8 types of nannies you can hire to help

Nannies can offer several types of child care and even household help. If you're considering hiring a

nanny, it's worth understanding the types of nanny roles available to determine which one may be

right for you.

Before you start your search for a nanny, your first step should be to sit down and outline your needs. A

nanny can charge varying rates based on their schedule, certifications, and experience, so knowing what

you need is key for getting started.

If you’re not 100% sure what type of household help would suit your family best, check out our list of

nanny options, which can help you narrow down your search.

1. Nanny housekeepers - Domestic nanny

These nannies do it all. They handle all of the child care duties, like a live-in or live-out nanny would, but

they also are willing to perform housekeeping duties during nap or quiet time, or while the children are

at school.

It’s important to come to an agreement on what kind of housekeeping is required; you want to make

sure your nanny housekeeper is doing what you need, but you don’t want them to feel like you’re taking

advantage. Make sure their other duties don’t interfere with child care, which is naturally their first

priority.

Also keep in mind that a nanny housekeeper may charge more (whether hourly or salary) than other

nannies because they’re providing so many different services.

2. Full Time live-out nannies - Daily Nannies

These nannies work full time (five days a week, usually 35 - 40 hours) and their duties often include taking

care of the physical and emotional needs of the children, preparing meals and offering a variety of

activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children's ages. They may also be responsible for

taking children out to play dates or scheduled activities. They do not reside in the family’s home, nor do

any non-child-related cleaning or housekeeping. Live-out nannies can either work independently or

alongside parents to offer additional support. Many full-time nannies are professionals with extensive

training or education in childhood development, which makes them a valuable asset. If they are using

their own car to help out with nanny duties (such as picking up kids from school) or working extra hours,

that will affect their rates, as well. Most full-time nannies are paid a weekly or salaried rate, which you

can negotiate during the initial interview.

3. Live-in nannies

These nannies share the same responsibilities as live-out nannies but reside in the family’s home. Live-in

nannies typically have a furnished room, private bath, sometimes a cell phone, and access to a car.

Having the nanny live with your family means your care is consistent , but be sure to draw specific

boundaries about work and non-work hours.

4. Part-time, after-school or summer nannies - Temp Nannies

These nannies provide help for parents who only need after-school care, for just a few days during the

week, or when school is closed for the summer. Because of their less consistent schedule, it may be

more difficult to find this type of nanny. Also keep in mind that these nannies will have less time with

the children or in your home, which means that their care will not be as involved as a full-time or live-in

nanny. Hourly nannies (which most part-time providers are) may also charge more to account for time

they are not needed.

5. Nanny shares

Sometimes, nannies are open to sharing her services with two families. If you know someone who is also

looking for a nanny, talk to them about their needs and their budget for child care. Once you have all

that established, you can interview a nanny who is open to or experienced in nanny sharing. This saves

money for both families while ensuring quality care from a trained nanny. Keep in mind that there are

logistic issues: Where will the nanny go each day? Will you alternate houses? How will you handle paid

time off, sick days or when one family doesn’t need her?

6. Babysitter - Nanny Sitter

Parents or guardians typically pay a babysitter by the hour to provide temporary or short-term care for

their children. Babysitters usually don't have formal qualifications. Their role normally involves playing

with children and may include making or serving them food, bathing them and putting them to bed.

7. Au pairs - Mothers helpers

An au pair is a unique child care arrangement, where a young student from a foreign country provides

child care and light housekeeping in exchange for room, board and a weekly “stipend.” Au

pairs generally stay with a host family for one year and synchronize child care with their school

schedules. This is a very affordable option, but keep in mind that it usually requires a full year’s payment

upfront. There are also immigration requirements and program expenses related to connecting with

your au pair.

Depending on your budget, accommodations and work schedule, there are a number of nanny options.

Before beginning your nanny search, consider how many hours a week you’ll need care. Then, decide

what other help you need from your nanny, or what you’d like her to provide for your children

(i.e. tutoring, transportation, etc.).

Knowing your nanny options should help you find the best childcare for your family in no time!

8. Night nannies

Night nannies are a great choice for families with young babies. As their title suggests, their role is to

help out during nighttime, namely with getting the baby back to sleep, so mom and/or dad can get

more rest. Their shifts usually start anywhere between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and last between 10-12

hours.

For families with breastfed babies, night nannies will bring baby to mom to nurse and then settle them

back down to bed, and if the baby is bottle-fed, a night nanny will take care of feeding and then getting

baby back down to sleep. In some cases, night nannies will help with sleep-training, as well.

Looking for a nanny reach out to us, and we can walk you through the process schedule a call.