5 Tips for Traveling with Your Baby

Summer is upon us and many families are currently traveling or plan to travel within the next month.  Here are a few tips when traveling with your baby:

1. Book the aisle & window seat (if the plane seats 3-across) .  Then call the airline to let them know you will be traveling with a baby, the airline will take note and if it's not a full flight will leave the middle seat available.

2. Pack enough formula/food on your carry-on for 24 hours.  It's best to be prepared in case your plane gets diverted or you are stuck on the tarmac for a long period of time.

3.  Bring an empty pillowcase on the plane.  Ask the flight attendant for pillows and blankets.  Stuff your empty pillowcase with the pillows and blankets.  This creates your own boppy for breastfeeding and a nice comfortable cushion on your lap where your baby can sleep. 

4.  When loading the plane, do not immediately sit down.  Typically parents traveling with small children are in the first group of people to board the plane.  When you board, stand near the back of the plane holding your baby.  If you sit down too soon, by the time it's time for takeoff your baby will have ants-in-their pants.

5.  When the plane is ascending or descending make sure your baby is sucking.  Sucking can be on a bottle, pacifier, etc.  The "sucking" should begin once you personally feel the plan ascending/descending.

Bonus:  Bring fun-size chocolates to pass out to those sitting closest to you.  A great way to break the ice and help ease they pain of a screaming baby.  Everyone loves chocolate!!

What are Typical Nanny Duties?

On a weekly basis inquisitive parents ask me, "What are typical nanny duties?"

My answer, "ANYTHING that has to do with your child." Here is an extended list

of responsibilities nannies can take on (but not limited to):

- Preparing meals

- Laundry for children

- Researching the best schools, classes, sports activities to attend

- Purchase and read age-appropriate books

- Schedule play-dates

- Drive to school, activities, and doctors appointments

- Grocery shop (if time permits)

- Make sure child's supplies are fully stocked (i.e. diapers, wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

- As the child grows, clothes fit and those that don't are donated and/or given away

- Create a weekly schedule (with parents approval)

- Help with homework

- Stay current on event happening in your city that are kid friendly (concerts, events, museums, new classes, etc)

- Be a positive role model in character, personal hygiene, and presentation

- COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. Have conversations daily with parents about the child's day (milestones, moods, behaviors, preferences, etc.)

- Keep a "To Do" list of tasks, goals, activities, and schedules

- Keeping a Food Journal -likes and dislikes- This helps so the same foods are not repeated.

The Book EVERY Expecting Parent Should Own

The new book ALL all parents, baby nurses, nannies, and baby planners must read:

BABY BARGAINS!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bargains-Secrets-furniture-maternity/dp/1889392405

This book has EVERYTHING there is to know about baby gear. The book, without bias,

reviews & rates every kind of baby gear you can imagine.

I'm a little OCD about harmful chemicals and trying to keep my home as GREEN as possible. So, when I was searching for a new crib and dresser, I read every review of every crib in the book- literally. Of course, I asked a handful of nannies and baby nurses what cribs they did (or did not recommend), and all their recommendations aligned with what the reviews in BABY BARGAINS had to say.

I did not read BABY BARGAINS in hopes to find the best "deal" on baby products. I read the book to find the best quality products on the market. For example, a crib that one of our VIP clients uses for their new baby cost $1500, and they have had nothing but problems with this particular crib and (according to the nanny) the customer service for this particular brand has been a "nightmare." BABY BARGAINS gives this brand a "C-rating". (A= BEST, F= WORST)

Three other VIP clients have purchased a different crib which retails for $400 and each client (separately) raved about their purchase. The nannies had positive reviews as well. BABY BARGAINS gives this particular brand an "A-rating".

If you know a mommy who is expecting, especially a 1st time mom, this book is an invaluable resource! The cool thing is, the book updates every year to stay on tops of the ever changing baby market- new brands, new designs, new products, etc. BABY BARGAINS is all you need!!!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Nanny

Every year we are asked the question: "What is an appropriate gift to give our nanny?"

While we do not know the perfect gift, here are some suggestions:

- Something she has indicated she wants/needs. This really shows you are listening and paying attention.

- iPad

- Kindle

- Gift Card to a nice restaurant or retail store

- A paid day off

- Gym Membership for 1-year

- Gift certificate for a massage and/or facial

- Cash

Like we said, there is no "perfect" gift. Written words are always in style!

Nanny Agency Owners Pet Peeves

1. Applicants who ONLY email their resume. No introductory letter, no “Hello, my name is...”, no picture, JUST a resume.

AGENCY ADVICE: It doesn’t have to be long but a simple paragraph, or a few sentences, that include: your name, your phone number, your current employment status, why you are contacting the agency, and any other information you would share when introducing yourself to a stranger. Note: Do not make this a long-letter, a few sentences are sufficient.

2. Nannies who “change their mind” simply due to salary AFTER being presented to a family or going on an interview with prospective family.

After the agency has thoroughly explained the jobs description AND salary AND benefits, the nanny goes on the interview, and after the interview the nanny calls the agency to say, “I crunched the numbers, and the salary being offered is not enough. Do you think they can pay a little more? Or offer more hours?”

AGENCY ADVICE: You KNEW the job description, salary, benefits, ect. Crunch the numbers prior to being sent on an interview. Crunch numbers and thoroughly consider the position being offered to you PRIOR to going on an interview.

Note: If the agency calls you about a job, and you are not able to give 100% attention to the agency owner or representative on the line regarding a job description they are calling you about, simply ask if you can call them back at a different time.

After you have been on an interview NEVER contact the agency and say, “I know they (referring to the family) can afford to pay me a higher salary…” NEVER!

3. Respond IN A TIMELY MANNER to the agency in the form of communication they have reached out to you.

• If the agency calls you about a job or has a question call them back.
• If the agency sends you an email, email them back.
• Nothing is more annoying than calling a nanny, leaving a voicemail, and her responding via email.

AGENCY ADVICE: Don’t text message an agency. (Unless given permission.)

4. Don’t expect to earn more money than you did at your last job.

This is an industry like any other. You have to work your way to the top. Let me repeat WORK your way to the top! If you earned $15/hr. at your last job, don’t come to the agency asking for$20/hr.

AGENCY ADVICE: We are all on a budget. Have a reasonable salary range in mind when you apply with an agency and/or a particular job

5. Be a team player.

Congratulations! You just landed a new job. You MUST be a team player. The following are 2 recent stories why nannies lost their positions (shortly after being hired):

1. Mother asked nanny to sweep the kitchen floor. Nanny responded, “I did it yesterday.”

AGENCY ADVICE: There is NO REASON not to sweep the kitchen floor and be a TEAM PLAYER. If you have one child in your arms and another tugging at your leg, let the mother know you’ll get to it when the kids are occupied (nap time, eating lunch, doing arts and crafts, at school, ect.) But there is no need not be a team player as long as request are within reason….Better yet, take the initiative instead of having to be asked.

2. Mother asked nanny to take the child for a stroller ride around the park in the afternoon. Nanny responded, “We already went for long stroll this morning. I think we should stay around the house.” …the truth came out later, that the nanny was “too tired”

AGENCY ADVICE: Unless going for a stroller ride is going to harm the baby, go for a stroller ride. Being a nanny is not a job for lazy people- it’s for energetic, active, positive people. If you’re lazy don't become a nanny. Simple as that. Mom’s request is NOT unreasonable.

6. ALWAYS Keep Your Cell Phone Charged. ALWAYS!

Whether you are looking for your next nanny position or you have been working for the same family for years, ALWAYS keep your cell phone charged. There are no excuses for your employer not to get ahold of you- especially if you are caring for their children.

AGENCY ADVICE: You should maintain a car charger in your car (or the nanny/family car) at all times. Parents (and agency owners) should ALWAYS be able to get ahold of you.

Shop Local, Buy Local

How important is it to you to "support your local business" or "shop local/buy local"?

The other night VIP Nannies was invited to a private party at the Dermalogica store in Santa Monica, CA. I have had the privledge of hearing Jane Wurwand, the owner/founder of Dermalogica speak at many Step-Up Women's Network (www.suwn.org) events, but it wasn't until last night standing in her presence, INSIDE her flagship store, where I was hit overwhelmed with inspiration.

Jane had many enlightening, motivational, and educational things to say. But one thing really hit me: ALL Dermalogica products are made in the U.S.A. They are all made in Los Angeles, and shipped to 86 countries worldwide.

Today in the media, we hear A LOT about business being shipped outside the U.S.A, aka "outsourcing" and Americans losing their jobs to "outsourcing." Jane knows it would be less expensive to "outsource" but she choose's not to. She choose to support the country which has supported her and her family for decades.

In support of Jane Wurwand and Dermalogica I purchased a few skin care products that night for myself and our office manager. We both have seen dramatic results in our skin and it's only been a few days. Not only are these locally made products, they are wonderfully made AND work!!

The majority of women (and men) use skin care products everyday. Do you know where you're skin care products are made? Where they are from? It's time to make a change and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL (skin care) BUSINESS, DERMALOGICA! www.dermalogica.com

Thank you to Mrs. Wurwand, your family, and your team for keeping Americans employed!

National Nanny Appreciation Week- THIS WEEK- September 18-24

The week is National Nanny Recognition Week (NNRW). NNRW is a week to say "thank you", recognize, and honor your nanny for all her/him dedication and hard work throughout the year(s). In the United States with have Teacher Appreciation Day, Secretary Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day- and THIS week we have National Nanny Recognition Week. Here are a few ways you can show your Nanny how much you appreciate her/him:

- Say Thank You

- A card and framed photo of your family

- A gym membership

- A bonus

- Gift certificate for manicure/pedicure or massage

- A handmade card or gift from your child/children

- Gift basket of her favorite treats

- Movie tickets

- A surprise (paid) day off

- Have the children say thank you

From VIP Nannies, we would like to say THANK YOU to all the nannies who are dedicated to the profession and continue to better themselves and the lives of their charges day-to-day! We appreciate you!!

Our Favorite Parks for Kids All Over Los Angeles

1. Douglas Park- Santa Monica, CA

Wilshire Blvd (West of 26th St.)

2. Holmby Park - Beverly Hills, CA

601 Club View Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90024

3. Cold Water Canyon Park- Beverly Hills, CA

1100 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

4. Woodbridge Park- Studio City, CA

11240 Moorpark St, Studio City, CA 91602

5. Beeman Park- Studio City/Sherman Oaks, CA

12621 Rye Street Studio City, CA 91604

A Career Most Colleges DON'T Tell You About

At the age of 17 I applied for college with the dream of becoming a school counselor. My major of choice- Psychology. Half way through my college career I heard of the major "Human Services." Human Services offered tracks in school counseling, social work, teaching, or geriatrics. I decided to change my major from Psychology to Human Services emphasizing in school counseling (of course!) I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

A friend of mine, who graduated two years ahead of me, with a teaching credential came back to campus, and told me she was a nanny. I said, "You do what?" She proceeded to tell me all about her amazing new live-in nanny position, job details, salary, ect. I was blown away! No one on campus- teachers, students, coaches, administration- NO ONE talk about becoming a professional nanny.

The moral to the story is Child Development, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Teachers, and college student with a degree in a related field need to be educated on ALL their job options after college.

For more details regarding the nanny industry visit www.theapna.org, www.nanny.org, or call your local nanny agency!

The Hard & Fast on How to Land Your Dream Nanny Job

Do you wonder how some nannies are getting jobs and you've been waiting weeks, possibly months to find your dream nanny position? Here are 4 tips on how to land your dream job:

1. Set realistic expectations: Everyone wants a high paying salary, but do you have the experience and qualifications for a top-paying nanny position? If you answer is, "heck yeah", see if you meet the following criteria:

- 10+ year experience working as a professional nanny, I repeat AS A PROFESSIONAL NANNY.

- A college degree

- Longevity at your positions 3+ years (not hoping from job-to-job)

- Flexibility to travel for weeks, possible months at a time.

- Verifiable references (reference letters & UP-TO-DATE phone numbers of former employers)

- Passion. Are you living your passion. Is being a nanny, working with children, something you are passionate about. This will come across to anyone you come in contact with. Live your

passion!

*Know that with high-paying nanny positions comes lots of competition, you need to bring your A-game.

2. Presentation: How do you present yourself during your interview with an agency, and if given the opportunity with a potential employer:

- Professional attire is ALWAYS a plus, and shows that you take your career seriously.

- Your hair and nails should be well groomed. No excessive jewelry or make-up.

- Have a copy of your resume and copies of your references in hand.

- Give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking

3. Salary: It's a hard topic and the majority of the nannies who I meet are not comfortable discussing salary. The truth of the matter is the economy is still struggling, and nannies need to be flexible with their salaries. As an example, nannies who used to make $20/hr. are now willing to accept a position for $18/hr. Most nannies who meet (and exceed the qualifications listed above) are set on making a top-salary. On average, if you are not flexible with your wages, you will be looking 3-6 weeks for your next position (possibly longer). Nannies who are more flexible with their wages, are more likely to get a new job- or at least an opportunity to for an interview. I know we all have bills to pay, but if possible I suggest being flexible with your salary.

4. Professional Resume: Need I say more? This is a MUST. This is a whole other blog post, and I will post "how to have a professional resume" later this month.

5. Patience: "Good things come to those who wait." If an agency says "check in with me once a week," then by all means call them once a week. Agencies (good agencies that is) receive hundreds of emails and phone calls of week of potential candidate's. I suggest emailing, rather than calling the agency you have applied with.

*VIP Nannies Inc. represents the top nannies in Southern California, those who have a genuine passion when it comes to working with children. For more information about how to become a VIP Nanny, visit www.vipnannyagency.com or LIKE them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/VIPnannies

LA's #1 Nanny Placement Agency is amongst the Elite

We are honored to announce that VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing is the newest member of The Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA), www.theapna.org.

Warner Bros. Recommends VIP Nannies to one Happy Dad

"A friend from Warner Bros. recommended VIP Nannies. As a single father with a baby on the way, my stress level was pretty high. They helped me find the perfect nanny who loves to sing and read to my infant daughter and helps take great care of her. And when my entertainment industry job throws a curveball that requires after hours help on short notice, they've come through for me with very qualified baby nurses.”

~ Michael Donkins, Prime

Rainy Day Activities for Nannies and Parents in LA

It rarely rains in sunny, Los Angeles, California but the weather reports predict rain for the next few days- What's a nanny to do? Here are a few places throughout Los Angeles where you & your charges can go to stay dry (and get you out of the house):

1. The Peterson Automotive Museum, www.petersen.org

This is a wonderful place to take children of any age. The top floor is dedicated to children. A great place to schedule a play date.

2. Giggle N' Hugs, www.gigglesnhugs.com

Restaurant and indoor play-space. Good for children 4 and under.

3. The Playroom, www.theplayroomvalley.com

Great, clean LARGE indoor playroom. Pack snacks and/or lunch- it's a great place to schedule a play date.

4. The Tree House Social Club, www.thetreehousesocialclub.com

Fun, clean, indoor play space, restaurant. Great for children of all ages. Open Mon.-Thurs. and closed Fri., Sat., Sun. for private parties and events.

*All these locations are VIP Nanny approved. Do you know another great spot to go on a rainy day? Shoot us an email info@vipnannyagency.com

Celebrity Breakups and their Nannies...

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b216531_does_sandra_minus_jesse_equal_more.html

Giving Back this Thanksgiving and Throughout the Holidays

VIP Nannies has teamed up with Help Babies in LA (www.helpbabiesinla.com) to give back to the needy families and babies in our community. There is a HUGE need for the following items:

• Diapers (especially sizes 3, 4, 5, and pull-ups)
• Formula and bottles
• Clothing (especially for toddlers and older children)
• Toys & board games - unwrapped
• Women's undergarments and bras - new!
• Women's pajama tops & bottoms
• Wrapping paper, tape, and unused holiday cards

You can drop off items at our Studio City office- 11950 Ventura Blvd. Suite 2 Studio City, CA 91604. All donations are appreciated- 1 item on the list can make a world of difference in a child's life. Let's BE the difference today. For questions, feel free to call the office (818) 980-6269. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Are You Trying to Find a Job???

Are you trying to find a job? Have you been on a few interviews or sent your resume to a few staffing agencies or directly to an employer but can't seem to find the right position? Here's a few tips that may help your chance of at least getting a foot in the door:

Facebook:

* Your should have a professional profile picture. Pictures of you partying with friends or provocative photos lower your chances of landing the perfect job

* Monitor what you are posting AND what your friends are posting. Profanity, vulgar comments, ect. will lower your chances of getting a new position

*Use the "privacy setting" allowing "only friends" to see your postings. This will help to separate work and play AND contribute to your chances of finding a new job

Stayed tuned for more tips...

National Nanny Recognition Week-THIS WEEK

More Ways to Appreciate Your Nanny

*A pay raise

*An IRA

*A card and framed photo of the family

*Membership fees to local nanny support group or other Professional Organization

(www.nanny.org)

*Pay for Conference fees to INA (International Nanny Association) Conference with paid professional days to attend the event.

*Gift Certificate for manicure/pedicure or massage

*Gift Certificate to favorite store

You may be surprised as an employer, but these "tokens" of appreciate speak volumes to a nanny!!

National Nanny Recognition Week Count Down

National Nanny Recognition Week is just 10 days away and we are gearing up

to let all our nannies know we appreciate their hard work and dedication to their

profession. For the next few days we will share ways to show your appreciation

for your nanny:

* Say "Thank You"

* Pay for a one-year gym membership

*Give a Gift basket of her favorite treats

*Pay for membership to the International Nanny Association (www.nanny.org)

*Treat your nanny to breakfast or dinner made by the family

*Buy your nanny a nice gift

...These are just a few ideas to show your nanny how much you appreciate her/him. More ideas to come next week!

LA City Controller Wendy Greuel Mentions her Nanny

Today, I was honored to attend the Step Up Women's Network Power Breakfast with guest speaker LA City Controller Wendy Greuel. Wendy spoke candidly to a small group of 40 successful women at Morton's Steakhouse in downtown Los Angeles. Wendy mentioned, "It's the little things (in life) that matter," in regards to making an impact in the world. Wendy has definitely made and impact on the city of Los Angeles, thus far.

Also, Wendy mentioned not once, but twice the nanny who takes care of her son, Thomas. It's not often that high profile individuals or celebrities mention their children's nanny in a "public setting." But the few times she did it brought a smile to my face!

Thank you Wendy Greuel for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend a few hours with women who truly care about our city!!

VIP Babysitter's Worked at Hilary Duff's Wedding

This past weekend VIP Babysitter's were honored to work at the "secret wedding" of Hilary Duff and Mike Cromie, at the San Ysidro Ranch and private estate in Montecito, CA. The sitter's watched out of town guests' children, including the two ring-bearers, the night before and the day of the wedding.

I'm am really proud of our VIP Babysitter's for keeping the event a secret and honoring the couple's wishes. All of us at VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing wish Hilary and Mike a lifetime of love and happiness- and of course babies too!