Hiring a full-time nanny is one of the most important childcare decisions you'll make—and also one of the most personal. You're inviting someone into your home for 40+ hours a week, entrusting them with your children's safety, development, and daily wellbeing. The right questions during the hiring process can help you find someone genuinely aligned with your family's needs and values.
Background and Experience
Start by understanding exactly what the candidate has done. Ask specifically about their experience with children in your target age range—caring for infants is vastly different from managing school-age kids, and most nannies have clearer expertise in one or the other.
Request detailed references from at least three previous families where they've worked full-time roles (at least 1-2 years each). Call these references personally. Don't just ask if they were "great"—ask targeted questions: How did they handle conflicts? Were they reliable during sick days? What did the kids love about them?
Certifications and Training
Ask what certifications they hold. CPR and first aid should be non-negotiable for full-time nannies. Many families also value childcare credentials, Montessori training, or early childhood education backgrounds. Get specific dates and ask to see current copies—some certifications expire.
Inquire about ongoing professional development. Does she attend workshops? Read parenting blogs? Take online courses? Full-time nannies working long-term often grow into the role when they're genuinely invested in learning.
Daily Routines and Discipline Philosophy
This is where your values must align. Discuss your expectations for a typical day: What time should kids wake up? Eat meals? Get screen time? How much outdoor play versus structured activities?
Ask directly about discipline approaches. How would she handle a tantrum? A refusal to listen? Her answer should match your parenting style—whether you prefer time-outs, natural consequences, positive reinforcement, or other methods. Misalignment here creates constant friction.
Household Responsibilities
Clarify what "full-time" means in your home. Does she handle laundry for the kids, prep their meals, or tidy up after them? Or is she purely childcare-focused while you handle household tasks? This ambiguity causes resentment over time.
Discuss any additional duties: light housekeeping, school drop-offs, activity transportation, meal planning for the children. Set boundaries clearly. Full-time nannies typically earn $600–$1,200+ per week depending on location, experience, and responsibilities—but extra duties should reflect fair compensation.
Practical Logistical Questions
- Days and hours: Is she available 5 days a week, 50 hours? What about flexibility for your unexpected late meetings?
- Sick leave policy: Does she expect paid time off? How many days annually?
- Vacation: Will she take unpaid vacation, or do you pay her during your family trips?
- Notice period: How much notice would she give if leaving? How much would you give her if parting ways?
- Emergency backup: What happens if she's sick and can't come?
Communication and Reporting
Ask how she'll keep you informed. Some families want daily updates via texts or a notebook; others prefer weekly check-ins. Discuss expectations around your own availability—should she text you during work hours with questions, or handle minor issues independently?
Request that she track developmental milestones, behavioral notes, or learning progress if your kids are young. This gives you visibility into your children's day and shows she's actively observing their growth.
Trial Period
Propose a trial period of 2–4 weeks before committing to a longer-term arrangement. This gives both of you time to assess fit without major financial or emotional investment. Make clear expectations transparent upfront.
If you're unsure where to start your search, platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted full-time nannies in your area, making it easier to review multiple candidates side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I run a background check on a full-time nanny candidate? Yes, absolutely—this is standard and expected. Most families hire third-party services (typically $30–$100) to verify criminal history, driving records, and employment history. Any reputable candidate will cooperate willingly.
Q: What's a realistic timeline for hiring a full-time nanny? Budget 4–8 weeks from start to hire. This includes posting, screening calls (1–2 weeks), scheduling in-person interviews (1–2 weeks), reference checks (1 week), and a trial period (2–4 weeks). Rush timelines rarely lead to better matches.
Q: How do I know if we're paying market rate? Full-time nanny costs vary dramatically by location and experience. Research local care agencies, ask your pediatrician for ranges, and check community parent groups in your area. Urban centers typically run $1,000–$1,400+ weekly; rural areas might be $600–$800.
Start your nanny search today by connecting with vetted candidates who match your family's specific needs.