Last updated on: October 12, 2025

What To Ask Before Hiring A Nanny For Your Household

Clarify your needs and expectations

Defining family needs and setting clear expectations is essential before you begin the hiring process. You must understand the daily routines, the ages of the children, and the duties you expect the nanny to perform. A thorough preparation helps you evaluate candidates with fairness and consistency.

This step reduces the risk of mis aligned goals and creates a foundation for a healthy working relationship. You should develop a profile that describes the ideal schedule, the level of supervision required, and the boundaries for the nanny while in your home. A precise profile helps you compare candidates objectively and makes the interview process more efficient.

Questions to define family needs

The core hours you require the nanny to cover are from eight o clock in the morning to six o clock in the evening.
The nanny will be responsible for meal preparation for children and for feeding the children after meals.
The position requires driving with the children to activities and school drop offs if applicable.
The family requires light housekeeping tasks that relate to child care and keep the living areas safe and tidy.
The position includes overnight or weekend coverage only if your family schedule demands such arrangements.
The family requires notification if any changes to the schedule arise and expects prompt communication in case of illness.
The family expects the nanny to follow preferred routines for sleep times, play time, and learning activities.
The household expects the nanny to maintain consistent safety practices and to report any safety concerns immediately.
The family expects the nanny to respect meal times and to provide healthy meals appropriate for the children.
The family requires a driver with a valid license if transportation is necessary for activities and errands.
The family desires a candidate who can support children with educational activities and basic literacy and numeracy development.

Background checks and safety

A structured approach to background checks is vital to ensure the safety and well being of the children. You should verify that the candidate has a clean record and that the information provided by the candidate is accurate. A thorough process protects the household and supports long term reliability.

Minding safety in the home requires careful scrutiny of all information received from candidates. You should examine the candidate’s references and confirm employment history. You should also consider the overall risk level and implement safety measures that align with your home environment.

Key background elements to verify

A clear public record check and consent to perform it in the jurisdiction where the household is located.
Documentation of prior employment in child care and a history of stable roles within families or child care centers.
A consistent and verifiable work history with dates and contact information for former employers.
Proof of any required certifications or training in first aid and infant or child CPR.
Valid driver license and clean driving record if transportation is part of the duties.
A check for possible criminal records and any pending or past investigations that could affect safety.
Confirmation of the candidate’s right to work in the country or region where the job is performed.
A record of any complaints or disciplinary actions from previous employers, if available.
Verification of educational background and any formal training related to child development.
An assessment of the candidate’s ability to manage emergencies such as sudden illnesses or injuries.
Evidence of reliable and safe communication practices with families and children.
A plan for ongoing safety training and updates to address new household needs.

Experience and child development approach

Understanding a candidate’s experience and philosophy helps you judge whether the nanny will align with your children’s needs. You should look for a record of reliable care and a thoughtful approach to child development. A compatible approach supports the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of young children.

A thoughtful candidate explains how they structure daily activities, how they handle behavior, and how they monitor safety. You should listen for practical examples that illustrate calm decision making and positive discipline strategies. The right candidate demonstrates patience and a genuine interest in supporting children.

Important questions about philosophy and methods

The candidate describes their approach to age appropriate play and learning activities.
The candidate explains how they balance health needs, nutrition, and physical activity for children.
The candidate outlines how they handle conflicts between siblings and how they teach sharing and cooperation.
The candidate provides an example of a difficult situation and demonstrates how they resolved it with care.
The candidate discusses how they adapt routines for different children or changing family circumstances.
The candidate explains how they track developmental milestones and when to consult external professionals.
The candidate describes how they communicate progress and daily events to parents.
The candidate explains how they encourage independence and problem solving in children.
The candidate shares how they incorporate safety and hygiene into daily routines.
The candidate discusses how they tailor activities to support language development and literacy.
The candidate explains how they use screen time or technology and how they set boundaries.

Health and safety preparedness

A nanny must be prepared to manage health concerns and emergencies. You should assess the candidate vicinity to and understanding of health decisions and safety protocols. A strong emphasis on health and safety reduces risk and provides peace of mind for families.

Safety in the home also requires a plan for emergencies and a clear method of communication. You should explain your household policies and verify the nanny knows the appropriate actions to take in various medical scenarios. The goal is to ensure that the nanny acts calmly and effectively when faced with a crisis.

Safety procedures to review

The candidate explains how they would respond to a child who is choking or having difficulty breathing.
The candidate discusses how they would handle a fever or a sudden illness and when to call a parent or emergency services.
The candidate outlines how they would use a first aid kit and how they would document injuries or health concerns.
The candidate describes how to respond to allergic reactions and how to manage medications safely.
The candidate provides a plan for maintaining child proofing in the home and in outdoor spaces.
The candidate explains how to handle weather related emergencies and what to do during heat waves or storms.
The candidate discusses how they sanitize toys and play spaces to prevent the spread of illness.
The candidate describes how they manage nap times and rest routines in sensitive environments.
The candidate explains which medical information parents should share and how they will use that information.
The candidate explains how they would handle a medical appointment schedule and transportation if needed.
The candidate describes how to supervise children during outings and how to stay within supervision guidelines.

Scheduling and availability

A nanny role often requires flexibility and consistent availability. You should discuss scheduling explicitly to avoid misunderstandings. You must assess whether the candidate can commit to your expected hours and any possible overtime arrangements. A clear schedule reduces the chance of conflicts and unpaid overtime.

Your discussion should also address paid time off, sick days, holidays, and the process for schedule changes. The family must be able to rely on the nanny during planned events as well as in unexpected circumstances. Details about scheduling should be included in the written contract to prevent disputes.

Scheduling details to review

The candidate describes the typical weekly hours and any required weekend or evening coverage.
The candidate explains how they handle vacations and personal days and whether coverage is available for those periods.
The candidate discusses existing commitments and whether the role can be scheduled around other responsibilities.
The candidate describes their policy for last minute schedule changes and what constitutes a legitimate reason.
The candidate explains how they coordinate with parents for school drop offs and pick ups.
The candidate provides a plan for managing transportation during work hours and any safety requirements.
The candidate clarifies their approach to overtime and how it will be compensated.
The candidate outlines how long they expect to stay in the position given typical family changes and life events.
The candidate discusses language and communication preferences for keeping parents informed about daily events.
The candidate explains how they would adapt schedules during travel or family events.

Legal and financial considerations

Legal and financial clarity is essential in every nanny arrangement. You should ensure that contracts, compensation, and benefits are fair and transparent. A well drafted agreement reduces legal risk and fosters trust between the family and the nanny.

You must communicate clearly about wages, overtime, benefits, and any deductions. You should outline the terms for termination and the process to resolve disputes. A detailed contract protects both parties and provides a framework for a successful working relationship.

Documents and contracts to review

The candidate provides verification of identity and the right to work in the jurisdiction.
The contract clearly states compensation, overtime policy, benefits, and paid time off.
The contract specifies confidentiality expectations and limits on sharing information about the family.
The contract outlines termination notice requirements and any severance terms.
The contract includes an outline of the duties and responsibilities and any exclusions.
The contract includes a contingency plan for emergencies and sickness and how pay is handled in such cases.
The contract describes rules for transportation and use of the family vehicle and insurance considerations.
The contract explains privacy expectations and social media guidelines related to the household.
The contract includes a clause about adherence to local laws and licensing requirements if applicable.
The contract provides a path for dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration.
The contract indicates how performance will be evaluated and how feedback will be given.

Interview process and practical tasks

The interview is a critical step in confirming fit. You should structure interviews to gauge experience, personality, and compatibility with family values. You should also arrange practical tasks to observe how the candidate handles real life situations.

During this stage you must assess communication style, patience, and problem solving ability. You should gauge how the candidate interacts with children and how they respond to questions about safety and development. The interview should be a two way conversation that helps you learn and the candidate to learn.

Practical activities to assess capabilities

The candidate demonstrates how they would engage a child in a simple learning activity and explains their choices.
The candidate explains how they would handle a child who refuses to participate in a routine activity.
The candidate explains how they would manage a feeding time to ensure safety and nutrition.
The candidate demonstrates how they would handle a diaper change or toilet training situation if applicable.
The candidate demonstrates how they would organize a small tidy play space and keep toys ready for use.
The candidate demonstrates how they would supervise a child during a pretend outdoor excursion.
The candidate explains how they would handle transitions between activities and how they maintain structure without rigidity.
The candidate explains how they would document and report any incidents or concerns to the parents.
The candidate presents a short plan for a pretend day including meals activities rest and learning.
The candidate discusses how they would handle communication with parents during the day.

References and trial period

A strong reference check and a structured trial period provide essential evidence of reliability and skill. You should request references from former employers and verify the information provided. A trial period offers a practical opportunity to observe the nanny in your home and to adjust expectations if needed.

The reference checks should focus on reliability communication and safety. The trial period should be clearly defined with measurable expectations and a plan for feedback. A fair trial period supports a confident decision for both parties.

References to contact and trial plan

The candidate provides at least three professional references with contact information and permission to contact them.
The candidate shares details about past roles including responsibilities and duration of each position.
The references confirm consistency in performance and the candidate’s safety minded approach.
The trial period is defined in days and includes specific goals and observation points.
The trial period includes a structured feedback loop with written notes and a final decision.
The family and the candidate agree on a schedule during the trial period to minimize disruption.
The trial period includes a plan for addressing concerns and potential adjustments to duties.
The family documents progress and clarifies expectations at the end of the trial period.
The candidate confirms ongoing availability for follow up questions during the trial.
The family compiles a final evaluation that informs the decision to hire or continue the search.

Conclusion

Hiring a nanny is a major decision for any household. You must approach the process with clear purpose and thorough diligence. A careful preparation helps you select a candidate who aligns with your family values and who can contribute positively to your children’s development.

The best outcomes arise from transparent communication and precise documentation. You should establish shared expectations, defined responsibilities, and clear safety protocols. The result is a professional relationship built on trust and mutual respect that serves your family well over time.