Many large hotels offer a list of local babysitters, and some resorts offer private “in-room babysitters” for infants too young for children’s programs, but in these arrangements it may be difficult to screen the caregivers ahead of time—or even guarantee they’ll be available when you need them. So what’s a parent to do? I recently put the question to an expert on this very topic: Katie Vaughan.

Katie is the founder of Westside Nannies (www.westsidenannies.com), the Los Angeles-based agency you may have seen featured on Dr. Phil or Entertainment Tonight, which is responsible for assigning nannies to many high-profile and celebrity families. Here are her tips for hiring a nanny or babysitter for your family vacation.
  
5 tips for hiring nannies and babysitters on your family vacation

1.    Find a reputable agency  – Insider Tip: The International Nanny Association, www.Nanny.org, provides a state-by-state listing of reputable agencies around the US
2.    Make sure the agency understands your needs – For example, do you require a nanny with infant experience for your newborn or an energetic camp-counselor type babysitter for your 5-year-old twins?
3.    Verify qualifications – Make sure the agency sends you a resume, references and proof of a background check and CPR certification. 
4.    Check the references!
5.    Make sure to provide the nanny with emergency contact information

Thanks for your tips, Katie! And any of you heading to L.A. can of course find out more about Westside Nannies online.

Related posts and pages:
Vacation Nanny 411

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
travelswithbaby.com  

The post Tips for hiring a babysitter or nanny on your next family vacation appeared first on Travels With Baby.

As I mention in my review of Franklyn D. Resort & Spa, what is particularly appealing about Franklyn D. Resort & Spa (a.k.a. FDR) in Jamaica is that the “all-inclusive inclusions” include a Vacation Nanny assigned exclusively to your family to assist you each day of your stay (and after hours by request).

Compared with other family resorts that may offer drop-off childcare or private babysitters, at FDR you and your children (including infants and toddlers who are often excluded from kid’ camps) have a chance to become familiar with your personal nanny from the start. So even those children who are slow to warm up to new caregivers and surroundings have a chance to adapt, even while you are all together.

One couple that was visiting the resort from Kentucky with their 5-year-old twin boys, told me that the previous night they’d had their first date in 5 years—at home or away—thanks to their Vacation Nanny (Phyllis).

They explained that, unlike other babysitters they’d passed up over the years, she was able to make them all feel comfortable with the idea.

The intimate resort setting and evening children’s activities she could escort them to (including nightly popcorn and a kids’ movie), didn’t hurt anything either. Suffice to say, they had several more dates before they checked out, and they plan to return to the resort.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Franklyn D Resort at Tripadvisor 

I, myself, was surprised by how quickly our Vacation Nannies, Coretta and Jasmine, fit in with our family. Within 24 hours, I found myself handing off the baby for a diaper change and a stroll without a second thought (his first time with anyone outside of the family).

It was quite clear to me that these women, who have assisted family after family with children of every temperament, have far more experience caring for children than I do (not to mention they are also mothers, themselves).

Of course, they are also professionally trained, CPR-certified, and lots and lots of fun, too.

FDR Vacation Nannies at a glance:

• Daily “vacation support” from 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
• Available extra hours as requested, $6 per hour
• Second nanny available, $20 per day

What we really came to appreciate about the Vacation Nanny concept is that it is so much more than just having a babysitter at an appointed hour.

She provides “vacation support” as needed the whole day through, whether it’s times when the whole family is together or while the parents enjoy time alone. She’s that extra set of hands, as well as watchful eyes, that allow even a family with very young children feel like they’ve had a vacation.

By the end of our stay, it was clear to me that the FDR Vacation Nannies help families vacation better as families—something I think is particularly important.

Your time together with your child is more relaxed and enjoyable with the set of extra helping hands, and your time apart from your child is also more relaxed and enjoyable because you know your child is comfortable—and happy with—your family’s own Vacation Nanny. 

Think you could use a Vacation Nanny on your next vacation? 
Don’t miss the Travels with Baby Vacation Nanny video where you can meet the nannies and see them in action at Franklyn D. Resort & Spa.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Franklyn D Resort at Tripadvisor 

You might also like:

My Review of Franklyn D Resort (FDR) All-Inclusive Vacation

How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby

Tips for Booking the Best All-Inclusive Vacation with Babies and Young Children

Flying American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Ten Essential Tips for Planning a Great Vacation with Grandparents

Flying Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Best Travel Strollers

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children
travelswithbaby.com   facebook   twitter

The post Vacation Nanny 411: All about FDR Resorts’ ultimate all-inclusive inclusion for families appeared first on Travels With Baby.