After you become a parent, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you want to take care of your child when you can’t. While you have a few choices when it comes to finding someone to care for your child, hiring a nanny is one of the most helpful options.
A nanny can provide a variety of services specifically tailored to your family’s needs. In order to find and hire the right nanny for your family, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s everything to know when hiring a nanny to help your family.
What Does a Nanny Do?
Nannies provide a wide range of services for families. In addition to providing basic childcare, many nannies help with homework, prepare meals, and handle hygiene duties like bath time. They also plan activities and may take your children on outings.1
You should discuss expectations with the nanny before hiring them so there are no surprises. For instance, some parents want nannies to handle difficult situations like disciplining a child, while others want to handle things like that themselves.
fizkes/ShutterstockTypes of Nannies
There are a few different types of nannies. Since they work different hours and do different things, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the options. Here are a few common types of nannies to consider hiring.
- Live-in nannies usually live in the family’s home and are responsible for childcare as well as some household tasks such as laundry and cleaning.
- Live-out nannies typically work Monday through Friday, coming to the family’s home to care for their kids.
- Part-time nannies typically work a few hours two to four days per week, depending on the family’s needs.
- Au pairs are another live-in option, but unlike live-in nannies, au pairs are often international students who get room, board, and a stipend.
It’s important to consider what type of nanny is best suited for your family’s needs. If you need someone to be around full-time, a live-in nanny may be the right option. If you only need help a few days per week, then a part-time nanny may be more appropriate. You could also consider a baby nurse if you only need help for the first few weeks after your baby is born.
Nanny Hiring Process
When looking for a nanny, consider using an agency to help you find the right nanny. Some agencies are more reputable than others, so it’s important to do your research before selecting one. Once you select an agency, provide them with the details of what you want.
For instance, think about what you’re expecting and write down a job description.2 Decide if you want the nanny to be involved with more than general childcare. Make sure your job description includes details about any extra tasks you expect a nanny to handle, like laundry.
The interview process should involve meeting with potential candidates and talking about your expectations and theirs. Finding the right fit for your family is important, so take your time during this process. Ask questions about their experience, why they want to be a nanny, etc.
If you’re hiring an au pair, then there are additional things to consider. Au pairs must comply with certain regulations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with those before hiring someone. And consider that au pairs often expect to live more or less like a member of the family.
Hiring a nanny might seem like a daunting task at first. But by preparing yourself for the hiring process, you can make it more likely that you’ll find the right candidate who’ll be a valuable addition to your family.
The Cost of a Nanny
In India, the average nanny salary is ₹ 402,000 per year or ₹ 161 per hour.3 While there are many other things to consider when hiring a nanny, the cost is an important factor to keep in mind.
While considering what type of nanny to hire, consider what you need from a nanny and what your budget can afford. For instance, your budget might be a deciding factor between a live-in nanny and an au pair.
Hiring the Right Nanny for Your Family
Hiring a nanny is probably the most critical hire parents ever make. A nanny is responsible for taking care of your children, after all. There are different types of nannies available, so it’s important to think about your needs before hiring one.
By taking the time to consider what you need from a nanny, you’ll be able to communicate your expectations with the agency fully. Then they can help you find the right person who meets all of your needs. Hiring a nanny can help your family immensely.