Hiring a nanny is a big step for any working mom. You want someone responsible, caring, and dependable. Someone who will not only care for your child but also support your family’s daily routine.
But, what exactly should a nanny do?
What responsibilities should you expect?
How can you set clear expectations from the start?
In this article, we’ll walk through a detailed nanny responsibilities checklist.
Let’s break it down so you can feel confident and organized as you welcome a new caregiver into your family.
Related Reading: I Found the Perfect Nanny—Here’s Everything I Learned
Essential Nanny Duties and Responsibilities
A nanny’s job goes beyond just watching your child. Caregiving includes many parts. It involves keeping your child safe, helping with development, and maintaining daily routines.
Here’s what a typical nanny’s responsibilities may include:
1. Childcare and Supervision
The main responsibility of a nanny is to care for your child. This includes supervising them during play, meals, and naps.
The nanny should ensure your child is safe, engaged, and comfortable while you are away.
2. Meal Prep and Feeding
For babies and toddlers, feeding is a major part of the nanny’s role. This includes preparing meals, feeding your child, and cleaning up after meals.
A nanny should also be prepared to handle special dietary needs or food allergies.
For infants, this might include preparing formula or breast milk and feeding on a regular schedule.
For toddlers, it may involve assisting with learning to eat independently.
Related Reading: How I Saved Hours Every Week With Simple Meal Prep Hacks
3. Nurturing and Emotional Support
In addition to physical care, a nanny is responsible for offering emotional support. Comfort your child. Spend time playing with them. Also, provide support during tough times.
Building a positive relationship with your child will help foster their emotional well-being.
Related Reading: Raising Emotionally Strong Kids—Tips for Working Parents
4. Helping with Bedtime and Nap Routines
A nanny often plays a big role in your child’s sleep schedule.
A nanny must know your child’s sleep patterns. This helps with getting infants to sleep or guiding toddlers through their bedtime routine.
This could include reading books, singing lullabies, or setting up a soothing bedtime atmosphere.
Consistency is key.
Related Reading: Sleep Training Secrets—How to Get Your Baby to Nap Without a Fuss
5. Light Housekeeping
The nanny should mainly focus on your child.
However, light housekeeping tasks can also be included in the job description. This includes cleaning up after meals, putting away toys, and doing the child’s laundry.
Nannies are not required to do deep cleaning. They also should not manage chores that don’t relate to the child.
6. Child Development and Learning Activities
A good nanny helps foster your child’s developmental milestones. This includes providing age-appropriate activities that encourage physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Nannies can help your child grow by reading books and playing together. This interaction builds important skills.
For toddlers, this may involve fun activities that boost language skills or improve fine motor skills.
For infants, this may involve tummy time and playing with age-appropriate toys.
7. Transporting Your Child
If necessary, a nanny may need to transport your child to and from activities such as daycare, playdates, or doctor appointments.
This responsibility requires a clean driving record and a vehicle that’s safe for the child.
8. Communicating with Parents
A nanny should provide regular updates to parents about the child’s day. This may include information on feeding, naps, behavior, and any special events.
Communication can be through a daily report, texts, or conversations after you come home from work.
9. Managing Child Behavior
A nanny should follow your guidelines for managing child behavior and discipline.
The nanny should respect your parenting style. This applies whether she’s setting boundaries for a toddler or encouraging good behavior. She should apply your approach consistently.
10. Handling Minor Emergencies
No matter how careful a nanny is, accidents can happen.
Whether it’s a scraped knee, a fever, or a choking incident, being prepared can make all the difference.
A great nanny should know how to handle minor emergencies quickly and calmly while ensuring the child’s safety.
It’s also helpful to have written emergency procedures in an easy-to-find location.
Creating Your Own Nanny Responsibilities Checklist
It’s important to customize your nanny’s responsibilities to fit your family’s needs. If you want the nanny to handle more household tasks, include that in the job description.
If you prefer a nanny who focuses only on childcare, make that clear as well.
Key Points to Include in Your Nanny Checklist
1. Supervision and Care for the Child
Always ensure the nanny is focused on your child’s needs.
2. Meal Preparation and Feeding Routines
Be clear on your expectations for meal prep and any dietary restrictions.
3. Help with Developmental Activities
Include learning activities and playtime for the child’s development.
4. Handling Bedtime Routines
Make sure the nanny knows your child’s sleep needs and schedule.
5. Child Transport
Clarify if the nanny will be required to drive your child anywhere.
6. Housekeeping Duties
Clearly outline any light housekeeping tasks expected of the nanny.
How to Ensure the Right Fit for Your Family
Choosing the right nanny goes beyond just matching the qualifications. It’s about finding someone who shares your values and can become a reliable extension of your family.
A nanny responsibilities checklist makes it easier to clarify and share your expectations. This way you can ensure that both you and the nanny are on the same page.
If you are in the process of hiring a nanny, make sure to follow these steps. Consider all the responsibilities you expect from them.
By communicating clearly and using a solid checklist, you can make the best choice for your family’s needs.
Creating a Nanny Schedule and Routine
A clear nanny schedule helps ensure consistency for both the nanny and the child. Here’s an example of what a structured daily routine might look like:
Morning:
- Arrival and discussion with parents
- Breakfast and bottle feeding (if needed)
- Playtime, reading, or educational activities
- Outdoor time (if applicable)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and cleanup
- Nap or quiet time
- Sensory play, arts and crafts, or learning games
- Snack time
Evening (if applicable):
- Dinner preparation and feeding
- Bathtime and bedtime routine
- Final cleanup and daily recap for parents
Adjust the schedule based on your child’s age and household needs.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Nanny
Not every candidate is the right fit. Watch for these warning signs during the hiring process:
Avoiding Background Checks
If a nanny hesitates to provide references or refuses a background check, take it as a major red flag.
Related Reading: Hiring a Nanny? Here’s How to Make Sure They’re Trustworthy
Inconsistent Work History
Frequent job-hopping or unexplained employment gaps could indicate reliability issues.
Lack of Engagement with the Child
A great nanny should show genuine enthusiasm when interacting with children. If they seem uninterested or distracted, they may not be a good fit.
Ignoring Parent Instructions
If a nanny dismisses or challenges your parenting style during the interview, it could lead to future conflicts.
Negative Feedback from References
Always call previous employers to get real insights into a nanny’s experience and behavior.
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s best to keep looking for the right fit.
A Great Nanny Is More Than Just a Caregiver
A nanny plays a crucial role in a child’s life, offering care, guidance, and stability.
To find the right nanny, first, know what tasks you expect. Then, make sure those tasks fit your family’s needs.
If you’re in the process of hiring a nanny, take the time to define their role, create a schedule, and ensure they meet your expectations.
A well-prepared nanny can make all the difference in balancing work and family life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! I’ve got plenty more tips on workingmomandbaby.com to help you navigate the hiring process.
So take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember: you’ve got this!
