Recommended Tools & Products for Nannies

Everything I wish I’d had in one place – practical, tried-and-tested items that actually make your job easier.

Nanny Bag Essentials

Black backpack with multiple compartments, tan leather accents, pouches, and a small round accessory attached by a clip.

Baby Changing Bag Backpack

Stylish, spacious, and designed with real life in mind- this changing bag has compartments for everything, including an integrated dummy holder, zip-up pockets, insulated bottle pockets, and a fold-out changing mat. It also has clips to attach directly to your stroller. It’s comfy to wear, easy to wipe clean, and doesn’t scream “nappy bag”-perfect for day trips, nursery runs, or full-on nanny days. Shop here

A green first aid kit with a white cross pattern and a green label that reads "Mini First Aid" on top of a white background.

Mini First Aid Kit- 100 Pieces

Compact but packed with essentials — this little kit is ideal for popping in your nanny bag or buggy basket. It includes plasters, wipes, bandages, scissors, and other must-haves for minor cuts and scrapes. Lightweight, waterproof, and zipped up in a bright green pouch that’s easy to spot in a hurry. Shop here

Blue Contigo travel mug with a silver lid and a button to open the lid, branded with the white Contigo logo at the bottom.

Contigo Luxe Autoseal Travel Mug – 470ml

Hot drinks that actually stay hot! This stainless steel travel mug keeps your coffee warm for hours and sealed tight between sips. The Autoseal lid means no spills in your bag, and it’s easy to clean. Sleek, durable, and built for busy mornings on the go- because lukewarm coffee ruins everyones day. Shop here

Light teal-colored insulated water bottle with a moon and small circle design near the bottom.

Chilly’s Reusable Water Bottle – 500ml

Stylish, practical, and keeps your drink cold (or hot!) all day. Whether you’re out at soft play, on the school run, or just trying to hydrate more, this insulated stainless steel bottle’s a must-have in your nanny bag. No leaks, no weird metallic taste- just solid, reliable hydration that looks cute too. Shop here

Books I Love

Book cover titled 'the fuss eaters recipe book' by Annabel Karmel featuring a young girl with curly red hair smiling and eating noodles from a bowl.

Fussy Eaters’ Recipe Book by Annabel Karmel

Packed with clever, nutritionist-backed recipes that actually work for picky eaters, this book is a game changer for nannies and parents alike. From hidden veg bakes to fun finger foods, Annabel Karmel makes mealtimes less of a battle and more of a win. A must-have for anyone who’s ever negotiated with a toddler over a carrot stick. Shop here

Book cover for Rebecca Wilson's 'What Mummy Makes: Easy Weaning'. Features a smiling baby with green food on their face, sitting at a table with plates of cooked vegetables and chicken, accompanied by a woman whose hand is visible, holding a fork. Pink and white colors dominate the cover design.

What Mummy Makes: Easy Weaning by Rebecca Wilson

Simple, tasty meals the whole family can enjoy — even during weaning. This book is packed with one-pot recipes, batch-cook ideas, and genuinely realistic food for busy days with babies and toddlers. Ideal for nannies who want to prep one meal for everyone without compromising on nutrition or flavour. Shop here

Book cover titled 'How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen' by Joanna Faber and Julie King, with subtitle 'A survival guide to life with children ages 2-7', part of the International Bestselling Series. Features a pink and teal design.

How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7

A practical, genuinely helpful guide to communicating with children aged 2–7 without losing your mind. Packed with scripts, real-life examples, and techniques that actually work, this book is a must-read for nannies navigating big feelings, power struggles, and endless “why” questions. Think of it as a toolkit for calmer, more connected days. Shop here

There's No Such Thing As 'Naughty': The groundbreaking guide for parents with children aged 0-5

This gentle, evidence-based book rethinks how we view toddler behaviour- and it’s a breath of fresh air. Rooted in neuroscience and compassion, it helps nannies (and parents) understand what’s really going on behind big emotions and tricky moments. A brilliant read for anyone caring for under-fives who wants to respond with calm, not consequences. Shop here

Book cover of "There's no such thing as 'naughty'" by Kate Silverton, with a yellow circle quote from Joe Wicks
Cover of a children's activity book titled 'The Montessori Book for Babies & Toddlers' with colorful design, rainbows, clouds, and a child's hand on the cover, indicating it is suitable for ages 0-3 years and includes 200 creative activities for at-home learning.

The Montessori Book for Babies and Toddlers by Maria Stampfer

Full of calm, simple, and creative ideas- this book offers 200 activities designed to support independent learning and mindful play from birth to age 3. Ideal for nannies looking to bring Montessori principles into everyday life, with easy setups using things you already have at home. A gentle go-to guide for raising curious, capable little ones. Shop here

Tried-and-Tested Toys

Children playing with a toy doctor kit that includes various medical tools, a pretend syringe, stethoscope, and a bag, on the box labeled 'Melissa & Doug Doctor's Kit Play Set' with 25 pieces.

Melissa & Doug Role-Play Doctors Set

I'm a huge fan of the whole Melissa & Doug range, they're great for role-play games and developing fine motor skills. This doctor set will provide hours of creative fun! Shop here

Baby sensory toy kit with plush animal heads, rattles, sensory ribbons, and a black drawstring bag labeled "Baby Sensory."

Joyreal Baby Sensory Toy Set – 13 Pieces

An ideal starter kit for babies aged 0–6 months. This set includes black & white cards, foil blanket, maracas, scarf, ribbons and more — perfect for building early visual, tactile and auditory skills. Great for tummy time, bonding moments, and stimulating little senses right from the start. Shop here

Colorful magnetic building block set called Theefun Building Block, with 52 pieces, designed to enhance intellectual development and creativity for children aged 3 and above.

Magnetic Tiles – 52 Piece Set

An open-ended favourite that ticks all the boxes — creativity, STEM learning, and good old-fashioned fun. Kids can build animals, rockets, castles or anything their imagination dreams up. Great for ages 3+ and brilliant for solo or collaborative play. Shop here

A card game box titled "Card Games" featuring woodland animals including a frog, a squirrel, a fox, and a bear. The game includes illustrated animal cards with frames, stacked and spread out on a table.

Ravensburger The Gruffalo Card Game

Four classic games in one box, all with a Gruffalo twist. Play snap, pairs, happy families or swap- perfect for 3+ and great for early memory, turn-taking and matching skills. Compact, screen-free, and ideal for quiet time or rainy afternoons. Shop here

Pink zippered case open containing educational toys: small blocks with animals and numbers, colorful fabric accessories, and a card with ocean animals.

Montessori Busy Book – Sensory Travel Toy for Ages 1–6

Zips, buckles, buttons, laces, and more — this lightweight activity book keeps little hands busy and brains engaged. Great for fine motor skills, independence and fidgety moments at home or on the go. A go-to toy for car journeys, waiting rooms or eating out! Shop here

Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to make a purchase. I only recommend things I genuinely love or think will be helpful to nannies and families.