Finding a reliable full-time nanny is one of the most important hiring decisions a parent can make—your childcare provider will spend more waking hours with your child than anyone else. With dozens of platforms offering different vetting standards, pricing models, and candidate pools, knowing where to search makes all the difference. Let's break down your best options.
Major National Platforms
Care.com remains the largest marketplace for full-time nannies in the US, with over 20 million profiles across all care categories. You'll pay $39–$99 monthly for a standard membership (which unlocks messaging and background check access), and most full-time nannies on the platform ask for $18–$25 per hour or $800–$1,200 weekly for full-time positions. Response times are typically fast since the platform has massive traffic, though quality varies significantly by region.
Bambino specializes exclusively in childcare and focuses on vetting caregivers more thoroughly than generalist platforms. Expect to pay a one-time placement fee of $200–$500 plus a 10–15% annual service fee, but you get professional screening and background checks included. Full-time nannies here typically command $22–$30 per hour because the vetting is stricter.
Sittercity operates similarly to Care.com but emphasizes local community and ratings. Monthly subscriptions run $40–$80, and you can directly contact sitters without additional fees. Full-time positions typically range from $20–$28 per hour, with stronger availability in urban markets.
Agency-Based Services
If you prefer hands-off matching, agencies handle recruitment and vetting for you. The Nanny League and similar premium agencies charge placement fees of $1,500–$4,000, but they manage interviews, reference checks, and trial periods. This route costs more upfront but saves 20–30 hours of your time. Full-time nannies placed through agencies typically earn $25–$35 per hour because agencies pre-screen for experience, certifications (CPR, First Aid), and background clearance.
Bambino's Agency Network bridges the gap—it's more curated than a marketplace but less expensive than traditional agencies, with placement fees around $400–$800.
Niche and Specialized Platforms
Connexions focuses on college-educated, experienced nannies and conducts multiple rounds of interviews before matching. Costs are higher ($25–$35+ per hour), but candidates typically have 5+ years of experience and specialized skills (bilingual care, Montessori training, etc.).
Urban Sitter operates primarily in major metros and emphasizes community feedback. You can browse profiles free, but contacting sitters requires a $49/month subscription. Quality here skews slightly higher in dense urban areas where competition is fierce.
What to Compare Across Platforms
When evaluating where to search, consider these factors:
- Vetting depth: Does the platform require background checks, reference verification, and in-person interviews, or is that your responsibility?
- Candidate pool size: Larger platforms (Care.com, Sittercity) have more choice but less personalized matching; smaller platforms offer curated candidates.
- Pricing transparency: Some platforms hide costs until you're ready to hire. Agencies typically state fees upfront.
- Time commitment: A marketplace requires you to screen, interview, and negotiate; an agency handles that work.
- Availability timeline: Agencies typically need 2–4 weeks to match you; marketplace candidates can sometimes start within days.
- Ongoing support: Does the platform help if your first hire doesn't work out, or are you responsible for finding a replacement?
You can use Mercoly to compare and find trusted Full-Time Nannies providers in one place, streamlining your decision across multiple platforms and agencies.
Practical Hiring Steps
Start by posting a detailed job description on 2–3 platforms (try a marketplace plus one specialized service). Include your family's schedule, must-have qualifications (CPR certification, driving, etc.), and desired hourly rate. Expect 5–15 applications per platform within 48 hours.
Schedule phone screens with candidates who meet your criteria, then do 2–3 in-person interviews. Always contact references directly—don't rely on platform ratings alone. Budget $2,000–$4,000 for background checks, first-month wages, and any agency fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's a realistic timeline for hiring a full-time nanny? A: Marketplace hiring typically takes 3–6 weeks from initial posting to your nanny's start date; agency placement takes 2–4 weeks but requires upfront vetting investment.
Q: Should I hire through an agency or a marketplace? A: Agencies cost more but handle screening and liability; marketplaces are cheaper but require more of your time and due diligence.
Q: What qualifications should a full-time nanny have? A: CPR and First Aid certification, a clean background check, references from previous families, and at least 2–3 years of childcare experience are standard minimum requirements.
Start your search on the platform that best matches your timeline and budget—most families find success mixing a marketplace for selection with an agency for peace of mind.