How to Hire a Full Time Nanny: Step by Step Guide for Busy Parents
This blog is part of the Arise Visibility Collective, a community-driven initiative powered by Megan Metzger Consulting to boost the reach and visibility of nanny agency owners across the U.S. and beyond.
We don’t just consult, we collaborate. Through initiatives like the Arise Visibility Collective, we help agency owners expand their digital reach while building a community of support and strategy.
We’re excited to feature a blog post from one of our amazing community members, Toni DeVincentis of with Grace care Specialists. In this step-by-step guide, Toni walks busy parents through the process of hiring a full-time nanny, from defining your family’s needs to setting up a smooth first day.
With clarity and compassion, she shares practical insights to help parents feel confident, informed, and empowered throughout the hiring journey. Whether you’re navigating the nanny search for the first time or looking to refine your process, this guide is a must-read.
To learn more about Toni’s work and her thoughtful approach to childcare placements, visit www.withgracecarespecialists.com
You can read the full blog post here.
Hiring a full-time nanny can feel overwhelming, especially for busy parents juggling careers, home responsibilities, and family life. A great nanny can be a life-changing support, providing not just child care but also peace of mind. To simplify the process, we’ve broken it down into a clear step-by-step guide to help you find the right nanny for your family.
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Start by outlining what you’re looking for in a nanny. Consider:
Schedule: Full-time typically means 35–50 hours/week. Will you need evenings or weekends?
Responsibilities: Will the nanny do light housekeeping, meal prep, or school drop-offs?
Experience: Do you prefer someone with early childhood education or newborn experience?
Personality fit: Think about traits that complement your parenting style and household dynamic.
Write a detailed job description that includes hours, duties, pay range, and qualifications.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Determine your weekly or monthly nanny budget. This should include:
Hourly wage or salary
Taxes and benefits (if hiring as a household employer)
Overtime pay (if applicable)
Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
Offering competitive pay helps attract qualified, long-term candidates. It can be an investment, but it will help ensure you have top-quality care and will help you avoid turnover.
Step 3: Decide on Your Hiring Method
You can hire a nanny through:
A reputable nanny agency: Agencies screen candidates, conduct background checks, and match you with nannies who fit your needs and personal preferences.
Online job platforms: Broader reach but requires more time and work for you.
Word of mouth: Ask friends or parent groups for referrals.
Working with an agency often saves time and ensures a higher standard of vetting, which means peace of mind. You’ll know your children are safe and well cared for with a qualified, professional, and vetted nanny.
Step 4: Screen Candidates Thoroughly
Start with resumes and references. Then, schedule a phone or video interview with potential nannies. Ask questions such as:
"What age groups have you worked with?"
"How do you handle tantrums or sibling conflict?"
"Can you share an example of a day in your care?"
After narrowing down your top choices, move to in-person interviews and observe how they interact with your child.
Step 5: Check References and Run Background Checks
Don’t skip this step. Call previous employers and ask:
Was the nanny reliable and punctual?
How did they handle discipline or emergencies?
Would they hire them again?
Also, run a comprehensive background check that includes:
Criminal history
Driving record (if transportation is required)
Identity verification
An agency typically handles all of this for you.
Step 6: Set Up a Trial Period
A paid trial day (or week) allows you to see the nanny in action and helps both parties feel confident in the fit. Observe:
How your child responds to them
Their communication style
Punctuality and professionalism
Use this time to fine-tune expectations and routines. Establishing clear expectations in the beginning ensures a healthy nanny-family relationship.
Step 7: Create a Nanny Agreement
A written contract protects both you and your nanny. It should include:
Job responsibilities and hours
Pay rate and schedule
Time off and sick days
House rules and expectations
Termination notice terms
Clear communication now avoids misunderstandings later.
Step 8: Prepare for Their First Day
Before your nanny starts:
Share emergency contacts and house rules
Provide a daily schedule
Show them around your home
Discuss parenting philosophies and child routines
Make the transition smooth with open communication and support.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a full-time nanny is an important decision, and the right one can bring lasting balance, structure, and joy to your family. Whether you go through an agency or search on your own, following this step-by-step guide will help you hire with confidence.
Need help finding a full-time nanny you can trust? Contact With Grace Care today. We’re here to make the process easier–from first interview to first day.
