Bringing a full-time nanny into your home is one of the biggest staffing decisions you'll make—getting the first week and month right sets the tone for years of reliable childcare. A structured onboarding process reduces misunderstandings, builds trust faster, and gives your nanny the clarity she needs to succeed in your household. This checklist covers the essentials you need to handle before day one and throughout the crucial first month.
Before Day One: Documentation & Logistics
Start with the paperwork that protects both you and your nanny. Have a signed employment agreement in place that outlines salary, benefits, hours, overtime rates, and tax withholding arrangements. Most full-time nannies earn between $35,000 and $65,000 annually depending on location and experience, though major metros like New York and San Francisco can reach $70,000+. Confirm her start date, arrival time, parking arrangements, and whether you'll provide a uniform or specific dress code.
Prepare your home for her arrival. Clear out a drawer or closet space for her personal belongings, ensure she knows where the bathroom is, and if she'll be eating meals during her shift, stock some easy lunch options or clarify the food budget. If you have pets or security systems, brief her on how they work before she arrives.
First Day: Walkthrough & Expectations
Schedule at least two to three hours for a thorough orientation on day one. Walk her through every room, including emergency exits, water shut-off locations, circuit breaker, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher placement. Show her where cleaning supplies, children's medications, spare clothes, and snacks are stored.
Introduce her to each child individually and spend time watching how she interacts with them. Point out any behavioral quirks, dietary restrictions, allergies, or special needs each child has. If a child has a medical condition or is on medication, demonstrate the exact administration process.
First Week: Routines & Communication
Establish your communication method immediately. Decide whether you'll use text, email, a childcare app like Brightwheel or HiMama, or daily printed notes. Full-time nannies appreciate real-time updates, especially if you work outside the home, so pick a platform everyone checks regularly.
Create written documentation for:
- Daily schedule (wake-up times, meals, naps, school pickups, activities)
- Screen time rules and approved shows or apps
- Discipline approach and how to handle tantrums
- Any bedtime routines, including books, songs, or rituals
- Emergency contact numbers and preferred hospital
- Pediatrician information and authorization to seek medical care
- House rules (thermostat settings, guest policies, what's off-limits)
Spend time alongside her during these first few days so you can observe and answer questions in real-time. Don't expect her to remember everything—you're laying groundwork, not testing her.
First Month: Building Trust & Adjustments
Weeks two through four are when your nanny settles into actual independence. Do a mid-week check-in around day three or four to address early concerns. Ask open-ended questions: "How are the kids treating you?" and "Is there anything you're unclear about?" rather than closed yes/no questions.
Observe her work without hovering. If you're home, stay out of her way unless there's a safety issue. Trust is built through autonomy, not micromanagement. By week three, she should be running the household without you prompting every task.
Plan a one-month formal review. Discuss what's working, what isn't, and any adjustments needed before patterns become entrenched. This is also when you'll confirm she's settling in and explore if she needs additional support, training on specific equipment, or clarification on expectations.
Compensation & Benefits Clarity
Make sure she understands her pay schedule (biweekly or monthly), whether she's paid via check or direct deposit, and that taxes are being properly withheld. Clarify benefits if you're offering them: health insurance contributions, paid time off (full-time nannies typically expect 2–3 weeks annually), sick days, and holiday pay. These conversations prevent costly misunderstandings later.
If you found your nanny through a platform like Mercoly, which helps families compare and hire trusted full-time nannies in one place, you may already have some clarity on her experience level and references—lean on that vetting to build confidence as she onboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much notice should I give my nanny before changing her schedule or ending employment? A: Most full-time nannies expect at least two weeks' notice for schedule changes and 30 days for termination, though employment agreements should specify this upfront to protect both parties.
Q: What should I do if my nanny and my child aren't clicking in the first month? A: Give it 2–3 weeks before making judgments; kids and caregivers often need time to build rapport, but if safety or behavioral issues arise, address them in the one-month review and consider a transition if things don't improve.
Q: Do I need to offer paid time off to a full-time nanny? A: Yes—full-time household employees typically expect 2–3 weeks of paid vacation, sick days, and major holidays paid, which is factored into competitive annual compensation.
Use this checklist to make your nanny's first month smooth, predictable, and successful.