Finding reliable, qualified childcare is a non-negotiable task for many families. While daycare centers are often a go-to, they’re not always an option — especially for working parents or families with older children. In those cases, hiring a nanny can be a game-changer: a professional caregiver who comes to your home to take care of your kids based on an agreed upon schedule.
A best website to find a nanny and apps have emerged that help you find a nanny. These services allow you to comb through customer reviews, referrals and personal profiles of caregivers, in addition to performing background checks and interviewing candidates.
Lindsay Thomason, founder and CEO of The Nanny League, a personalized placement agency that matches college-educated nannies with families, advises setting aside at least one month to source and thoroughly vet candidates. “The process can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you’re in heated competition with other families for your ideal candidate,” she says.
The Best Websites to Find a Nanny
If you don’t have the time or resources to search on your own, consider asking friends and family for recommendations and searching local Facebook groups. You can also reach out to your neighbors through Nextdoor, an app that connects residents in neighborhoods across the country.
During interviews, Bugbee says to avoid standard questions that can be answered with a stock response, such as “What are your favorite things to do with the kids?” Instead, ask situation-based questions that require a little more thought. For instance, “What would you do if your daughter was playing outside alone and got hurt?”