How to Hire the Right Nanny for Your Family

Why Hiring the Right Nanny Matters

Finding the right nanny can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. You're not just looking for someone to help — you're inviting someone into your home, your routines, and most importantly, your child's world.

Whether you're returning to work, juggling a busy schedule, or simply looking for an extra set of caring hands, the right nanny can become a trusted part of your family’s rhythm. But how do you know what “right” looks like?

As someone who has worked as a nanny and built lasting connections with the families I cared for — relationships I still hold dear to this day — I understand how deeply personal and important this decision is. That’s why I created JAMOT: to support not only nannies, but also the families who rely on them.

This guide will walk you through what to look for in a nanny, must-ask interview questions, red flags to watch for, and practical tools like checklists and contract templates to help you feel confident every step of the way.

If you’re a first-time parent, don’t worry — I’ve included a special section just for you.

Let’s begin.

1.What to Look For in a Nanny

Every family is unique, but there are some qualities that every great nanny should bring to the table. When you're interviewing or reviewing candidates, these are the things you’ll want to consider — beyond just availability or convenience.

Core Qualifications

  • CPR & First Aid Certification
    Safety is non-negotiable. A qualified nanny should be trained to respond to emergencies, especially if caring for infants or toddlers.

  • Background Check & Clearances
    Make sure the nanny has passed a professional background check and, if required in your area, child abuse clearances or fingerprinting.

  • Strong References
    Talking to former employers gives insight into reliability, professionalism, and how the nanny interacts with children long-term.

  • Relevant Experience
    Look for someone who has worked with children of similar age or temperament. Infant care and toddler care, for example, require very different skill sets.

Emotional & Practical Intelligence

  • Good Judgment
    Can the nanny think on their feet? Stay calm in a stressful moment? These qualities matter just as much as formal training.

  • Communication Skills
    A great nanny knows how to keep you in the loop — whether it’s about your child’s behavior, milestones, or lunch mishaps.

  • Philosophy Alignment
    Whether it’s screen time, discipline, or developmental play, your nanny’s values should complement your parenting style.

Bonus Skills

  • Driving License & Clean Record (if transportation is needed)

  • Bilingual or Multilingual (for households interested in language exposure)

  • Special Needs Experience (if relevant to your child)

Keep in mind: no nanny is perfect, but the right one for your family will check most of your key boxes and feel like a natural fit — someone your child is excited to see in the morning.

2. Questions to Ask During the Nanny Interview

The interview isn’t just about vetting qualifications — it’s about discovering if this person is a good match for your child, your parenting style, and your home. It’s okay (and encouraged!) to go beyond the resume.

Here are some helpful questions, organized by topic:

General Experience

  • How long have you worked as a nanny, and what ages have you cared for?

  • What do you enjoy most about working with children?

  • Have you worked with families long-term? What was your role in their daily life?

Safety & Health

  • Are you certified in CPR and First Aid? Would you be willing to renew if needed?

  • How do you handle a medical emergency?

  • Are you familiar with food allergies, EpiPens, or medication routines?

Daily Routine & Childcare Style

  • What does a typical day with a toddler (or infant, preschooler, etc.) look like to you?

  • How do you approach naptime routines?

  • What kind of activities do you plan during the day?

Development & Discipline

  • How do you support early learning and development?

  • What’s your approach to discipline and setting boundaries?

  • How do you help children work through frustration or tantrums?

Family Fit

  • What’s your ideal work environment or family dynamic?

  • How do you handle feedback or special requests from parents?

  • What are your long-term goals as a caregiver?

Practical Considerations

  • Are you comfortable driving (if needed)?

  • Are you flexible with your schedule?

  • Are you open to doing light household tasks related to the child (laundry, meal prep)?

💡Pro Tip: Take notes during the interview and consider scheduling a paid trial day to observe how the nanny interacts with your child in real life.

3. For First-Time Parents — What You Need to Know

Hiring a nanny for the first time can feel like handing over the most important part of your life to a stranger. That’s normal. Whether you’re returning to work or just need extra support, the process comes with questions, doubts, and emotions — especially if you’ve never done it before.

I’ve worked with many new parents who felt this exact same way at the beginning. Here's what I always share:

It’s Okay to Be Nervous

You’re not just hiring help — you’re choosing someone to love, protect, and nurture your child. It’s deeply personal. Allow yourself to ask questions, get second opinions, and take your time. A good nanny will respect that.

Trust Your Instincts

Resumes and references are important — but so is your gut. If something feels off, even if you can't explain it, trust that feeling. Likewise, if someone feels like a natural extension of your family, pay attention to that too.

Start with a Trial Period

A trial day or week is a low-pressure way to observe how your nanny interacts with your child. You’ll quickly see how they handle routines, play, and unexpected moments. (We’ve got a trial evaluation checklist you can use — just let me know if you want that next!)

Put It in Writing

Even with a warm, friendly nanny, it’s important to be clear. Write down expectations — everything from hours and duties to feeding rules and screen time. You’ll thank yourself later, and your nanny will appreciate the clarity.

Give It Time

It can take a few days or even a few weeks to feel fully comfortable. If things aren’t perfect right away, that’s okay. Open communication, patience, and mutual respect go a long way.

4. Tools, Checklists & Templates to Make It Easier

Sometimes, knowing what to do isn’t the hard part — it’s keeping track of it all. That’s why I’ve created a set of practical tools to help you stay organized and confident throughout the hiring process.

These checklists and templates are printable, editable, and made specifically with busy parents in mind.

Nanny Interview Checklist

A one-page guide to help you cover all the important questions during interviews — from safety to personality fit.
👉 Download the PDF

Trial Day Evaluation Form

Use this after a paid trial to reflect on how the nanny interacted with your child. Includes prompts for routine handling, energy, and red/green flags.

coming soon!

Nanny/Family Contract Template

This easy-to-customize template outlines job responsibilities, hours, pay, time off, and expectations. It helps avoid misunderstandings and protects both parties.
👉 Coming soon —

Daily Log Sheet (for Nanny Use)

Especially helpful for infants and toddlers. Track feedings, naps, diapers, moods, activities, and notes for the day.
👉 Optional — coming soon

5. Legal & Financial Considerations When Hiring a Nanny

Hiring a nanny isn’t just a personal decision — it’s a legal and financial responsibility too. Whether you’re bringing someone on full-time or part-time, it’s important to treat your nanny as a household employee, not an informal helper.

Don’t worry — you don’t need to become an HR expert overnight. But you do need to know the basics.

💸 Taxes & Employment Status

  • If you pay a nanny more than a certain threshold (currently around $2,700/year in the U.S.), you're legally required to withhold and pay employment taxes.

  • This includes Social Security, Medicare, and possibly unemployment and disability taxes, depending on your state.

  • You’ll need to provide a W-2 at the end of the year — not a 1099. Nannies are employees, not independent contractors.

👉 Tip: You can use nanny payroll services (like HomePay or Poppins Payroll) to handle all of this for you.

📝 Written Work Agreement

Even if you trust your nanny completely, a clear contract protects everyone. It should include:

  • Start date, hours, and pay rate

  • Overtime policy (if applicable)

  • Paid time off, holidays, and sick days

  • Job duties (childcare, light cleaning, meals, etc.)

  • Emergency contact plans

  • Termination policy (notice period, final pay, etc.)

We’ll be including a customizable contract template to make this easy.

🛡️ Insurance & Legal Protection

  • Worker’s Compensation Insurance may be required in your state.

  • Consider updating your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to reflect having an employee in your home.

  • Keep clear documentation of payment and hours — this protects both you and your nanny if disputes ever arise.

Hiring a nanny legally and fairly might take a little extra effort up front, but it gives you peace of mind — and ensures your nanny is treated with the professionalism they deserve.

6. Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your family. It’s not just about qualifications — it’s about trust, connection, and peace of mind.

Whether you're a seasoned parent or navigating this journey for the first time, my hope is that this guide helped you feel a little more grounded and a lot more confident.

Remember:

  • You are allowed to ask questions.

  • You are allowed to take your time.

  • And you are absolutely allowed to prioritize what feels right for your child and your home.

I created JAMOT to support both nannies and families. If you ever need help or just want to talk through a decision, don’t hesitate to reach out.

📚 Helpful Links & Downloads

💌 Want More Support?

Consider signing up for my upcoming free guide:
“Hiring With Confidence: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Hiring a Nanny”