Interview Questions to ask your new nanny
When interviewing or discussing responsibilities with your nanny, it's important to ask questions that cover a variety of areas, including childcare philosophy, experience, safety, and communication. Here’s a list of questions you might consider asking:
General Questions
Experience and Background
1. Can you tell me about your experience working as a nanny?
2. What age groups have you worked with, and do you have a preference?
3. Can you provide references from previous families you’ve worked with?
4. Have you had any formal training in childcare or early childhood education?
5. Are you CPR and First Aid certified?
Childcare Philosophy
6. What is your approach to discipline and setting boundaries for children?
7. How do you handle conflicts between siblings or playmates?
8. What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
9. How would you structure a day with the children?
10. How do you approach screen time and technology use?
Safety and Health
11. What procedures do you follow in case of an emergency?
12. How do you ensure a safe environment for the children?
13. Are you comfortable administering medication if needed?
14. How do you handle allergies or dietary restrictions?
Communication and Feedback
15. How do you prefer to communicate with parents? (text, calls, written notes)
16. How often do you provide updates on the children’s day?
17. Would you be open to receiving feedback on your caregiving style?
18. How do you handle disagreements or concerns with parents?
Activities and Education
19. What are your favorite educational activities to do with children?
20. How do you encourage reading and learning at home?
21. How do you incorporate physical activity into the day?
22. Are you comfortable preparing meals and snacks for the children? What types of meals do you like to prepare?
Logistics and Availability
23. What is your availability and flexibility for scheduling?
24. How would you handle changes in the schedule or last-minute needs?
25. Are you comfortable with light housekeeping related to the children, like laundry or cleaning up after meals?
Future Plans
26. What are your long-term career goals?
27. How long do you plan to stay in a nanny position?
28. Are you open to additional duties if the family needs assistance?
Miscellaneous
29. How do you handle a child who is having a tantrum or is upset?
30. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of nannying?
Feel free to adapt these questions based on your family's specific needs and dynamics. It's essential to ensure that the nanny is a good fit for your family and can provide a nurturing and safe environment for your children.
Questions to Ask a Nanny children under 1 years
Hiring a nanny for a baby under one requires a special mix of warmth, experience, and confidence. Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing for a baby nanny role
Baby Care & Daily Routines
- Can you describe your experience caring for babies under 1?
2. What does a typical day look like for a baby this age?
3. How do you manage naps, feeding schedules, and changes in routine?
4. How do you handle teething, fussiness, or separation anxiety?
5. Are you comfortable preparing bottles and introducing solids?
Development & Play
5. What activities do you use to support motor skills and early development?
6. How do you encourage crawling, standing, or early communication?
7. How do you track developmental milestones?
Safety & Emergency Awareness
8. Are you trained in infant first aid and CPR?
9. How do you ensure the baby’s environment is safe as they become more mobile?
10. Have you ever dealt with a baby choking or becoming unwell?
Communication & Family Fit
11. How do you share daily updates with parents (naps, feeding, moods)?
12. What parenting styles do you usually work best with?
13. Are you comfortable with a parent working from home?
14. Are you open to light household tasks during nap time (e.g. baby laundry or tidying toys)?