Kendamil Childcare & Behavioural Expert Lauren the Nanny Shares Her Childcare Tips

Kendamil Childcare & Behavioural Expert Lauren the Nanny Shares Her Childcare Tips

We asked Kendamil childcare and behaviour expert, Lauren Emmanuel, to tell us more about the transition into childcare and the options available.

We are all aware that as parents, after our parental leave we are encouraged to go back to work but what happens to our little bundles of joy? What do we do with them? Some of us are lucky to have our extended family around to help with childcare, but the majority of us will need the help of childcare settings. 

The first thing that you need to ascertain is what kind of childcare you need and what you think would work for your family dynamic. All settings will have had an OFSTED report (unless very new) which you can check online, or if you're struggling to find feedback, posting in local Facebook Groups works a treat.

Types of childcare and how to choose which one:

  • Private Day Nursery
  • Nursery School
  • Nursery Class within a school
  • Childminder Setting
  • Nanny - Live in/Live out

Nursery Settings

When going down the nursery route, its helpful to be aware that there are different options depending on your child’s age. For younger children, day nursery is the only option as they take babies from as young as 6 weeks old. This is ideal for parents who absolutely have to go straight back into work and need full days of childcare. 

For children over the age of 3, Nursery School becomes an option, whereby they can attend for a full school day (9-3pm) or solely morning / afternoon sessions. Again this is completely dependent on your individual needs as a family.

To find the nurseries in your area please check your local boroughs website, which should list them all. If you are thinking about a school nursery, you'll need to contact them to check their admission procedure - it’s important to do this early on around when your child is 2 years old, to avoid missing the admission deadline. 

Childminders

Having a childminder is another option if you want your child to be with other children, but in a much smaller setting. There is often one or two adults caring for the children in a home environment. 

Childminders can have up to 6 children of all different ages and often do the school runs, as well as caring for younger ones. It’s important to find a suitable childminder that you feel meets your child’s needs.

Recognised Childminders can be found on your local boroughs website with OFSTED reports available for you to view.

Nannies

So this is obviously my field of expertise!

There are different types of nannies depending on what your family needs. You can hire a nanny part time, full time, ad hoc, living in and living out! Plenty of options!

I'd suggest calculating the number of hours and the key times of the day you would need help along with how many days of the week and whether you need a driver. The nanny will essentially take over from you, so they will be doing all the things that you do daily, because of this you need to make sure they are capable of the responsibilities. 

Always listen to your gut! You need to 'click' with your nanny as they will become a part of your family and will be working very intimately with you all. You both need to feel comfortable in addressing any matters or issues and you need to be able to trust them.

There are lots of places to find nannies - agencies are popular and are useful for those families that do not have the time to search themselves, but they come with hefty fees!

A few other places I would recommend to look for a nanny, which I’ve used for myself as a nanny and as a parent when searching for a childminder for my son: 

Hint: your local Facebook Group is a great way to find recommended nannies in your area.

I highly recommend doing your research and using these resources online - I've personally had great experiences and think they are definitely worth a look.

Lauren x

@laurenthenanny

Important Notice: Breastfeeding is best. Kendamil Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, and should be used as part of a mixed diet. Please talk to your Healthcare Professional.

related articles

25 Nov 2024

Best toys for babies 0-6 months

Through playtime, babies 0-6 months can learn more about the world around them. From hearing to motor skill development, your baby isn’t just tapping away...

read now

18 Nov 2024

Top tips for parents to reduce burnout during the festive season

‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ - so why doesn’t it always feel like it? While we at Kendamil ADORE the...

read now

14 Nov 2024

Nanny Louenna’s tips on how to keep baby warm in winter

Norland nanny and mum Louenna shares her expert advice on how to keep your baby warm and well during the...

read now

30 Oct 2024

Kendamil wins GOLD award voted on by UK Mums (and babies!)

We’re thrilled to announce that Kendamil Classic Follow-On Milk has won GOLD in the 'Best Baby Food/ Pouch' category at...

read now

26 Sep 2024

The Whole Story On: Oils

We’re all becoming more aware of what is inside our food, and we know that baby milk is no different....

read now

20 Sep 2024

How to create a calming bedtime routine for babies

Establishing a nighttime routine for your baby is crucial for their development - and your sanity! It can be challenging...

read now

19 Aug 2024

Understanding Your Baby's Cues: Hunger Signs and Feeding Frequency

Feeding your baby can be one of the most beautiful moments you share, but let’s be honest, it can also...

read now

13 Aug 2024

Kendamil: How we aim to support sustainability

Kendamil stands out from the crowd for its unique whole milk recipe that’s been created in the beautiful Lake District....

read now

11 Jul 2024

Benefits of tummy time and how to get started

Incorporating tummy time into your daily routine from when baby is a newborn is really important for getting their development...

read now

11 Jul 2024

Baby water safety: advice for parents

As a new parent there are many safety precautions we need to be aware of to keep baby safe, and understanding the steps you...

read now