Top 10 Things to Think About When Hiring a Nanny
If you’re considering hiring a nanny, discover 10 of the top things to consider - and how a specialist nannying agency can help.
Hiring a nanny is one of the most important - and one of the best - decisions you’ll make for your family.
A nanny isn’t just someone who takes care of your children; they become a key figure in your household, a partner in your parenting journey, and someone who helps to shape your children's lives.
That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to find the right person - and as an expert nannying agency, we’re here to help you do just that!
So, if you’re thinking about hiring a nanny, read on to discover the top 10 things you need to consider…
10 Things to Think About When Hiring a Nanny
1. Define Your Family’s Needs
Before starting the search, we recommend taking some time to clearly define what your family needs.
Are you looking for full-time, part-time, or live-in support? Do you need help with newborns, toddlers, or older children? Will you need a nanny housekeeper to help with other household tasks, or do you just need childcare support?
Understanding your specific requirements will help you filter out candidates who aren’t the right fit so you can find the perfect match for your family.
2. Establish Clear Expectations
Once you’ve identified your needs, you’ll then need to outline clear expectations for the role to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Make sure you include the nanny’s daily duties, their working hours, and any additional tasks like cooking, housekeeping, or helping with homework.
Being upfront about your expectations from the beginning will ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible and that you start your relationship with your nanny off on the right foot.
3. Consider Qualifications and Experience
It goes without saying that the safety and well-being of your children are paramount, so when hiring a nanny, it’s essential to consider their qualifications and experience.
You’ll want to look for candidates with relevant certifications, such as CPR and first aid, and also check their experience of working with children of similar ages to yours. A strong track record of reliability and trustworthiness is crucial.
4. Perform Background Checks
Arguably, this is the most important step. When you hire a nanny, you are inviting someone into your home, so it’s essential to perform thorough background checks to ensure the safety of your family.
This includes criminal record checks and reference checks from previous employers. If you’re not sure how to go about this, or don’t have the time to do so, a specialist nannying agency such as Hummingbird Home Staff will be able to take care of this for you, giving you complete peace of mind.
5. Personality Fit and Values
When hiring a nanny, it’s also important to consider whether they are the right fit for your family in terms of personality and values.
After all, your nanny will spend a significant amount of time with you and your family, so it’s important that they align with your family’s values and parenting style.
For example, are you looking for someone who is sporty and energetic or arty and crafty? Is it important to you that your children spend time outside? Look for a nanny who is going to fit in with your family and who has the same interests as your children.
Assessing these things during the interview process, along with their attitude, approach to discipline, and how they handle challenging situations will help you figure out if they are a good personality fit.
Not sure of what to ask? Don’t miss this blog for our top tips.
6. Trial Period
Before making a long-term commitment, you could consider an initial trial period to allow both you and your nanny to see if the arrangement is working well.
During this time, observe how the nanny interacts with your children, handles responsibilities, and integrates into your family dynamic.
7. Discuss Salary and Benefits
It’s also super important to be transparent about the salary and benefits from the outset. This includes not just their basic pay, but also any additional perks such as paid time off or bonuses.
By being upfront and clearly communicating about compensation from the start, you can prevent any misunderstandings later on - which leads us onto our next point…
8. Set Clear Communication Channels
Effective communication is absolutely key to any successful nanny-parent relationship.
Here at Hummingbird Home Staff, we always recommend establishing regular check-ins so you can create an open line of communication with your nanny and ensure any concerns can be discussed freely.
Doing so means that any issues or problems can be dealt with quickly, which will ultimately lead to a happy working relationship and a harmonious household.
9. Legal Considerations
Hiring a nanny also comes with legal responsibilities that you’ll need to consider as an employer, such as taxes, contracts, and employment laws.
It’s essential that you clearly understand your obligations as an employer, including how to handle payroll, benefits, and any legal paperwork.
Finding it all a bit overwhelming? Relax - we’ve got plenty of payroll experts we can recommend to you to help with the legal side of things!
10. Plan for the Long-Term
Finally, when hiring a nanny to work with your family, you should also think about the long-term relationship.
If your relationship goes well, your nanny might be with you for quite some time - so it’s important to consider how you’ll handle career development for your nanny, including pay raises, additional training, and career progression.
Plus, acknowledging your nanny’s contributions to your family and investing in their growth will help you to retain top talent and ensure a stable environment for your children.
How a Specialist Nannying Agency Can Help
Finding the right nanny is a process that requires careful consideration and thoughtful planning. But trust us, it’s worth the effort: a well-chosen nanny can become an invaluable part of your household, providing the care and support your children need to thrive.
If you need help finding the right nanny for your family, we’re here to do just that. At Hummingbird Home Staff, our team of nanny recruitment experts are on hand to help you every step of the way.
So, whether you’re just beginning your search or are ready to make a hire, are a busy working parent with no time to navigate the process, or are just feeling overwhelmed by it all, let us help you find the perfect nanny for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

