What Does a Nanny Do During Nap Time?

A practical guide to being helpful – and to taking care of yourself

Nap time isn’t “off the clock.” It’s on-call time, and you’re getting paid to be your charges’ caregiver, even though they’re blissfully snoozing away. So what should you as a nanny do with all that supposed downtime during naps?

Used well, those quiet minutes during naptime can reset the whole day – for the kids, the home, and you. Here’s how to get the most out of it while staying aligned with the family’s expectations (and your own energy).

6 things you can do during nap time

1. Start with expectations (always)

Before you dive in, confirm what’s in scope for your role. Ask the parents how they’d like you to use nap time, and agree on a priority order (e.g., monitor the baby → tidy kid spaces → meal prep → your break).

If you’ve been with us a while, you know we are constantly repeating the value of a nanny job contract, and lining out expectations before you even start the job. Clear expectations = trust and trust = fewer conflicts down the line. 

2. Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere

Naptime is the perfect time to clean up any and all adventurous messes you’ve made so far that day. If the kiddo has a play area separate from the room where they are now sleeping, do a quick sweep there. Naptime is also perfect for bigger cleans like the kitchen and emptying out the stroller. 

  • Put toys back in their homes, wipe the play mat, corral craft supplies.

  • Reset the high chair/tray, run or unload the dishwasher, and give the kitchen counters a quick wipe.

  • Wipe down the stroller handlebar and seat, empty snack wrappers, and restock wipes.

3. Prep for after-nap success

At some point, baby will wake up again. What fun things will you do then? Naptime is perfect for prepping so that once baby is up and ready, you can head straight into the next thing. 

For example, you can prep: 

  • Food: chop fruit, portion snacks, prep bottles/packed lunches.

  • Bags: reload the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, a spare outfit, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

  • Outing gear: check the weather, lay out layers/sun hats/rain boots, and pull up transit routes or tickets.

4. Laundry: what’s the expectation?

If you’re a full-time nanny and laundry is part of your role, nap time is perfect for a quick load of kid items and a fast fold. Boom, you’re done!

(Remember: typically only laundry for kiddos is expected out of nannies. If a family expects all laundry to be handled, this needs to be negotiated up front in the contract so you get properly compensated for housekeeping chores.)

If you’re part-time, laundry may not be expected. However, you can earn gold stars in parent heaven by checking in with parents if they want you to do a small load of the kids’ clothes or fold what’s in the dryer. It’s a simple way to stand out and either get asked back forever or get a stellar reference for your next gig. 

5. Sanitize high-touch kid items

One quick run-through of classic bacteria breeding grounds can save the whole family a viral explosion. Think pacifier cases, teething toys, bath toys, and doorknobs the kids use. Choose the family’s preferred method and cleaning supplies. 

6. Check in with parents

You’re probably updating parents throughout the day, but naptime is a great time to craft a longer text or pull a couple of pics from the day without losing focus on your charges. This is also a great time to chat through any questions or issues that have come up. 

Some families also keep logs – of eating, poops, nap lengths, etc. – and naptime gives you plenty of time to make sure those are up to date. Parents will thank you!!

* BONUS TASKS *

If you find yourself with time and energy to spare, you can also use naptime to: 

  • Note what’s running low (diapers, wipes, cream, snacks).

  • Restock the diaper caddie (so long as it’s not in baby’s room!)

  • Rotate a few toys or books to keep play fresh this week.

  • Plan the first activity after wake-up and pull out any necessary materials.

 
image of a sleeping golden retriever in a blog post about nanny's during naptime
 

Remember: rest is part of the job!

It can feel odd to sit down, but don’t forget that nap time is also your break. Have lunch, hydrate, stretch, breathe. 

You’re also being paid to be there if something happens – and some days naps are short. A reset now = more patience later. So don’t feel guilty if you’ve done all your naptime tasks and still have time to spare. Relax for a bit, soon your kiddo will be up, and they’ll be raring to you, so you should be too!

Psst! Are you looking for a new nanny job?

Whether you’re a full-time career nanny or a part-time nanny with other pursuits on the side, Smart Sitting can help you find just the right job – and family – for you! We get to know our nannies and our families, so we can make thoughtful matches based on what both sides are looking for. 

If you’re experienced, dedicated, with stellar references and a true love of working in childcare, we want to hear from you! Start by filing out an application via the button below, and we’ll take it from there. 

Ps. And for more news about nanny careers and tips on working in childcare, sign up for our newsletter!

Cajsa Landin