When you spend your days (or evenings) caring for kids, things can get messy. Very messy! While it may be tempting to just throw on sweats and t-shirts each time you head off to your nanny or babysitter job, it’s also important to look professional and appropriate for the job you’ll be doing. So how do you balance the extra-messy, super-active nature of the job without looking sloppy?
With a little care, practicality and inspiration, it’s possible to build the perfect nanny or babysitter uniform (or uniforms, if you’re working full time). Once you have a few outfits lined up, it will be so much easier to get out the door to work each day, and it will feel good to know you’re dressed exactly right for the job ahead.
Here are seven questions to ask as you figure out what to wear and build a nanny or babysitting wardrobe.
1. Is it practical?
Practicality is the most important ground rule to remember when dressing for a job that’s not in an office, according to Hope Skinner, a nanny and founder of Nanny SheCanDo. You’re likely going to be on the go, and that should be your top consideration. Clothes should be comfortable, weather appropriate, easy to wear and easy to wash.
2. Is it professional?
Professional doesn’t have to mean buttoned-up and corporate. It means looking appropriate for the profession you’re in. But don’t confuse that with sloppy. Dressing in clean, well-fitting clothing ensures that you’re presenting yourself as competent and capable to your employers.
3. Can you move around comfortably?
Caring for kids involves bending, lifting and climbing, so you should be mindful of how your clothes fit and flex. Before you leave the house, stretch and bend to make sure that nothing is too high, too low or too hard to move in. Clothing that is going to restrict you from being able to perform your child care duties to the full potential will not allow you to succeed, Skinner says.
4. Have you considered your shoes?
Footwear is a key component to a successful nanny or babysitter uniform. Shoes should be supportive, easy to slip on and off (for example, in a home with a no-shoes policy) and comfortable for long periods of time. And if you’re watching a little one who’s on the move, you may need to be able to break out in a run (or very fast walk) at times, so be prepared.
5. Have you checked your accessories?
Skip the dangling earrings and other jewelry that might be attractive to a grabby baby, but don’t forget the accessories you need! Skinner advises making sure you bring a hat, sunglasses and other sun-protective clothing for summer activities that may take you outside — on a walk, to play at the park or for a day at the pool. Ditto for boots, gloves and scarves for the winter.
6. Do you pass the scent sensitivity test?
Kids can be sensitive to smells, so don’t wear fragrances on the job, says Terry Pile, former principal consultant for Career Advisors. “Soap and water should do the trick.”
7. Did you tame the mane?
Being well-groomed is more than wearing the right clothes, Pile adds. Check the details, like making sure your hair is clean and you’re not showing up with crazy bed-head. If you’re hair is long, you might want to keep hair ties on hand so you’re ready to throw your tresses up as needed.
While you may have the luxury of working in a non-traditional environment and enjoy more flexibility and freedom in your fashion choices, you want to dress to show your employers that you’re competent and capable — and that you’ve brought your “A” Game, says Skinner.
When in doubt about an outfit, ask a friend, family member or even your employer. Once you get your wardrobe tone right, getting dressed in the morning will be easy.
