Being in a new environment and around tons of new people sometimes is bittersweet. Baby skin is super sensitive so you never know when it might not agree with newness. I particularly worry about allergies when it comes to introducing new foods, so I have a tendency to stick with something that works.

I don’t want to shelter them per say, but I am trying to keep my sanity in check. I am half tempted to ask the doctor for a prescription for an epipen just in case…or as discussed at my routine twin mommy lunch today- just sit in your car at the ER and try peanut butter for the first time. That’s normal, right?

-Courtney Bell is a Sitter2Mom, sister of BFC President, Lindsay Bell, and mama of two beautiful twin girls. 

Now, on to the sleepless nights. I’ve attempted sleep training and the cry it out method- but none seem to be working very well. I have found it challenging, especially having both girls in the same room, and sure enough they wake each other up. I’ve read countless articles and advice on getting your baby(s) to sleep through the night. Last night, I finally tried a little something new and luckily enough it worked and they slept 10 hours! Hopefully it wasn’t a fluke- will let you know next posting!

-Courtney is a mother of twins, former sitter2mom, and an original LLD sitter! 

Childcare providers know their families depend on them to be at work and when they cannot make it due to an unexpected illness, it can cause havoc on the family finding last minute coverage. It is a hardship for everyone. How can childcare providers and families work together to make sure the nanny can take time off for illness without the emotional or financial stress? How can families get the coverage they need? There is a solution!!!

Lucky lil Darlings (LLD) offers on demand, last minute sitters for many reasons, but in particular when a family needs a sitter fast. It is easy to register and get linked with a variety of experienced vetted sitters. Every LLD sitter is hand-selected, college-educated and undergoes a rigorous interview and background check process.

I am grateful for the amazing families I have worked with over the years that understood the importance of health and overall well-being. In a standard US work week, an employee works 40 hours. A typical full-time NYC nanny works 50-60 hours a week (10-12 hour days) plus the commute home. Does your nanny’s compensation package include paid sick days, personal days, holiday’s etc. vacation? I know that not all childcare providers are afforded these benefits, but it definitely creates positive morale in the workplace/home. Have a conversation with your nanny/sitter and set up some healthy boundaries and strategies so families can have enough time to line up alternative coverage, and providers can take the time they need to rest and get better without the stress of missing work and possible financial burden it may cause. It will make a huge difference in the long run if everyone feels valued!

-Ali Sheppard is our Nanny Placement Coordinator and the author of the latest installment in our “Chronicles of Modern Mary Poppins” series. 

Yours Truly,

Under The Weather

Dear Under The Weather,

One important thing LLD sitters do is routinely check your lil’ ones’ temperature. If he/she has a high fever for an extended period of time, our sitters know to notify the parents and take your child to the doctor as a high temperature can be dangerous and potentially lead to something more severe. For less severe illnesses, LLD sitters are happy to follow your instructions for TLC while you are away.

Tender: How do LLD sitters provide tenderness to a sick child?

If you can’t be at home, a trusted LLD sitter can take tender care of your sick lil’ one. Sick lil’ darlings like to be treated gently and affectionately. Sitters will sing a song while they try to fall asleep, read lots of books to them, and be extra sweet!

Loving: How do LLD sitters provide love to a sick child?

Care: What kind of care will an LLD sitter provide  for my sick lil’ one?

Flus and fevers dehydrate, so LLD sitters know that extra fluids are a necessity. Water is always good, but once your child gets bored with that, our sitters try ice pops, fruits, gatorade, or 100% fruit juices to maintain steady hydration. Warm broths and crackers are also an LLD go-to  for keeping upset tummies full and happy. Our sitters keep their hands clean and wash regularly to avoid spreading germs. LLD sitters will keep you updated throughout the day with how your lil’ one is doing and keep them positive!

Hope your lil’ darling feels better soon!

Renee Pena

Ask A Sitter Expert

Renee is a lifelong learner of parent’s education,creativity, special needs and early childhood. She is addicted to Pinterest, organizing, and the color purple. She is honored to be a guest blog for LLD as their go to sitter expert via #AskaLLDSitter. Renee is currently working on an upcoming blog on education, you may follow her launch and tips on Reneepedia. You can also chat with her via twitter at @enrichingkids.

• Sitters, if you are too sick to work with kids, please let Lindsay know! It is cold & flu season so there are a lot of sick sitters, parents & kids. Just give us a heads up of your condition so we can accommodate everyone as quickly and easily as possible. Parents, are you sick and need a sitter? Please let Lindsay know! We can find a sitter to take the kids to school, after-school activities, cook dinner, etc. while you rest and recover!
• Getting your flu & pertussis shots is important, especially when working or living with kids! Pertussis shots are even more important for sitters working with newborns and infants. Simply contact local pharmacies and ask if they have certain shots available. You can also ask for price information with regard to which shots are covered by health insurance, no insurance, etc.

Be sure to wash your lil’ darlings’ hands after playing in public places to lower the risk of getting sick

• Practice good hygiene. ALWAYS wash your hands!  Sitters, As soon as you get into a family’s home, you should wash your hands. The subway & cabs can be gross and are full of germs. Stress the importance of covering your mouth to the kids you look after, and show them how to do it (into your sleeve- NOT your hands!). Never underestimate the power of praise- shower the kids with admiration and “thank-you’s” every time they follow your instructions and cover their mouths. Have a non-toxic hand sanitizer on-hand (spray, gel etc.) for both you and the kids- not only for use with lots of sneezing and coughing, but for general use because we all know kiddies can be stubborn about washing their hands!

It’s important to get lots of sleep to keep your immune system strong

• Take care of yourself! Allot time for plenty of rest and make sure you take your vitamins and get vital nutrients. Your body needs the good stuff for your immune system to stay strong and fight!  Take some Emergen-C or Airbourne if you feel yourself coming down with something, and always drink plenty of fluids.
• Sitters, especially during flu season, remember NEVER to give medicine to a child without being specifically instructed to do so by the parents. A child can insist they are allowed or supposed to receive medicine- but that’s not enough. Your number one priority is the child’s safety so be sure to contact parents before getting involved with administering the children’s medicine. It never hurts to ask the parents upon arrival if the children are sick and if they have any particular instructions regarding their care.
• Another thing to be aware of during winter weather is road safety! When hailing for a cab, beware of ice, puddles, bikers, and anything else that could be hazardous to you and the children. ALWAYS buckle the kids up- ask the driver not to drive until everybody is buckled. Kids will be wearing lots of warm accessories like gloves, hates, scarves, etc- so try and keep track of everything when you’re moving from place to place.

Flu season is a tough time of year, but we hope these tips will help keep families and sitters as healthy as possible and hopefully remain flu and cold free!

-Photo credit: Caroline Jackson Photography