Did you give your helper specific personal hygiene instructions while handling the baby -- products to avoid because of strong chemical component, deodorant to be rid of body odour, hair always tied back? I want to give my helper a list - but not sure how she will react to it. Any suggestions?

I think it's important to treat your help as part of your family for many reasons; she's caring for your family & kids, your house when you're at work and it's terribly frustrating if you have to keep changing help at the agency. Take her out for toiletry shopping so she feels that as if she's not just an outsider and will feel much comfortable. While shopping, can subtling hint/recommend at which scents you like so she'll choose them and at the same time, talk to her about you like her to dress while tending to your family. Point to note though, be sure to draw a firm line between employer-employee relationship & BFFs.