Here at Loving Nannies, we have been emphasizing the importance of coronavirus safety precautions to all of our nannies. Daily routines such as wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, using sanitizer when necessary and most importantly-social distancing, can be very important in their non-nanny lives. We talk to all of our nannies about the specific precautions they are taking and if they have been exposed to anyone that may have had the virus and if they have traveled recently. We also have a serious talk with each nanny about minimizing the risk of getting the virus and ask important relevant questions such as who they live with and if that person(s) is in contact with others or works in/outside the home, travels etc. We also want to know if they will be working for more than one family and who, if anyone, they are in contact with on a regular basis (friends, significant others, extended family etc). We have each nanny sign a COVID-19 good faith agreement that states that each nanny will take all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of themselves and the family they will be working for.
Loving Nannies Safety Information During COVID-19
In order to better serve our families and nannies during this time of need, we have compiled some safety information in regards to COVID-19. First and foremost, a nanny should stay home and not care for any children if they suspect they may be getting sick. If a nanny develops any symptoms, they should not go to work. Nannies should self-quarantine if they believe they have been in contact with anyone who is sick with coronavirus, or suspects that they were. This is usually for at least 14 days or per doctor’s advice. On the same note, if the employer or child being cared for has symptoms they should disclose it to the nanny.
Good Hygiene Practices for Nannies & Families
- Practice frequent hand washing and good hygiene practices. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to wash the children’s hands as well.
- Wear a mask or face covering whenever you leave the house and maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you sneeze or cough and dispose of tissues immediately after and always use hand sanitizer.
- Stay away from people who appear to be sick.
- Take shoes off when entering the home.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others outside the home.
- Place anti-bacterial hand sanitizers throughout the home and encourage everyone to use them frequently.
- Have sanitizer and extra gloves inside the car.
- Avoid using public transportation.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Seek medical attention if you start to feel sick or a cold coming on.
Precautions a Nanny Can Take While Caring For Children
- Wear a mask while working with a child(ren). (Recommended-talk to your employer)
- Nannies wash your hands as soon as you enter the family’s home and
throughout the day. - Nannies remove shoes before entering the home.
- Keep a change of clothes at the family’s home and change into those clothes when you arrive each day and change back into your regular clothes when you leave. (Recommended-talk to your employer)
- Have children wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer. Some important times to do this are before going outside/inside, before and after eating snacks and meals, and after using the potty.
- Keep children’s hands away from their faces (mostly noses, mouths, and eyes).
- Deter children from putting their hands or toys in their mouths.
- Wash any toys that have been put in the children’s mouths.
- Minimize food sharing as well as sharing utensils, drinks, snacks, and anything else that goes in their mouths.
- Play in the family’s backyard or on the front porch. If activities are desired then walking or scooting using social distancing are the preferred outdoor activities.
- If parks are allowed, keep children away from others as much as possible and use sanitizer often.
- If playgrounds are allowed, make sure the child understands the importance of social distancing and always use hand-sanitizer during and after the children play.
- No group indoor or outdoor activities allowed. This means no playdates, libraries, museums, bookstores, playdates, restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, sports practices, lessons, etc.
- No hugging or kissing the child(ren). Explain to the child(ren) how much you care for them but that everyone needs to be safe.
- Immediately text or call your family if you or the child is showing any cold symptoms.
Additional Precautions For Nannies Caring For Infants
- Disinfect common areas and surfaces frequently such as children’s toys, doorknobs and handles, light switches, countertops, furniture, tables and chairs, phones, computers, tablets, and laptops, sinks, toilets, and faucets, TVs, remote controls, alarm code keypads, etc.
- Keep the baby’s room clean and tidy.
- Keep bottles clean and sanitized.
- Refrain from kissing the baby.
Precautions Nannies Can Do On Their Own
- Practice social distancing.
- Only work for one family during COVID-19.
- No socializing with friends or extended family.
- Take all safety measures to stay healthy such as washing hands for 20 seconds, using sanitizer, wearing a facemask and gloves, only leaving the house for essential activities such as grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy or doctor, etc.
Healthy Conversations For Families And Nannies
Families should have a healthy discussion with their nanny about how everyone can do their best to stay safe. Families and their nanny should come to an agreement on what is expected of each other as for social distancing and any other precautions they can each take.
Some things each family and nanny should agree on (this can be a verbal or written agreement).
- Each party should agree to report any symptoms of illness (including cough, fever, sore throat) so that everyone can make a determination about whether it’s OK to come to work.
- If one of the children seems sick, the nanny should let the parents know right away by text and take their temperature as soon as possible. Parents should also let the nanny know if the child is showing any cold symptoms.
- Each party agrees to adhere to social distancing rules and limit contact with others, whether it be family, work, doing daily activities (grocery shopping, post office, gym, etc.)
- Each party agrees to not travel outside the area and will have no visitors in their home. If someone needs to travel, there will be a 14 day quarantine period.
- Each party agrees to use all safety measures possible including washing their hands frequently, using sanitizer, wearing a face mask and gloves when outside, and taking any/all precautions possible to stay safe and healthy.
- Have a conversation about what happens if someone gets sick. What would that look like for the nanny or the family? Try to come to an agreement on both sides that if either party gets sick, they will wait for the other party to get better and work it out. Some questions to ask are: If the nanny gets sick, will she use her sick pay and/or vacation pay? If the family or child gets sick, will the nanny still get her full pay (or partial pay)?
We at Loving Nannies are here to help. Let’s protect each other by following CDC, state and county guidelines!
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