For Parents
A Parent's Guide to Finding the Perfect Nanny
Choosing a nanny is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. This comprehensive guide will help you find, hire, and work successfully with a professional nanny through Trusted Nanny.
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Before you start searching, clarify what you need:
Schedule and Hours
- Full-time, part-time, or occasional care?
- Regular schedule or varying hours?
- Weekdays, weekends, or both?
- Typical start and end times?
- Overnight care needed?
Your Children
- Ages and developmental stages
- Number of children
- Special needs or medical conditions
- Temperament and interests
- Languages spoken at home
Responsibilities and Duties
- Childcare only, or also household tasks?
- Meal preparation required?
- Transportation needs (school pickup, activities)?
- Help with homework or tutoring?
- Light housekeeping in children's areas?
Step 2: Search and Filter
Use Trusted Nanny's search tools to find qualified candidates:
Essential Filters:
- Location: Distance from your home
- Availability: Days and times that match your needs
- Experience: Years of professional childcare
- Age Groups: Experience with your children's ages
Important Qualifications:
- CPR/First Aid certified: Essential for safety
- ECE (Early Childhood Education): Professional training
- Special needs experience: If applicable
- Driver's license: If transportation required
- Languages: Match your family's needs
Review Profiles Carefully:
- Read the nanny's bio and approach to childcare
- Check background check verification status
- Review all certifications and expiry dates
- Read reviews from other families
- Check average rating and number of completed bookings
- Note hourly rate and minimum booking hours
Step 3: Interview Questions to Ask
Experience and Philosophy:
- Tell me about your childcare background and experience
- What do you enjoy most about working with children?
- Describe your approach to discipline and behavioral issues
- What activities do you typically do with children?
- How do you handle multiple children of different ages?
Practical Scenarios:
- What would you do if a child had a minor accident or injury?
- How would you handle a tantrum or refusal to cooperate?
- What's your approach to screen time and technology?
- How do you handle food allergies or dietary restrictions?
- What would you do in case of a serious emergency?
Logistics and Expectations:
- Are you comfortable with [specific duty/responsibility]?
- What's your sick day policy?
- How do you prefer to communicate with parents?
- Are you looking for long-term or short-term positions?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a nanny:
- ❌ Avoids answering specific questions
- ❌ Has no or very limited references
- ❌ Gives vague answers about experience
- ❌ Seems uncomfortable discussing safety protocols
- ❌ Has expired certifications
- ❌ Suggests working "off-platform" to avoid fees
- ❌ Doesn't ask any questions about your children
- ❌ Shows up unprepared or late to meetings
Step 4: Trial Period and First Booking
Start with a Short Booking:
- Book 2-4 hours for an initial trial
- Be home (or nearby) for the first session
- Observe interactions with your children
- See how they handle your routine and household
Prepare Your Home:
- Show emergency exits and safety equipment
- Provide list of emergency contacts
- Explain any household rules or routines
- Review children's schedules, meals, nap times
- Demonstrate any equipment (car seats, high chair, etc.)
Setting Clear Expectations
Create a Written Agreement Covering:
- Regular schedule and any flexibility needed
- Specific responsibilities and duties
- Household rules (screen time, snacks, discipline)
- Emergency procedures and contact information
- Sick day and cancellation policies
- Communication preferences (text, app, daily report)
Emergency Information to Provide:
- Contact numbers for both parents
- Nearby relative or neighbor contact
- Pediatrician contact information
- Allergies, medications, or medical conditions
- Location of first aid supplies
- Home address (for emergency services)
Communication Best Practices
Daily Updates:
- Request brief end-of-day reports (meals, naps, activities, behavior)
- Use Trusted Nanny messaging for booking-related communication
- Agree on response time expectations for messages
Regular Check-ins:
- Schedule monthly or quarterly conversations about how things are going
- Provide constructive feedback kindly and clearly
- Ask for the nanny's feedback and suggestions
- Address concerns promptly before they become problems
Building a Great Relationship
Show Appreciation:
- Leave positive reviews for excellent service
- Provide small bonuses for exceptional care or holidays
- Respect their time (be punctual for return home)
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Recommend them to other families (if comfortable)
Professional Boundaries:
- Respect their off-duty time and personal life
- Provide adequate notice for schedule changes
- Don't add responsibilities without discussion
- Keep relationship professional, even if friendly
When Things Aren't Working
If you're not satisfied with your nanny:
- Address concerns directly and promptly
- Give specific examples and clear expectations
- Allow time for improvement
- If issues persist, end the relationship professionally
- Leave honest but fair review on the platform
- Report serious safety concerns to Trusted Nanny immediately
Safety Reminders
- Trust your instincts - if something feels off, investigate
- Do surprise check-ins occasionally (come home early)
- Consider a nanny cam in common areas (disclosed to nanny)
- Verify all certifications are current
- Maintain open communication with your children
- Report any safety concerns to Trusted Nanny immediately
Need Help?
Our support team is here to help families navigate the nanny hiring process:
- Email: families@trustednanny.com
- Phone: 1-800-NANNY-CA
- Live Chat: Available Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 9 PM EST