When you entrust your child to a nanny, you’re not just looking for someone who can handle snacks and story time—you’re counting on them to act swiftly, calmly, and wisely in an emergency. While no one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario, being prepared can make all the difference.
1) Key emergency preparedness skills every nanny should have
When it comes to childcare, peace of mind often comes down to knowing your caregiver is prepared for the unexpected. While warmth and experience are essential, safety skills are non-negotiable.
a) CPR and First Aid Certification
Your nanny should be certified in:
This training enables them to respond confidently to choking, allergic reactions, falls, burns, and more. It’s especially crucial if your child has medical conditions or food allergies.
Pro tip: Certifications should be current and renewed every 1–2 years. Ask for a copy of your nanny’s certifications or verify with a reputable provider like the Red Cross or American Heart Association.
b) Emergency response knowledge
Beyond first aid, nannies should understand:
- How to call 911 and communicate clearly in a crisis
- When to head straight to the ER vs. calling you first
- How to respond to fire alarms, power outages, or intruder scenarios
- What to do if your child goes missing (even momentarily)
c) Household-specific readiness
Every home is different. A prepared nanny should know:
- Where emergency exits are located
- How to use your fire extinguisher
- Which medications your child takes and where they’re stored
- Your preferred hospital and pediatrician contact info
Preparedness isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset. When your nanny is trained, confident, and informed, they’re more likely to stay calm and take action under pressure.
2) How to assess and discuss your nanny’s readiness
Even the most qualified caregiver may not be fully prepared for your home specifically. That’s why early, open conversation is key.
a) Start the conversation early
Ideally, you should discuss emergency preparedness during the onboarding process. If you already have a nanny, set aside time for a dedicated check-in to discuss these topics.
Here are a few questions to ask if you’re in the hiring process:
- “Are you currently CPR and first aid certified?”
- “Have you ever experienced an emergency while nannying? What did you do?”
- “Do you feel confident using a fire extinguisher or calling emergency services?”
- “What’s your approach to staying calm during high-pressure situations?”
You’re not looking for perfection—you’re looking for a proactive, thoughtful approach to safety.
b) Offer additional training
If your nanny’s certification has lapsed or they haven’t received formal emergency training, offer to pay for or coordinate a refresher course. Investing in their safety training is an investment in your child’s well-being.
You can even schedule a family-wide training (including extended family members or backup caregivers) for peace of mind across the board.
3) How to create a clear, actionable emergency plan
Even with top-notch training, a nanny can only act on what they know. That’s why having a detailed, accessible emergency plan is crucial.
a) What to include in your plan:
- Emergency contact sheet: Include contact info for parents, backup contacts, your pediatrician, poison control, and the nearest hospital.
- Home address and directions: In case they need to give it to emergency responders.
- Allergy and medication list: Note any known allergies, current medications, dosages, and where to find them.
- Fire escape plan: Mark exits, meeting points, and where the fire extinguisher is kept.
- Medical consent form: If you’re comfortable doing so, authorize your nanny to seek emergency medical care if you’re unreachable.
- Power outage procedures: Where to find flashlights, emergency batteries, and your plan for loss of heating or AC.
b) Where to keep it:
- Printed and visible. Post a copy in the kitchen or another common area.
- Digitally shared. Send a copy to your nanny’s phone or email, and store it in a shared app like Google Drive or Cozi.
c) Run through practice scenarios
Once your plan is in place, walk through a few “what if” situations together:
- “What would you do if the smoke detector went off during nap time?”
- “Where would you go if we lost power in the middle of winter?”
- “If our toddler had a seizure or fell off a climbing structure, what’s your first move?”
Practicing builds familiarity, and that confidence is what saves time and reduces panic when seconds count.
Emergencies are never planned, but being prepared for them can be. By ensuring your nanny has the right training, initiating honest conversations, and creating a clear emergency response plan, you’re equipping your household with the tools it needs to stay calm and safe under pressure. It’s one of the most powerful ways to protect what matters most.