Caring for children can be very physically demanding, especially on busy days or evenings. Choosing the right nanny workwear in a work environment with energetic and somewhat messy children can become quite challenging.
Here are a few suggestions to help you select outfits that will prepare you for all that can happen as a nanny and boost your confidence.
Ask Yourself These Questions When Considering Nanny Workwear
Is it practical?
Practicality is the guiding principle to prepare an outfit for a job to keep up with children. Since you will be on the move most of the time, comfort needs to be a prime consideration. Dress in what feels good on you and remember to consider the weather you are going to be out in. Go for pieces that are easy to slip on or off fast, are easily cleaned, and will make you feel comfortable throughout your busy day dealing with children.
Is it professional?
Being a professional nanny doesn’t mean that you have to be overly formal, but it does require dressing accordingly for your profession. Wearing neat, clean and practical clothes helps to tell your employer you’re capable, competent, professional and trustworthy in your position.
Can you move around comfortably?
Caring for children involves plenty of physical activity, which includes lots of bending, lifting, and climbing; therefore, how your clothes fit and move with you is very relevant. Before heading out, take some moments to stretch and bend over to make sure everything allows you to move in it without it being too tight, too loose, or difficult to navigate. Wearing clothes that impede your movement in any form can hinder full involvement in providing childcare, and hence your overall success in this rewarding role.
Have you considered your shoes?
Shoes are a crucial part of any nanny’s or babysitter’s attire. They have to offer support and be easy to slip on and off, for example, in case you’re going to work in a no-shoes house and be comfortable enough to wear for an extended period. Especially if you are looking after younger children or families who are on the go, then you might occasionally need to break into a run, or very fast walk, so better be prepared.
Have you checked your accessories?
As far as accessorising and caring for young children goes, the main things to avoid are dangling earrings and anything that can be potentially hazardous. It is, however, vital to accessorise with a few key functional items. Don’t forget the additional hat, shades, and other sun-safe clothes for summer outings: going out to stroll, playing in the park or beach, or just being outside. In addition, put some winter must-haves like boots, gloves, and scarves to keep you warm in the cold months.
Do you pass the scent sensitivity test?
It is advisable to avoid wearing certain perfume products when working with children as they are sensitive to several odours. It is often just sufficient to wash with soap and water for this type of work environment and using no odour or low odour deodorant.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts for Nanny Workwear
Here are a few good tips to help nannies dress appropriately and comfortably for their role.
What Not to Wear
These fashion items aren’t appropriate for nanny or babysitter roles.
Formal Wear
When dressing to care for children, it is important to consider comfort and practicality as the primary factors, rather than high-fashion. Wearing outfits to walk the red carpet in won’t help you run after children. Wear clothes that won’t interfere with your movements or activities; you won’t trip up or get tangled. You can still wear outfits that reflect your style and personality, but remain practical.
High Heels
Even if you’re sure-footed in heels, playgrounds and running after energetic toddlers need shoes that hold balance and stability. In those heels, slipping or falling can quickly become a hazard, and possible injuries may result to you and the little ones in your care. Save those fashionable shoes for times when you can enjoy them without the demands of your job getting in the way of being able to avoid potentially twisting an ankle or worse.
Your Favourite Outfits
When it comes to choosing the right outfit for nannying, it’s important to acknowledge that this job, although beyond rewarding in many ways, can get very messy. There are plenty of unfortunate events that could potentially ruin your favourite clothing items. Children are quite messy thus stains are inevitable, similarly dirt from outdoors, bathwater, or even sticky items and pens or crayons could ruin your clothes. So, it’s probably good to keep your favourite clothes in the closet because they most definitely will not survive a few hours in the hands of energetic children.
Dangly Earrings
Accessories can be so much fun as a way to express your personality, but in the case of earrings, it’s best to steer clear of oversized and dangling ones. As far as a toddler is concerned, those shiny swinging earrings may as well be toys, and they just cannot help themselves. You do not want a child reaching for your earrings while you are working and probably getting into an accident or even leading to discomfort..
Graphic Messages
Clothing with graphic images or slogans is not appropriate attire for working with children.
Acceptable Nanny Attire
After looking at what not to wear, it is also important to know what is appropriate and functional to wear as a nanny.
Comfortable Shoes
As a nanny, comfort is everything, considering that your day can be action-packed. You may end up driving from one location to another, playing an energetic game of soccer, or just running some errands. To keep up with all that, you’ll need to invest some sense in your shoes. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially if any of the kids in your care participate in athletics. Also, having a pair of multi-purpose flats, or sneakers, can be a good idea for running errands.
Dressing for the Occasion
Part of being a nanny is being prepared for anything. That extends to your wardrobe as well. There will not always be reminders for every event that is scheduled, so it’s nice to have a change of clothes available to adapt to whatever might come up. That way, you can go easily from casual playtime attire to something a little more polished. By balancing family expectations with ensuring your comfort, you will know what is right to perform your duties and carry out your responsibilities confidently, getting you prepared for anything each day may bring.
Denim and Jeans
Denim is great for anyone looking for ease and comfort. It is precisely what a nanny needs for this active lifestyle. Jeans and denim are sophisticated, durable and suitable for almost any occasion. They can be styled in many ways to suit any occasion, from playing at the park with kids to attending an informal function.
Hair Ties
If you have long hair, having a few hair ties could very well be a lifesaver. Keeping your hair out of the way not only helps you focus on what you are doing but also eliminates all distractions of the hair in your face. Even a casual outing on a breezy day becomes a nuisance if your hair keeps blowing all over the place.
Weather Appropriate Clothing
The weather can be unpredictable, thus it is always vital to be ready for any weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear layers of clothing that you can remove as it gets warmer, or put on when it’s cooler. Checking the forecast before you head out for the day will help you decide how to dress the kids. If it’s going to be an outside type of day, a light jacket can make a world of difference if the dark clouds come overhead. Getting as prepared as you can for the changing weather will allow you to stay focused on the children without trying to think of how to remember not to get caught in the rain or the cold
As a Last Thought:
By wearing appropriate work attire, you show that you are completely focused and ready to excel in your role as a nanny. It’s always good to ask your friends, family members, and especially your employer for advice in case of confusion about what to wear. Once you’ve landed on the right nanny attire, you’ll find getting ready for the week ahead much easier.
