How to Share Baby Care With a Nanny or Grandparent
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: To share baby care with a nanny or grandparent, agree on a simple daily log: feeds with times and amounts, naps, diapers and any medicine with dose and time. Do a short handover at each change of hands. A shared baby tracker like Tot lets the nanny log on their phone while you see the last feed, nap and diaper.
TL;DR
- Agree on one log and what goes in it.
- Handovers: last feed, nap, diaper, medicine.
- Medicine only with written instructions.
When you share baby care with a nanny, a grandparent or a babysitter, good handovers protect your baby's routine and your peace of mind.
What the log should include
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Feeds | Time, breast or bottle, amount, solids |
| Sleep | Nap start and end |
| Diapers | Time; wet or dirty |
| Medicine | Name, dose, time, who gave it |
| Notes | Mood, milestones, anything unusual |
Handover checklist
- When did baby last eat, sleep and have a diaper change?
- Any medicine due, with written instructions
- Today's plan: naps, outings, meals
- Emergency contacts and your pediatrician's number
- Safe sleep rules: back, alone, flat (see safe sleep basics)
Paper or app
A paper sheet on the fridge works; the printable baby tracker has columns for everything. An app means you can check from work: Tot lets you add a nanny or grandparent as a caretaker so they log on their own phone.
Medicine and safety
Give caregivers written instructions for any medicine, and ask them to log every dose so nobody double-doses. Read how to give baby medicine.
Respect and trust
Agree what you want logged and why. Most nannies appreciate a clear system; keep it simple and say thanks.
Related: caretaker sharing · baby tracker for both parents · best shared baby tracker apps · on-demand vs scheduled feeding
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (AAP policy explained): www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How to Use Liquid Medicines for Children: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
What should a nanny log each day?
Feeds, naps, diapers, medicine and notes.
Can a nanny use Tot?
Yes. Add them as a caretaker so they see and add to the same log.
Is a babysitter handover sheet enough?
For occasional care, yes. For daily care, a shared app saves time.
How do I remove a caretaker later?
[CONFIRM: how to remove a caretaker in Tot]
Should grandparents follow the same routine?
Ideally yes, especially for safe sleep and medicine.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
