How to choose the right nanny? 10 expert tips

Tip 1: Determine your exact needs

Before you start searching, make a detailed list of exactly what you need. The more specific you are, the better the match.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How many children do you have and how old are they?
• What days and hours do you need care?
• Should the nanny also handle household tasks?
• Do you need a fixed or flexible schedule?
• Are there special needs (allergies, multilingualism, learning difficulties)?
• What is your budget?

Write everything down before the first conversation. This saves time and prevents misunderstandings later.

Tip 2: Look beyond the CV

A degree is important, but experience and personality are at least equally valuable. At Nanny's, we also select candidates without formal degrees but with extensive practical experience.

When reviewing a CV, pay attention to:

• Relevant work experience: How long has the candidate worked with children? In what contexts?
• Stability: How long did the candidate stay with previous families? Frequent changes are a warning sign.
• Continuing education: Pediatric first aid, positive parenting courses, language courses
• Personal experience: Raised own children? This is valuable experience.

But above all, look at the person behind the CV. Is she warm, patient, reliable? Does her parenting vision align with yours?

Tip 3: Thoroughly check references

Always call at least two of the nanny's previous employers. References are the most reliable way to assess a candidate's quality.

Ask references these questions:

• How long did the nanny work for you?
• Why did the collaboration end?
• How did the nanny handle difficult situations?
• Was the nanny reliable and punctual?
• Would you hire the nanny again?
• How was the bond between the nanny and your children?

At Nanny's, we conduct these reference checks as standard as part of our screening process. We also verify the criminal background check.

Tip 4: Watch the connection with your children

The most important indicator of a good match is the interaction between the nanny and your children. No reference or degree replaces the chemistry you observe.

During a meet-and-greet, watch if the nanny spontaneously gets to the child's level, makes eye contact, responds calmly to difficult behavior, and shows genuine interest. Also ask your children (if old enough) what they think.

Tip 5: Discuss expectations upfront

Before starting, make clear agreements about tasks, boundaries, and your parenting style. Many conflicts arise from unspoken expectations.

Discuss at minimum: your parenting philosophy, daily routines, household tasks, communication, emergency procedures, privacy, and visitation during work hours.

Tip 6: Make clear agreements about tasks

Document the task scope in a clear job description. This prevents disputes and gives the nanny guidance.

A good job description includes: exact work hours and days, primary tasks with examples, secondary tasks, tasks explicitly not expected, break arrangements, vacation policy, and compensation details. Review after the first month together.

Tip 7: Think about flexibility

Discuss from the start how flexible both parties are. Family life is unpredictable and flexibility is invaluable.

Key flexibility questions: overtime, last-minute cancellations, vacation travel, seasonal schedule changes, sick replacement. At Nanny's, our payroll formula includes replacement guarantee when your nanny is sick.

Tip 8: Ask about first aid knowledge

A nanny with pediatric first aid knowledge gives you extra peace of mind. Accidents happen quickly with young children and the right response in the first minutes is crucial.

Check: valid pediatric first aid certificate, recent refresher course, knowledge of choking/allergic reactions/fever protocols, and familiarity with your doctor and nearest hospital.

Tip 9: Schedule trial periods

Organize at least two trial moments before the definitive start. This gives both the nanny and your children time to get used to each other.

Trial moment 1: You are present, the nanny observes. Trial moment 2: You are briefly absent, the nanny takes over. At Nanny's, we actively guide trial moments and evaluate together with you after each one.

Tip 10: Work with a professional agency

A professional nanny agency saves you time, reduces risk, and guarantees quality. Finding a nanny yourself through ads is possible, but an agency offers significant added value.

What a good agency offers: thorough screening, legal certainty, replacement guarantee, mediation, follow-up, and community. At Nanny's, founder Isabelle Willems personally selects every nanny and knows every family.

Frequently Asked Questions