Hiring a nanny comes with a lot of questions beyond simply finding the right person. I’ve put together a few helpful resources to make the process easier—from understanding nanny pay and benefits to preparing for interviews and welcoming your new nanny into your home.
What should you expect to offer a professional nanny?
Compensation can vary depending on your location, number and ages of children, schedule, responsibilities, and the nanny’s experience. In the Greater Philadelphia area, experienced nanny rates generally begin around $25/hour, with many positions falling closer to $25–$30+ per hour depending on the role.
But hourly pay is only one part of putting together a competitive nanny position. Families should also consider guaranteed pay, paid time off, holidays, mileage reimbursement when applicable, and other benefits that may be important to experienced candidates.
Understanding the full investment before beginning your search can help you set realistic expectations and attract stronger candidates from the start.
Guaranteed Pay & Nanny Benefits
Creating a position that feels stable for both sides.
Guaranteed pay means your nanny is paid for their regularly scheduled hours when they are available and willing to work—even when your family chooses not to use childcare because of a vacation, early dismissal, schedule change, or other circumstance.
For example, if your nanny is regularly scheduled for 32 hours per week and your family takes a vacation, those regularly scheduled hours would still be paid.
Paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, and mileage reimbursement may also be part of a nanny’s compensation package. The exact arrangement will vary by family and position, but discussing these details before hiring helps everyone begin the relationship with clear expectations.
Nanny Search requires guaranteed pay for all placements.
Interviewing a Nanny
Finding someone you trust is about more than checking boxes.
By the time I introduce a candidate to your family, I’ve already spent time getting to know them, reviewing their experience, discussing the position, and speaking with professional references.
Your interview is your opportunity to focus on something equally important: how this person feels in your family’s world.
Talk about your children’s personalities and routines, walk through what a typical day might look like, discuss communication preferences, and ask situational questions that help you understand how the candidate approaches childcare.
Pay attention to the conversation itself, too. Do you communicate easily? Do their expectations align with yours? Can you picture working together day after day?
The strongest nanny relationships are built on both qualifications and compatibility.
Preparing for Your Nanny’s First Day
A little preparation can make the transition much easier.
Even an experienced nanny needs time to learn the rhythm of a new household. Before their first day, think through the information they’ll need to confidently care for your children.
Prepare important details such as your children’s routines, nap and feeding schedules, allergies or medications, emergency contacts, pediatrician information, house rules, school or activity schedules, and anything else that's part of everyday life.
You may also need to arrange access to your home, car seats, keys or codes, approved transportation, and any apps or calendars your family uses.
And don't worry if everything isn't seamless on day one. Your nanny is learning your children while your children are learning them. Give everyone a little room to settle into their new routine.
Nanny vs. Babysitter
What kind of childcare does your family actually need?
The terms nanny and babysitter are sometimes used interchangeably, but the roles can look very different.
A babysitter typically provides occasional or short-term childcare—think date nights, weekend plans, or intermittent help.
A nanny generally has an ongoing, consistent role in a family's routine. Depending on the position, they may manage daily schedules, meals, naps, school transportation, activities, children's laundry or other child-related responsibilities.
If you're looking for someone to become a regular part of your family's week, you're likely looking for a nanny rather than an occasional babysitter.
Nanny Search can help you determine what type of arrangement makes the most sense for your family's schedule and needs.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you're beginning to explore professional childcare or you're ready to start your search, I'm happy to help you figure out the right next step.
If you're ready to hire, explore my Signature and Priority Search options. If you're not quite there yet and would like to talk through your childcare needs first, you can schedule a Discovery Call.