Anybody leaving baby with babysiter or nanny? How did u find the right one? What do you look for when you are searching for one? What all adjustments you need to do with the baby? What are the initial problems and how to solve it. Lot of questions indeed, please help me to ease out my process.

Thanks,
CK Preeti Kuwait replied. Hi Dear,
First of all sorry tht...I was laughing for Khyati's message about CK on walker...it was so instant I didnt mean to hurt anybody...
well about walkers...The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using walkers because they can be dangerous and can discourage your child from learning to walk on his own. Thousands of babies end up in emergency rooms and doctor's offices from being in walkers and falling off stairs or bumping into furniture. Walkers can give parents a false impression that their babies are truly mobile and can control their actions. Some parents even leave their babies alone to navigate their way around the home while trapped in a walker. Exersaucers, as well as door jumpers, are much safer alternatives, but neither leads to your child learning to walk earlier than usual. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that children who use walkers may actually learn to walk later than those who don't.

About Good Nany
Experience is what counts the most, says Mary O'Connor, president of the International Nanny Association, says so look for it in the nannies you interview. Safety training and a background in early childhood development should also rank high on many parents' wish list.
When you've picked a good candidate, try her out for a few days while you're home so you can observe her (pay for her time, of course). The following list can help you evaluate her. This is also designed for parents who already have a nanny.

You've snagged Mary Poppins if:
• Your child lights up at the first sight of her. Kids look forward to the time they spend with their nanny if she's warm, caring, and patient. And you're doubly in luck if it's not just the kids who like having her around. \";I consider myself very lucky to have my nanny,\"; says Toni Lewis, a Los Angeles architect. \";If she weren't my nanny, I could see being friends with her.\";
• Your kids can't stop talking about all the wonderful things she says and does. You may find a caregiver who can do everything well, but if she truly enjoys being in the company of children, your kids will know it. Her love will shine through every day she's with your child.
• She comes up with creative solutions to problems and works with you to provide the best possible care for your child. If your child has run out of paint, for example, she'll find some household supplies your child can use to fashion an objet d'art. If your child isn't sleeping, she'll turn to you for advice and help. It shows that she takes her job seriously when she both takes initiative and collaborates with you.
• She arrives on time. Other signs she's reliable: She gives you ample warning when she's unable to care for your child because of an emergency, and even helps you find a substitute caregiver. She's considerate of your needs and respects the terms of your contract. \";My nanny was always there at our agreed-upon time,\"; says Kirsi Tikki, a professor from Port Washington, New York. \";If she was sick, she let me know right away.\";
• She makes an effort to stay connected. A nanny who takes her job seriously will keep you informed of daily activities by writing you notes, filling out a daily report, or setting aside some time for the two of you to catch up. She'll understand that you'll want to know how your child is doing, and will keep you abreast of any problems, big or small.
• Your child volunteers new songs and words, and shows off his many projects. The best nannies are aware of and cherish children's curiosity. They'll try to answer questions, elicit imaginative responses, and think up creative ways to teach new skills. And because his activities are so much fun, your child will want to display his prowess.
• Your child's room is clean, and so is your child. Excellent care includes cleanliness and good health. Your nanny will practice good hygiene around your child if she truly has his welfare in mind.
• Accidents are infrequent. A good nanny makes safety a priority at home and on the road. She'll hold your child's hand when they cross a street on the way to the park, keep the safety gate to the kitchen closed at all times, and buckle up your child in the car seat

How can I avoid running into problems with my nanny?
Start by writing a contract that details all the conditions of your nanny's employment (such as hours, wages, benefits, and instructions about caring for your child). But it's a good idea to meet and talk too since a document can't capture the subtleties of a parent-caregiver relationship.

Be open-minded while you talk — the conversation should be a dialogue, not a lecture. After all, effective childcare is all about collaboration. And remember, no issue is too small to discuss. Some things to review:
• Your childcare philosophy. Obviously, you and your nanny share some common ground (that's one reason you hired her), but do you part ways on certain points? Decide how you'll address a specific problem (for example, your child's temper tantrums) ahead of time. And go over big issues, such as sleep and nutrition, before your nanny's first day of work.
• The house rules. Can your nanny have visitors during the day? Do you expect her to dress in a certain way? Is your child allowed to watch any television? Your nanny needs to know how you run your home so she can follow your wishes. Obviously, your rules govern activities outside the home as well. So, if your nanny has use of your car, for example, make sure she knows you expect it to be gassed up when the tank is half-empty, or you want her to drive it only to and from your child's soccer practice. (Remember to include your nanny on your car insurance so that she's covered in an accident.)
• Ways to keep in touch. Decide ahead of time how you'll keep each other abreast of questions and concerns. Amy, a part-time nanny from El Cerrito, California, schedules meetings on a weekly or monthly basis with her employer. She says that if her relationship with parents is to truly be collaborative, communication is critical. \";It's a joy to work with parents who are team players,\"; she says, and keeping each other up to date about your child's care is key.
• Pet peeves. Are there any habits you absolutely can't stand, such as tardiness or foul language? Is there anything about an employer that pushes your nanny's buttons? Knowing about these pitfalls ahead of time will help both of you avoid them.
• A backup plan. If your nanny is sick or unavailable due to an emergency, create an alternative childcare plan with her. She may know of other nannies who can care for your child in a pinch. (Make sure you check their references as carefully as you did hers.)

About her nasal congestion try taking her to bathroom and open tap...humidity helps a lot...atleast it helped Sahil..

Love and kisses to Shalika,

Preeti

Neeti replied. Hi CK,

I know it is quite a tedious process to find the right care taker for your baby.Whosoever we find, we will alway sfeel that she is not taking the best care..so definitely we need to do adjustments. I left Sanya with the baby sitter for one month before my mom came over. I found her through a friend of mine. But before that, I also met with a couple of others through sulekha(.)com. I replied to some ads and also posted mine, to which I got good number of responses.
I prefered an elderly baby sitter to the younger one since I feel they are more experienced and do not have responsibilty of their own kids...I simply refused the ones who had their own small kid....somehow I didn't feel comfortable. Then I looked at the clealiness of the house, if she looks loving and caring, distance from my house, if she is accomodating of the time ( an hour here and there sometimes should not matter), how many other kids come..( I prefer not more than 2 other kids..) . Infact I liked that there were other kids as Sanya enjoyed their company...so these were some things I looked at.

Since Sanya was 4 months at that time..she did not understand when I used to leave her to the baby sitter..and when I used to go to pick her up in the evening, she used to be busy playing and was very happy on seeing me..

I would say my overall experience with the baby sitter was good..she was a nice lady..but being a mother, I used to feel that she could do much better..like she used to prefer putting the cereal in milk and feeding it through bottle as it was more convenient to her...and there were few other things which I didn't like but since I knew my mom was coming soon..I didn't crib too much...

And now when my mom leaves in a couple of months, I plan to find a day care for Sanya as I think now she would enjoy and learn more with the company of other children and toys...

but for now I am relieved that mom is here..

All the best in your search and hope you find a loving baby sitter for Shalika...

love to shalika
Neeti