Looking after a baby (0 - 12 months)

Looking after a baby is no joke, this is why we want to ensure you are as prepared as possible for looking after one, whether it is the first time you look after a baby or the 100th time! Looking after a baby is completely different to looking after a toddler or an older child, so make sure you are 100% up for the task before accepting a job.

Why is it hard?

Babies depend on their carer and can’t speak, this can make it tricky to know what the baby needs. With time you will learn to interpret the baby’s behaviour but in the mean time you must ask the parents as many questions as possible so you are prepared for any situation.

What to ask?

Typically, you should expect to be responsible for feeding, burping, changing and entertaining the baby, so ensure you ask questions like:

Is the baby eating solids yet? (They aren’t likely to be if they are under 6 months)

How often and what should I feed the baby?

Where does the baby nap?

Where do I change the baby?

Where should I throw dirty nappies?

Where can I find changes of clothes in case I need to change the baby?

What is the nap time routine like?

How do the parents soothe the baby?

Does the baby have a favourite toy?

You might also want to speak to the parents about what creative activities you have planned for the session and ask them if there’s anything they’d like you to change.

Rules

Each family will have their own way of doing things and when you are looking after their child, you must follow their rules. For example, if a family isn’t yet giving their baby solid food, then neither should you.

Find out more about feeding a baby here.

If you aren’t sure about something ask, do not assume.

How to tell what a baby needs?

This is a tricky one and the more in tune you are with the baby, the easier it is - this can take some time. The first thing is to not get flustered, babies can sense if you aren’t confident which will result in them being unsettled - own the situation no matter what.

Try and watch out for signs before the baby starts crying. Are they being fussy? Touching their ears? Kicking their legs?

If they seem unsettled or upset, there are a number of things you need to check:

Do they have a dirty nappy?

Is it their sleeping time?

Could they be hungry?

Do they have a tummy ache and need burping?

Are they bored?

Remember, for non verbal infants, crying is a way for them to express themselves, it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong - in this case, don’t get flustered and try to distract them.

If nothing works, check their temperature to see if they are unwell.

A baby creative session with CocoRio

When families book creative child care for their baby, they often expect a sensory experience tailored to their little one’s development stage. Below you will find a session plan example that we encourage you to follow.

Introduction

When you arrive, use the script in your creative nanny handbook to make a great first impression with the family. Introduce yourself and start connecting with the baby:

Smile, make funny faces, play peek-a-boo etc.

Start

Put on your pre-prepared music playlist, this helps signify to the baby that it is now time to play. Let it play in the back ground throughout your session. (Pause the music during meal times or nap times to help indicate it is no longer play time)

Activities

Plan multiple activities in line with our Learning Journey and using the inspiration station found in the creatives area. Make sure you have more than you need as babies have very short attention spans. Equally, be ready to improvise depending on the baby’s reaction.

In between activities

Don’t expect to run activities one after the next and for the baby to patiently interact with each of them. Plan ‘resting’ time in between where you might explore the room you’re in, or watch cars from the window. It is important for babies to have a frequent change of scenery to keep them happy. Don’t forget to change the baby’s nappy every few hours - and immediately after they’ve done a poo.

Let the baby lead

If the baby is particularly mesmerised by something you do or an activity you’ve planned, use this to your advantage and redo it frequently. The baby will start recognising and anticipating it. This can be a particular song with movements, a noise you make, a prop you use etc.

Routines

Ensure you follow the baby’s schedule which the family will have given you. This will include meal and nap times and they will have told you how to go about these crucial moments. Routine is very important, however there is no guarantee everything will go smoothly if you follow the routine as described, to the dot, but you’ll definitely be giving yourself the best chances of it going well.

Ending the session

Before you leave, ensure you clean up any mess you and the baby may have created. Speak to the parents if possible, or leave a note outlining what you did and what the baby enjoyed, report any issues, no matter how minor including head bumps or spit ups and make sure you show excitement, this will help the parents feel confident their precious baby had a great time in your care!