Hiring a full-time nanny means inviting someone into your home to care for your most precious responsibility—your children. Before you hand over your keys and trust, you need concrete proof that the person has genuine qualifications and a clean background. This guide walks you through exactly what credentials to verify and how to spot red flags.
Request Documentation First
Ask for specific paperwork before the interview even happens. A legitimate full-time nanny should have no problem providing copies of certifications, references, and identification within 2-3 business days. If someone hesitates or claims their documents are "in storage," that's an immediate warning sign.
What to request:
- CPR and First Aid certification (issued by organizations like the American Red Cross)
- Background check authorization form
- References from previous families (at least 2-3)
- Driver's license copy
- Any nanny training certificates or childcare qualifications
- Proof of immunizations (especially relevant post-pandemic)
Verify CPR and First Aid Certification
CPR and First Aid are non-negotiable for full-time nannies. These certifications typically cost $75–$150 and take 4–8 hours to complete. Check the issuing organization's website directly—don't just accept the certificate at face value.
Request the certification number and verify it on the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or National Safety Council database (depending on who issued it). Certifications expire every 2–3 years, so confirm the expiration date hasn't passed. A nanny who lets this lapse shows they're not serious about safety.
Conduct a Thorough Background Check
Don't rely on a nanny's personal background check—run your own. A professional background check typically costs $30–$60 and takes 3–7 business days. Services like Care.com, Bambino, and local agencies offer screening packages designed specifically for household employees.
What a solid background check includes:
- Criminal history search across state and federal records
- Sex offender registry verification
- Driving record check (important if they'll transport your kids)
- Previous employers' verification
- Address history for the last 5–7 years
If a nanny offers to pay for the background check themselves, reject that offer. You need an unbiased third party running the report.
Call Previous Employers Directly
References on paper don't tell the whole story. Call the last 2–3 families a full-time nanny worked for, and ask specific questions about their tenure and reliability.
Go beyond surface-level politeness. Ask:
- How long did the nanny work for your family, and why did they leave?
- Did they show up on time consistently?
- How did they handle discipline or difficult behavior?
- Would you hire them again?
- Were there any safety concerns?
Pay close attention to hesitation or vague answers. If a reference sounds uncomfortable or evasive, follow up with another contact.
Check Employment and Tax History
A nanny working full-time should be properly classified as a household employee. Ask to see proof of prior employment on their resume or tax documents. If they claim 5 years of nanny experience but provide no W-2s or employment history, something's off.
You can verify employment through the IRS or by contacting previous employers' payroll departments directly. This also protects you legally—hiring someone "under the table" exposes you to liability and tax complications.
Verify Specialized Training or Credentials
Some nannies hold credentials beyond basic CPR. Look for:
- Nanny training certificates from organizations like the International Nanny Association (INA)
- Infant care specialization (especially valuable if you have newborns)
- Special needs training or certifications
- Montessori or early childhood education degrees
These add value but aren't required. Don't let fancy credentials distract you from the basics—background check, references, and CPR matter most.
Trust Your Gut During Interviews
After verifying documents, meet in person. Watch how they interact with your children. Do they seem genuinely engaged, or are they checking their phone? Trust instincts here; credentials only tell half the story.
Platforms like Mercoly make it easier to compare and find trusted full-time nannies in one place, giving you access to pre-screened candidates alongside detailed reviews from other families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if a nanny's background check shows an old misdemeanor? Ask directly about it during the interview. Context matters—a 15-year-old shoplifting conviction is different from a recent DUI. Decide based on the severity, how recent it is, and the nanny's honesty about it.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a background check? Professional background checks typically range from $30–$60 per report and take 3–7 business days to complete. This is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
Q: Can I skip the background check if the nanny has glowing references? No. References are subjective and may come from friends or family. A formal background check catches criminal records and confirms identity—something a verbal reference cannot do.
Start your search today and verify credentials thoroughly before signing any employment agreement.