What is the best way to find a nanny?

Combine referrals from parents nearby with a childcare app that shows what was verified and when. Shortlist a few people, interview them, check references and a background check, and book a paid trial before you commit.

How far ahead should I start looking for a nanny?

For a full-time nanny, start 6 to 8 weeks before you need care, so there is time to interview, check references and do a trial. Occasional sitters can often be found within days.

What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?

A babysitter usually provides occasional or short care, such as date nights or after school. A nanny works a regular schedule, often full-time, and is usually your household employee.

For parents

How to find a nanny or babysitter

Updated October 25, 2026

Short answer

To find a nanny or babysitter, write down your hours, kids' ages, budget and must-haves, then search an app or ask parents nearby for referrals. Shortlist three to five people, interview them, run a background check with their consent, call two references, and book a short paid trial before you commit. Put the rate, hours, duties, time off and notice period in a written agreement.

1. Decide what you need

Type of care: an occasional sitter, a part-time or after-school sitter, a full-time nanny, a nanny share with another family, or daycare.
Hours and days, including how steady they are week to week.
Kids' ages and any needs, such as allergies, naps or a newborn.
Budget: in 2026 sitters average about $26 an hour for one child in the US, and full-time nannies usually earn $20 to $35 an hour by city.
Must-haves: CPR, driving, a second language, pets, light cooking.

2. Where to look

Referrals from parents nearby, at school or daycare, or in neighborhood groups.
Childcare apps and sites. Compare what they charge you, what they verify and when, and whether reviews come from real bookings.
Local nanny agencies for full-time roles, which cost more but do the screening for you.
College job boards for after-school and evening sitters.

On Nanny, profiles are ranked by fit with your schedule, distance, budget and kids' ages, never by looks, and messages open only when you are both interested.

3. Interview and check

Ask about experience with your kids' ages, a hard moment they handled, and how they would handle a fever, a fall or a tantrum.
Run a background check through a consumer reporting agency with their written consent.
Call at least two recent families yourself.
Check that a CPR and first aid certificate is current, and a driving record if they will drive.

How to check a nanny or sitter

4. Trial, then a written agreement

Book a short paid trial while you are home or nearby. Then agree in writing on the rate, guaranteed hours, overtime, duties, time off, sick days, how you pay and the notice period. If you pay one nanny $3,000 or more in 2026, you are likely a household employer with payroll taxes to handle.

Questions

Combine referrals from parents nearby with a childcare app that shows what was verified and when. Shortlist a few people, interview them, check references and a background check, and book a paid trial before you commit.
For a full-time nanny, start 6 to 8 weeks before you need care, so there is time to interview, check references and do a trial. Occasional sitters can often be found within days.
A babysitter usually provides occasional or short care, such as date nights or after school. A nanny works a regular schedule, often full-time, and is usually your household employee.

Sources