Safety when finding a babysitter in a pandemic

No one was prepared for the current situation in the world — the pandemic with the new COVID-19 virus. Even less parents for whom the safety and health of their children is a top priority. But life goes on, the work process does not stop, kindergartens and nurseries are still closed, and the elderly (grandparents) remain in the risk group. So every working parent starts asking themselves the question: “When I go back to my workplace, who's going to babysit my child?“One reasonable choice remains hiring a babysitter. But if until now the process of finding and starting work has been difficult, then now it has become even more complicated and delicate.As everyone adapts to the new living conditions, we will guide you to how this seemingly uneasy task can become a safe option, tailored to all the safety requirements of the health of your whole family and, above all, of your child.

Find a candidate online

One of the options to find a trusted nanny is to hire one whose services have already been used by your friends and acquaintances. Even if you're lucky and able to find such potential nannies, this method of finding a babysitter does the job, but that means talking to people in person, live.Because such a delicate topic, on which the quality cultivation of your child depends, is not for the phone.But with potential encounters with other parents and children, you increase your contacts and risk meeting where with the virus.Therefore, we offer you to transfer the conversations on the Internet.Our platform is great for that. With us you can find familiar families who have used the services of a nanny and are satisfied with her. And instead of searching for their contacts (phone numbers, social media accounts), you can simply contact them and chat through our platform, which is easy to use, convenient and reliable.

Interview first by phone

When it comes to entrusting your child to an unknown person, most parents want to judge the person live — meet him, talk, feel him. We understand this very well and realise how important it is to a responsible and caring parent. But the new situation requires new solutions. We recommend that you do the first interview on the phone.Schedule a phone meeting and talk to the nanny.The phone conversation itself can give you enough information to assess whether to proceed with this candidate. This has also become a basic practice with most employers, so steal your idea from the experienced. If you are satisfied with the phone meeting and it seems to you that this nanny can become your nanny, then do a second video interview — viber, messenger, skype — there are many possibilities. There you can see the nanny and judge the person even better. Once you have finished this “round” of selection, you will most likely have passed most of the candidates by this time and there will be only one or two left.Then you can do a live interview.Because it's one thing to meet dozens of people, putting yourself at potential risk of contagion, and it's quite another to have contact with a number of responsible candidates.

Hold a safe meeting live

Before your first live meeting, explain to the other side that you insist that safety measures are respected.Wearing a mask, gloves and glasses protect both sides.Do not shake hands and keep a reasonable distance.Ask nannies what setting they spend their day in - whether they are often among people or follow directions and isolate themselves at home. If you have the opportunity, provide them with transport from their home to your home or the place where you will conduct the interview.All this will only be in your favor and will provide you with more safety and security.

Accommodation at home

In the event that you live in a large house or apartment and have a spare room, you have the opportunity and desire, you can offer the babysitter the option of accommodation in your home. She can spend the night with you and save her away every day, as well as her possible contacts with many other people. But still find out in advance about the working conditions, working hours, possible additional payment in case of unforeseen engagement, the cost of feeding, her free time and the organization of your cohabitation.

Hygiene instructions

Write your babysitter instructions on hygiene that you want to follow.Print them out and leave them in a prominent place so that it is reminded of them daily.It is very important to explain to the babysitter how to protect herself and your child.

Limit contacts

To ensure maximum isolation, and to minimise appointments with others, which may put you at risk of infection, you can limit walking outside and meeting other parents and children.Instruct your babysitter that you do not wish to collect your child with other children in playgrounds and parks.Bet on walks in deserted places, between blocks, in sheltered gardens.

Limit the use of public transport

We all know that public transport is the surest way to face different people, bacteria, viruses and infections. If you have the opportunity, arrange for the nanny to come to you by car or taxi, and you compensate for the extra costs.Invest in your personal security and that of your child.

Corona virus is not a reason to deprive yourself of the care of a nanny.You just need to take extra security measures.

Be responsible and beware!