Hiring a full-time nanny means budgeting for more than just wages—meals, household supplies, and daily expenses add up quickly. Getting clear on what you should cover financially protects both your family and your nanny, while setting realistic expectations from day one. Let's break down the meal and expense guidelines that work in practice.
What Meals Should You Provide?
Full-time nannies spend 40+ hours weekly in your home, often caring for children during meal times. Most families cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks for both the nanny and kids—it's both practical and fair. Dinner is less clear-cut; many arrangements exclude it unless the nanny works evening hours, but clarifying this upfront prevents frustration.
Budget roughly $150–$250 per month for a nanny's meals and snacks, depending on dietary preferences and your grocery costs. If your nanny has allergies, specific diets, or preferences (vegan, gluten-free, kosher), factoring in slightly higher food costs is reasonable. Keep favorite beverages, snacks, and lunch items stocked; a nanny who feels welcomed during meal times is typically more engaged and satisfied.
Household Expenses: What's Reasonable to Reimburse?
Beyond meals, nannies incur legitimate costs while working for you. Activities, supplies for the kids, and occasional household items used in childcare should be reimbursed promptly.
Common reimbursable expenses include:
- Activity costs (museum entry, playground fees, class materials)
- Craft and art supplies for the children
- Small household items used directly in childcare (cleaning wipes, paper towels, first-aid supplies)
- Gas or public transit for outings with the children
- Replacement items the nanny damages (torn clothing, broken personal items) in the course of duties
Set a weekly or monthly reimbursement schedule rather than letting receipts pile up. Most families handle this by keeping a small envelope or log, then settling accounts every 2–4 weeks. Missing reimbursements create resentment and signal you don't value the nanny's investment in your household.
Setting Clear Boundaries
Not every expense is the nanny's responsibility, and not every purchase is yours. Clarify what you won't cover to avoid misunderstandings.
Personal items—toiletries, makeup, or clothing for the nanny—are never your responsibility. Groceries the nanny uses exclusively for herself beyond meals (specialty snacks, expensive coffee) typically aren't covered either. If your nanny damages items through negligence rather than normal wear, you may ask them to contribute to the cost.
Conversely, the nanny shouldn't be expected to buy cleaning supplies, office materials, or household basics just because they work in your home. A printed household expense policy—even just a simple one-page list—saves awkward conversations later.
Wages and Additional Costs
Meal and expense reimbursement are separate from base wages. Current full-time nanny rates range from $600–$1,200+ per week depending on experience, location, and number of children. This is the salary you negotiate and agree upon before hire.
Federal and state employment taxes (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, and potentially state income tax) apply to nannies as W-2 employees. Budget an additional 10–15% on top of gross wages for these costs. Some families use nanny payroll services ($50–$100 per month) to handle tax withholding and reporting correctly.
Documentation Helps Everyone
Write down your meal and expense agreement in a simple agreement or family handbook. Include:
- Which meals you provide
- Your reimbursement process and timeline
- Categories of covered and non-covered expenses
- Who keeps receipts and how they're submitted
This isn't legal overkill—it's the same clarity you'd want if hiring anyone to work in your home. Families who use platforms like Mercoly to compare and hire trusted full-time nannies often find that providers appreciate written guidelines because it shows professionalism and mutual respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I provide a weekly household budget for the nanny to manage groceries and supplies? A: Only if you explicitly delegate that role and set a firm budget ceiling. Most families keep grocery shopping separate from the nanny's duties to avoid confusion about spending authority and personal expenses.
Q: What happens if the nanny spends money on an activity I didn't pre-approve? A: Discuss your approval process upfront—whether they text for permission, have a set weekly activity budget, or need written approval. Unexpected costs are frustrating; clear procedures prevent them.
Q: How do I handle meals if my nanny has significantly different dietary needs from my family? A: Budget extra for specialty items and stock them alongside family groceries. This is a reasonable accommodation and typically costs $25–$50 more per month than standard meal planning.
Ready to hire a full-time nanny with clear expectations from the start? Compare vetted providers in your area today.