An infant care plan is basically an agreement between parents and their child care provider that outlines how the child will be fed, disciplined and what the routine of a day should be. This is more often done for a nanny who is only going to be caring for your child and less often in a traditional day care center, where one provider is in charge of many children at one time. 4Nannies recommends spending some time with a prospective nanny to be sure she is a good fit for your family. There are some basic steps needed to properly outline a care plan for your nanny to follow.
How to Create an Infant Care Plan
Step 1
Meet with your nanny. Discuss what things are most important to you and what she is willing to do for what wage. Show her around the house and describe any potential safety hazards she needs to be aware of. Tell her your babyproofing techniques so she is aware of these products and methods and thus ensures consistency. Tell your nanny your discipline methods, feeding plans, sleep schedules, classes your child attends and any other important information. Most importantly, allow your infant to interact with the nanny to be sure they will get along. Once these things are done, you can write all the information into an infant care plan your nanny can keep on hand when she is caring for your baby.
Step 2
Type up or write out the infant care plan. You can also make a blank template on the computer and then fill it in. This is helpful in the event that things on the plan change, because you can print and fill out a new one, reducing confusion.
Step 3
Fill in the contact information. This will include contact numbers for you and your spouse, as well as who to contact if you can't be reached. Other numbers to include are emergency personnel, poison control and your child's doctor.
Step 4
Fill in medical information. This will include your insurance numbers and policy plans in case your nanny has to take your child to the doctor or hospital. This section is a good place to put into writing any medical concerns, such as allergies, your nanny needs to know. Be sure to write down what you want your nanny to do if any of these concerns arise while your child is in her care.
Step 5
Fill in specific day-to-day care instructions. This is the section where you will write down your infant's feeding schedule, how much he eats and what foods he can and cannot have. You will also need to put down your baby's nap schedule and any appointments you need your nanny to take your child to for you. This is a good place to include safety information and specific requests regarding your infant's safety, as well as childproofing methods you want done in your absence. Some parents also like to have their nanny keep track of diaper changes, activities and how much was eaten and when so when you get home, you will know exactly what went on that day.
Step 6
Fill in any extras. Some nannies agree to do housework during the day, usually for extra money. If this is the case, include instructions on how to work the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer and vacuum cleaner. Write down which supplies to do for what job and include a list detailing where everything belongs.
Tips and Warnings
- It is a good idea to hire a nanny who knows CPR and first aid. These tips can be modified for a babysitter you only use from time to time.
- Post all emergency numbers and CPR instructions in case of emergency.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Computer printer
- Writing tools
