When you’re caring for a baby, there are plenty of times when you may need to step away for just a minute to use the restroom, help an older sibling, prepare a bottle, clean up a spill, or grab something from another room.
The challenge? Where do you safely put the baby while you step away?
Sometimes the easiest solution is to bring the baby into the bathroom with you. But not every powder room has enough space, and some parents may prefer that their nanny not bring the baby into the restroom while the caregiver is using the facilities.
Having a designated, safe spot for these quick moments can make life much easier for nannies.
The safest spot is the crib! Next using age-appropriate portable play yards is a safe place to have a nanny play for a minute or two. As the child gets older they can be placed safely in larger enclosed play spaces and nannies and parents can create a “baby safe zone” that is age and developmentally appropriate.
1. The Crib: The Classic Safe Spot
If the baby has a crib, this is often the simplest solution. Need to use the bathroom? Put the baby safely in the crib and take care of business. Need to help an older sibling? Baby can stay safely in the crib for those few minutes. Need to clean up a spill before someone slips? You get the idea.
For an infant who may be sleeping, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets current safety standards, with a firm, flat sleep surface and no loose bedding or soft objects. (HealthyChildren.org)
2. A Portable Play Yard
A portable playard can be a nanny’s best friend, especially in a home where the baby’s bedroom isn’t close to the kitchen, family room, or bathroom.
A Graco Pack ’n Play is a longtime favorite because it can provide a contained space for baby and can be moved around the house as needed.
Chicco Alfa Lite Travel Playard
For nannies and parents who want something lightweight and easy to move, the Chicco Alfa Lite is another option. Being lightweight means you can bring it to any room in the house to use where needed.
The Maxi-Cosi Swift is a more premium option that transitions between infant, toddler, and play yard configurations. I love that it’s lightweight and compact making it easy to move around the house or to bring when traveling.
3. A Larger Enclosed Play Space
Once a baby is developmentally ready for a play area rather than an infant sleep space, a larger enclosed play yard can give an older crawling or toddling baby room to move while keeping them away from stairs, pets, electrical cords and other household hazards.
Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard
The Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard is lightweight and foldable, making it convenient for families who want something that can be set up and put away.
Another great option is the Evenflo Versatile Play Space, which provides a larger enclosed area for developmentally appropriate play. The Evenflo can be rearranged into different shaped play areas to fit different rooms in the home.
4. Create a “Baby Safe Zone”
Nannies don’t necessarily need to completely babyproof an entire house to handle a two-minute bathroom break.
Instead, work with the parents to identify one area where baby can safely stay when you need to step away briefly.
That might be a crib, portable play yard, or appropriately secured play area.
Keep the area away from stairs, cords, small objects, furniture that could tip, fireplaces, pets, and anything else baby could grab or climb.
And remember: the safest spot is one that is appropriate for that particular baby’s age and developmental stage.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Not every baby product is designed to be a safe place to leave a baby.
Bouncers, swings, infant seats, car seats, loungers and activity centers can have their place when a caregiver is actively supervising the baby, but they shouldn’t automatically be considered a substitute for a crib or appropriate playard. The AAP recommends moving a sleeping baby from sitting devices such as swings, strollers, and car seats to a firm, flat sleep surface. (HealthyChildren.org)
For play yards, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Never leave a mesh playpen side lowered, and remove accessories or toys when the manufacturer or the child’s developmental stage indicates they are no longer appropriate. (HealthyChildren.org)
The Bottom Line
Nannies don’t need to feel guilty about needing two minutes. Nature calls. A sibling needs help. A bottle needs to be made. Life happens.
Having a designated, developmentally appropriate safe spot for baby means you can handle those quick moments without putting baby, or yourself, in a potentially unsafe situation.
Sometimes the most important thing a nanny can have in her bag isn’t another baby gadget. It’s knowing where baby goes when you have to go!
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