Newborn baby needs and other things your yaya MUST know!

Things your yaya MUST know when taking care of your child

As a mom, we have so many hats to balance on our head. Wife, mom, cook, office worker and more, so it's great that we have yaya's to help in taking care of our children.

With that being said, we shouldn't be totally complacent and make sure that our children are well taken care of. Check this out for a list of things that your yaya MUST know when taking care of your child.

Does she know what to do in an emergency?

It's really important that your yaya knows what to do in an emergency. Run her through what to do in case of a fire,

Cultivate good hygiene habits

Instruct your maid on all hygiene matters that are important to you in your household. Here are some examples of hygiene-related instructions you could give your maid:

It is important that baby is always clean and diapers are changed as swiftly as possible, to prevent nasty nappy rash or UTI from developing. Try to have a shower or at least change into clean clothes after cooking or cleaning the bathroom. Always wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing the baby's diaper, and before feeding, picking up baby and preparing his food.

Ensure she is very careful when handling your baby

If you are entrusting your yaya with caring for your newborn baby, do emphasize the fact that newborns are very fragile.

Show your helper how to pick up, carry, feed and bathe your infant, and get her to practice in your presence. Instruct her to always support your newborn baby's head and neck when she is picking up, carrying or bathing your baby.

Also remember to give your yaya clear instructions about your baby's sleep routine, including information on how to keep baby safe while sleeping — such as:

monitoring the temperature in his/her room; ensuring there are no pillows or blankets that he/she could pull over his/her head; laying your baby flat on his/her back while sleeping; correct swaddling techniques, etc.

Teach your maid about time management

Time management is important when looking after a little one. Your helper should know how to prioritize her work and work around baby’s schedule.

For example, your yaya should have a good understanding of when your baby's nap and meal times are, and plan her other chores around those times accordingly.

You could give your helper a schedule of her day's work to help her manage her time properly.

Talk to your yaya about the importance of following instructions

Give your yaya a notebook so she can note down your instructions. Do emphasize to her the importance of following your instructions to a T when it comes to the care of your baby.

She should know that it's not ok to go behind your back with anything baby-related, such as giving a baby under 6 months water, or leaving the baby unattended.

Some parents install video cameras so they can check what's happening at home when at work. However, the decision to install a video camera should be done at your own discretion and is one best taken by you and your partner.

Honesty IS the best policy

As a caregiver of your child, you have to be able to trust your yaya and she needs to show you that she can be trusted.

Be strict about house rules such as not entertaining friends at your house when alone with baby, or taking baby outside without your approval.

Instruct your yaya to be honest about admitting any mistakes when it comes to the care of your baby. For example, if baby had a fall or accidentally knocked their head, ask your helper to always tell you the truth about the incident. Make sure that they also tell you when it happened and where your child hit their head.

Instruct her to be conscientious and alert at all times

If your yaya will be looking after your baby daily while you are away at work or running errands, she needs to be alert about things such as your baby's temperature, fecal and urine output, behavior, etc.

If she notices a change in any of these things, tell her to inform you as soon as possible. Your yaya should also be conscientious about things like age-appropriate food for your baby and food that may cause an allergic reaction.

Patience is a virtue

As parents, we all know that we need bucket loads of patience when it comes to looking after kids, especially newborns, infants and toddlers.

Have a chat with your yaya about a baby's common tendency to cry for no apparent reason at times. Remind her that at times like this, if she is alone with your child, she should not lose her patience. Instead, she must do her best to settle your little one. Teach her methods of settling a baby, such as rocking, patting, shushing or singing. Explain to her that it's really important she does not lose her cool and vent it out on the baby. Tell your yaya to always remember that the baby does not know that she might be tired; neither is he/she purposely crying to get on your yaya's nerves.

Your baby's safety is important at ALL times

Your maid must remember at all times that your baby's safety always comes first, whatever other chores she may have.

Before you step out of the house, always ask your maid if she needs to use the bathroom so that you can watch your child before leaving.

If she needs to use the bathroom after you go, instruct her to place the baby in a designated 'safe spot' that you have decided on (this could mean placing him in a secure playpen). She should also make sure that the area is free of sharp objects, choking hazards and more.

Is your yaya responsible?

Handling and looking after another person's child — which is exactly what your yaya will be doing — is a huge responsibility.

Talk to her about being responsible when it comes to her chores at home, including the care of your child.

For example, if she is accompanying your child to the park or playground, she should be mature and responsible enough to know that she needs to watch your child at all times and not chat with her friends or talk incessantly on her phone.

Does your maid love children?

If your maid has a natural love for children, she’ll most likely genuinely love your baby too. Unfortunately, this is not something you can tell when first hiring your helper and is something you will only be able to observe over time.

Make sure that you are in constant communication with your yaya and take note of the manner she speaks of your child. What tone of voice does she use? Is it gentle? Harsh? How does she describe your child?

How one speaks of another is very telling of their relationship. Nevertheless, remain wary as yaya’s may use flowery words to butter you up and then treat your child otherwise.

This article was originally published in: theAsianparent.com Singapore

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Written by

Nalika Unantenne

English