Childcare

Europe constantly seems to one-up us when it comes to high-end strollers (Bugaboo, Maclaren, Mutsy, Peg Perego, etc). and maternity leave (Sweden leads with 40 weeks of full-pay). Here in the States, we’re also behind when it comes to professionalizing the nanny industry. But we’re working on it. The only two nanny schools to be licensed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) are right here in NYC.

Absolute Best Care Nanny Learning Center: Recently opened by one of the city’s top-rated placement agencies, the Absolute Best Care Nanny Learning Center teaches the basics such as infant care, CPR and First Aid plus Nanny Management. The latter covers potentially thorny issues that can creep up between employer and employee (and we’re not just talking about personality clashes). The Nanny Manager component focuses on how a nanny can effectively communicate with employers regarding the family’s culture (casual or formal? detail-oriented?), values, discipline methods and means of providing feedback. ABC co-founder Doug Kozinn says that without these discussions, “The nanny doesn’t know what the family expects, and the family doesn’t necessarily know what they’re looking for in a nanny, especially if it’s their first child.” He adds that while “families are looking for a higher level of service … nannies are craving a training system.”In keeping with the times, this nanny school also teaches students how to cook and clean using green techniques and products. The ABC Nanny Learning Center course is 50 hours. Take advantage of the grand opening sale until early 2010.
absolutebestcarenannylearningcenter.com.

The International Resource for Parenting: Uptown on West 215th Street, Claudia Williams’ nanny course is in its seventh year. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Ph.D. in International Education. A smaller operation, the International Resource for Parenting doesn’t run classes as frequently, with sessions only in March and October, but Williams does customized nanny training for individuals year-round. Her program is 300 hours over the course of 10 weeks and even involves an internship at a daycare center or preschool! Williams’ class also includes CPR and First Aid instruction as well as NY State training to identify instances of child abuse. There are also units on how to teach kids music and movement and how to support language and literacy development. (212) 304-2192.

Because we’re competitive.

Pumping and dumping, latching, proper positioning — you’re learning all the techniques, but breastfeeding is not going so swimmingly.

Stop by Yummy Mummy, a just-opened uptown boutique that focuses on everything related to breastfeeding. This full-service, one-stop-shop for new and expectant parents focuses on nursing products and resources, as well as classes on lactation-related topics taught by Certified Lactation Consultants. From nursing bras and pads to books and DVDs, the specialty store run by an UES native and mother is all about making the breastfeeding experience a little easier.

1201 Lexington Ave. (bet. 81st & 82nd St.), 212-87-YUMMY, yummymummystore.com.

When it comes to gaining entree into the city’s best schools, it’s a toddler-eat-toddler world.

Nursery University, a documentary on the competitive and uniquely NYC world of preschool admissions, opens today. The film follows five families with different backgrounds through the process of placing their kids in pricey and prestigious Manhattan nursery schools. Preschool directors weigh in on the mass hysteria about getting into Harvard, while parents wrestle with the social conundrums that ensue. Anyone who has felt the day-after-Labor Day crunch will relate.

Call it stranger than fiction.

Visit nurseryuniversitythemovie.com.

Your first NYC apartment had a bathtub in the kitchen. But even if the living arrangements have improved post-baby, not everyone’s getting a good night’s sleep (forget it if you’ve got twins sharing what used to be, literally, a closet).

Dream Team Baby’s infant and toddler sleep consultancy will give your new family a little snooze support. For little ones up to 2 years old, they will come to your home and stay overnight to work through a child’s “sleep challenges” — including that 2am crying fit. And if your walk-up doesn’t have room for an extra body, a phone consultation may be enough (the advisory board includes a pediatrician and psychotherapist).

You’ll rest easier.

Visit dreamteambaby.com.

You can’t help but describe your in-laws with a lot of “o” words — overbearing, over-involved, overwhelming. Throw those endearing qualities into the mix once your baby is born and the postpartum chaos escalates.

UB spoke with NY-area psychotherapist and parenting coach Tammy Gold about tips for preemptively (and politely) clamping down on the in-laws before bringing baby home from the hospital:

• During the pregnancy, or soon thereafter, design as a couple a “parental plan” and “parental philosophy” to navigate the postpartum period and beyond. The plan covers who is going to do what when (night feedings, grocery shopping, greeting visitors). The philosophy deals with all the emotional stuff such as family issues and house rules.
• Respectfully communicate your rules on everything from naps and pacifiers to bottle feedings to your in-laws. Perhaps even give them a written list.
• Be clear about when they’ll visit, whether they’ll bunk in your 700-square-foot apartment and what they’ll be doing (caring for the baby? running errands?).
• Outline your philosophy on baby presents and the fact that you don’t want weekly deliveries from FAO.
• Get on the same page regarding the bris/baby naming/christening and your preferences for the size and tone of the event.
• Have a response ready for any unsolicited (translation: undermining) parenting advice they may hurl your way. Verbalize your opinion and explain that you’re trying to figure out things on your own.
• Decide on a secret password to use with your sig-o when you want to bid adieu to your in-laws (or any other guests overstaying their welcome).

We told you so.

For more information, visit goldparentcoaching.com.

You’re used to getting things delivered – laundry, Thai food, DVDs. Especially now that baby is on the way, you tear up at the thought of leaving your comfy apartment.

Gifted at Birth has launched a weekly delivery service of newborn care supplies that come right to your door. After answering basic questions (breast or bottle? green or disposable?), a postpartum doula will walk you through the initial package of goodies before the baby arrives. Then, sign up for 11 weekly packages that evolve with your needs (shampoo for baby’s first bath, receiving blankets, slings), and add items from the virtual store as you see fit.

Next stop? Netflix.

For more information, visit giftedatbirth.com