baby becomes agitated and fearful when the nanny arrives.   Sometimes, this is just evidence that real bonding has not occurred or that the baby just really wants to spend more time with you or your spouse. 
2. Your baby has had too many accidents.  Even if your nanny is not abusing your child, signs of too many accidents means your nanny is not staying on top of the situation to provide falls and injury, which is one or her most important jobs.
3. You differ with your nanny on ways to take care of the baby and your nanny doesn’t follow through on your requests.  Or worse, she is critical of  your parenting style.
4. You find that the baby is not clean or properly dressed. This is a sign that the nanny is not up to the task of properly taking care of your child.
5. Your nanny is often late or has unpredictable absences.  A nanny you can’t depend on is in many ways worse than no nanny at all.
6. You discover her in a lie or she tells stories that don’t make sense.  In this case, you must immediately fire your nanny. You can not entrust your child to any person who lies, steals, or betrays your trust.

Most nanny decisions can be made without hiring a detectiveor installing hidden cameras.