How to Hire a Nanny

Your guide to finding the perfect nanny for your family.

Finding a Nanny

• Decide on the qualifications and/or education you require the nanny to have.
• Because you can deduct room and board expenses, a live-in nanny may have less take-home pay than a live-out.
• Any nanny who is caring for an infant or toddler should have current First Aid and CPR training.
• Personally interview each nanny and ask specific, scenario-type questions (“What would you do if…?”)
• Have your nanny come to your home for a paid trial day.

iring a nanny for your children can be stressful, especially for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know to make the process easier so you can find the best care for your kids.

Live-in, or live-out?

Before you start your search, establish what kind of nanny you need. Sit down and decide if you want a "live-in” or "live-out" nanny.

A live-in nanny lives in your home, so you will need to consider space and privacy issues relative to your home and family. You also need to decide on the qualifications and/or education you require the nanny to have, and the duties she will be doing on a daily basis.

For example, are you looking for someone whose only responsibility is childcare, or would you like to find someone willing to do some housework, or cooking? Do you want a nanny with an Early Childhood Education background, someone who speaks another language, or who has their drivers license so they can help pick your kids up from school?

How much should you pay?

Taking the nanny’s responsibilities into consideration, think about the wage you will offer. At first, you can get an idea of the going rate in your area by contacting neighbors, friends and coworkers who have hired nannies. You can then set a wage, $12 per hour for example, or a range that you’ll pay within, such as $10 to $14 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Remember–a live-in nanny is living in your home, so you can deduct room and board expenses from her pay, which means that a live-in nanny may have less take-home pay than a live-out.

Finding the best nanny for your family

Here are 12 tips to keep in mind when you’re hiring a nanny:

1. Write a job description for the position. This explains to the applicants what the job is that they’re applying for, so you’ll want to be descriptive, but fairly brief. You’ll need this description when you’re advertising for your nanny, as well as to refer to after hiring

2. Give yourself time to search for, and interview, a nanny. Try to interview more than one nanny to allow for comparison – don’t cram too many interviews into one day.

3. Personally interview the nanny. Create a relaxed atmosphere that shows you’re well-organized. Ask specific, scenario-type questions (“What would you do if…?”) and be sure to describe your position in detail. Avoid asking the nanny to provide childcare during the first interview.

4. Perform screening and reference checks. Consider asking each nanny for a Police Record check. Any nanny who is caring for an infant and/or toddler should have current First Aid and CPR training. Ask for references and call them; they can either confirm what the nanny has said, or contradict it. (You should do this even if you use a placement agency.)

5. Be honest and realistic about your expectations. Provide your nanny with the detailed job description that you have prepared. Include your child’s temperament and development.

6. Have your nanny come to your home for a paid trial day. You can observe how the nanny interacts with your children, and can ensure that she is the right match for your family. This also gives your child time to become comfortable with the nanny.

7. Sign a contract. When you choose a nanny, ensure that you both agree upon all responsibilities, duties, wages, hours and terms of employment before she starts work in your home–this should be in writing and signed by both nanny and parent.

8. On the first day, take the nanny on a tour of your home. Provide her with the location of the First Aid kit and fire extinguisher, as well as any emergency plans you have made with your children. Make her aware of any rooms that the children are not allowed to play in.

9. Prepare your child. If your child is old enough, talk to them about what to expect and encourage them to ask question and express fears.

10. Leave your nanny with all emergency information. This should include all emergency services, a phone number for where you will be and an immediate adult backup number.

11. Write out instructions–including warming bottles and food, routines, special conditions or medications.

12. Say good-bye. When it is time to leave for the first time, say good-bye to your children and the nanny and leave. Don’t sneak out–this makes your children think there is something wrong.

Remember that when you hire a nanny, you become an employer and, to ensure that you are a good employer, you need to receive regular feedback from your nanny and your children. Keep the lines of communication open and also provide your nanny with regular feedback on her performance.