British-American Childcare Dictionary
It’s often been joked that Britain and America are two nations divided by a common language. On the other hand, the challenges and rewards of bringing up happy, healthy children are universal! For the benefit of my American readers, and expat families on either side of the pond, here’s a handy UK-to-USA “bilingual” glossary of words useful for childcarers:
 |  |
|---|---|
| antenatal | prenatal |
| chemist('s) | pharmacy, drugstore |
| childminder | person who provides professional childcare in the childminder's own home |
| cot | crib |
| cotton buds | cotton swabs, Q-tips |
| cotton wool | absorbent cotton, cotton balls |
| crèche | day care center |
| dummy or soother | pacifier |
| flannel | washcloth |
| GP (general practitioner) | family doctor |
| health visitor | registered community nurse or midwife who visits people in their homes, especially new parents and children under 5, to promote health and give advice |
| intercom | baby monitor |
| jab | shot (injection) |
| jelly | jello (gelatin dessert) |
| Moses basket | (portable) bassinet |
| nappy | diaper |
| pants or knickers | underpants |
| plaster | band-aid |
| pram | baby carriage |
| pushchair | stroller |
| rota | roster or schedule |
| teat | nipple (for a baby bottle) |
| (shopping) trolley | (shopping) cart |
| vest | onesie (for babies) or undershirt |
