You've booked your first Nannies on Call nanny. Great move! Now comes the part that can make or break the experience: the prep. A little preparation before that first visit goes a long way toward making everyone feel comfortable — you, your kids, and your nanny. Here's what to do next.

1. Do a Quick Walkthrough Before They Walk In

You don't need a spotless house, but you do need to prepare the childcare space(s).

Before your nanny arrives, take five minutes to point out (or write down) the essentials:

Where the snacks are and what the kids are allowed to eat
Where the first aid kit lives
Which rooms are off-limits
Where to find diapers, extra clothes, or anything else they might need

Five minutes of prep saves ten minutes of questions once the kids are already wound up, and gets everyone off to a calm, confident start.

2. Tell Them What the Schedule Can't Capture

Your nanny knows the plan. What they don't know yet is everything that isn't written down.

Think about the small, specific things that matter to your kids:

Your toddler needs the blue cup, not the green one
Your 6-year-old takes a little while to warm up to new people, so give them space at first
The dog barks at the door, but is completely harmless
Naptime only works if the white noise machine is on

These details aren't in any booking form. A quick heads-up before you leave is what turns a good nanny visit into a great one.

3. Do a Warm Introduction, With You There

If you're present, relaxed, and clearly comfortable with your nanny when you first introduce them to your kids, your children will take that cue from you. You don't need to stay long. You just need to be calm and warm in those first few moments together.

A simple script: "This is [Nanny's name]. She's here to play with you today while I go out. I'll be back after dinner!"

That's it. Confident, matter-of-fact, and reassuring.

4. Set Your Communication Expectations Upfront

Before you leave, answer this one question for your nanny: How do you want to be updated while you're out?

There's no wrong answer, but there is a wrong assumption. Let your nanny know:

Do you want a check-in text once everyone's settled?
Would you love an update at dinnertime?
Or do you prefer no news is good news unless something urgent comes up?

Setting this expectation takes 30 seconds and removes the guesswork on both sides. It means your nanny isn't wondering whether to reach out, and you can actually enjoy your time away.

5. Write Down Your Emergency Information

Even if you've mentioned in conversation with the nanny, write it down.

Before every visit, leave a note (on the fridge or counter works perfectly) with:

Your mobile number and a backup contact
Your pediatrician's name and number
Any allergies or medications and how to administer them
The address of your home (in case emergency services need to be called)

It takes two minutes to prepare and gives everyone (you and your nanny) complete peace of mind.

One More Thing Worth Knowing

Every Nannies on Call nanny is professionally pre-screened, interviewed, and customer-service trained before they ever set foot in your home. Your family's preferences are included in your platform profile, so each booking gets a little easier over time. The first visit always has a small warm-up period, which is completely normal. But you're starting from a place of trust, not guesswork or panic, and that makes all the difference.

Ready to book your first visit? Find a nanny near you at nanniesoncall.com.

Nannies on Call provides professional, pre-screened in-home babysitting for families in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa.