How to Find a Good Nanny
Finding a nanny by yourself can feel daunting!
Learn about where many people start their nanny searches, what to expect, what to prepare, and how to find (and keep) a safe, reliable nanny.
Where to find a nanny near me
There are three main ways that most people find a nanny:
Asking friends and family
Going online to sites like Care.com or SitterCity.com, or social media (Facebook, NextDoor)
Working with a nanny placement agency
1. Recommendations from friends and family
The benefit of asking friends and family is that this method typically comes with no additional cost, and personal recommendations mean that you may find candidates that have worked with people whose opinions you value and trust.
2. Online caregiver platforms and social media
If you’re struggling to find a nanny through personal connections, you may consider moving your search online. Providers like Care.com and SitterCity.com allow you to post your nanny position and receive applications from candidates in your area that fit your budget and other criteria. You’ll have the most luck with these tools when you pay for premium access.
As of Jan 2022, when this article was written, Care.com premium and SitterCity.com were ~$150 when paid annually.
We often recommend this route if you have time to screen, vet and meet a number of candidates. We have used sites like these to recruit for positions, and the stats for qualified applicants from just one platform looks a bit like this:
One job post
30 applicants
15 phone interviews
3 final candidates
The most tedious aspect of using online caregiver websites is the sheer number of applicants and the frustration of setting up an interview with a qualified caregiver only to be stood up. This has certainly happened to all of us!
You can also use social media, like Facebook and Nextdoor, to find nannies and other caregivers. Sometimes we see successful matches on local babysitting and nanny groups. Like using online caregiver websites, this can be very time-consuming, but if you have time to dedicate to this process, you can most certainly find a great nanny online.
3. Nanny placement agencies
Alternatively, you can work with a nanny placement agency, which will charge either a flat or percentage-based fee (learn more about the different types of nanny placement fees here). Many agencies have a network of nannies at the ready, it’s just a matter of finding the one that fits best with your family, your budget and your schedule. Other nanny agencies, like The First Milestones, recruit for each new position. We start with our network of vetted nannies first, either nannies that have been screened for another position or recently completed a contract with one of our families. We then expand to job boards and referrals to cast a wide net.
The biggest benefit to working with an agency is truly the time-savings and the peace of mind that comes from a standardized process of vetting candidates, including checking references and qualifications, and running criminal background checks. You also benefit from the expertise and guidance of a placement agent who can help you through building a strong foundation for your relationship with your nanny.
Tips for finding and keeping a good nanny
We typically see that finding a nanny takes between 4 and 6 weeks, regardless of the method you choose. And whatever approach you plan to take, know that you’ll have an easier time finding a safe, reliable nanny for your family when you take the time to:
Write an accurate and thorough nanny job description
Understand local market rates are for nannies
Create a set of nanny interview questions that you use in each interview
Request and check your nanny’s references
Have a paid trial day with your candidate(s)
Run a criminal background check on your nanny, and driving history and drug test, if required
Set up a legal way to pay your nanny
Set clear guidelines for working together, and be clear about your expectations and the job responsibilities
To foster a good relationship with your nanny once you’ve found the right fit, we recommend:
Offer benefits, like paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days
Taking a genuine interest in your nanny’s professional and personal development
Checking in regularly to maintain open lines of communication
Addressing issues as they come up, and providing course-correcting direction as needed
Need help finding a nanny?