What to Expect When You Hire a Nanny

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What Parents Who Hire a Nanny for the First Time Expect – And What a Nanny’s Day Looks Like

Hiring a nanny for the first time can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for parents. Whether they’re returning to work, need help managing the demands of home life, or simply want extra support for their child’s growth, the role of a nanny becomes essential. But what do parents expect from a nanny, and what does a typical day in a nanny’s life look like?

In this blog, we’ll explore the expectations moms have when hiring a nanny for the first time and provide insights into a nanny's day-to-day responsibilities.

What Moms Expect When Hiring a Nanny for the First Time

For many first-time moms, hiring a nanny means entrusting someone with their most precious responsibility—their child. Naturally, this comes with high expectations for care, professionalism, and connection. Here are some key expectations:

Safety and Trustworthiness

• Safety is a top priority. Parents expect a nanny to have a solid understanding of child safety, including first aid and CPR certification. Newmom.me academy offers a great refresher program to help nannies learn about safe child rearing practices like sleep, bathing, feeding and more.
• Background checks and references help parents feel confident about their nanny’s reliability and character.

Child-Focused Care

• Parents expect nannies to engage with their children meaningfully—helping them learn, play, and grow.
• Activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development, such as reading, crafts, and outdoor play, are often high on the list.

Punctuality and Dependability

• A nanny’s reliability is essential for creating structure and consistency for both the child and the family. Moms want a nanny who arrives on time, keeps commitments, and communicates clearly.

Basic Household Support

• While the child’s care is the top priority, parents may expect light tasks related to the child—like meal prep, cleaning up toys, and organizing their spaces.
• Helping with laundry, bottle washing, or tidying after meals adds to the nanny’s value.

Good Communication Skills

• Parents expect regular updates throughout the day. Whether it’s a photo of a fun activity or a note about nap times and feedings, communication builds trust and connection.
• Professionalism and transparency in discussing concerns or challenges are equally important.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Every day with kids brings new surprises. A nanny who can adjust to changes in routine, unexpected playdates, or nap-time challenges is highly valued.

A Warm and Caring Personality

• Beyond skills and experience, moms want a nanny who genuinely connects with their child—someone nurturing, patient, and empathetic.

What Does a Nanny’s Day Look Like?

A day in the life of a nanny varies depending on the child’s age, the family’s schedule, and the specific duties involved. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day might look like for a nanny caring for a child under 5 years old:

Morning Routine (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

• Arrival and Check-in: A nanny starts by checking in with the parents about the child’s morning, any updates, or plans for the day.
• Breakfast Time: Prepare a healthy breakfast and sit with the child, fostering good mealtime habits.
• Morning Hygiene: Assist with brushing teeth, getting dressed, and tidying up from breakfast.

Structured Play and Developmental Activities (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

• Activity Time: Plan age-appropriate activities to promote development. Examples include:
  • Tummy time or sensory play for infants.
  • Reading books and puzzles for toddlers.
  • Creative arts and outdoor play for preschoolers.
• Learning Through Play: Nannies often incorporate numbers, letters, or storytelling into activities to foster early learning.
• Outdoor Play: Fresh air and exercise are essential. This could involve a trip to the park, stroller walks, or backyard play.

Midday Rest and Meals (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

• Lunch Preparation: Prepare and serve a balanced, nutritious meal tailored to the child’s needs.
• Nap or Quiet Time: For infants and toddlers, naptime follows a calming routine with stories or gentle music. Older children may have quiet time with books or puzzles.

Afternoon Adventures (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

• Outings or Playtime: A nanny may plan an outing to the library, a playgroup, or an educational museum (if permitted).
• Engaging Activities: Indoor activities like crafts, science experiments, or imaginative play are often part of the afternoon.

Light Household Tasks (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

• Tidy-up Time: During downtime or while the child naps, nannies often complete child-related tasks like:
  • Folding laundry.
  • Sanitizing bottles or meal prep for the next day.
  • Organizing play spaces.
• Preparing for Parents’ Return: A nanny ensures the house is tidy, the child is fed, and the day’s highlights are ready to share with the parents.

End of Day Routine (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

• Wrap-Up: Engage the child in quiet activities like reading or coloring as they transition to family time.
• Daily Recap: Share updates with the parents, including milestones, nap times, meals, and any concerns.

The Nanny-Mom Partnership: Building Success Together

For parents, hiring a nanny means sharing the responsibility of nurturing their child. A successful nanny is not only skilled but also proactive, caring, and communicative. Likewise, parents can set their nanny up for success by:

• Providing a daily schedule or routine.
• Outlining clear expectations and responsibilities.
• Creating a positive, open line of communication.

When parents and nannies work together as a team, it creates a supportive environment where children thrive.

Conclusion: A Day in the Life of Care and Connection

The role of a nanny is so much more than just “watching the kids.” Nannies provide love, structure, and growth opportunities for children, while offering parents peace of mind. Whether it’s planning sensory activities for an infant, preparing healthy meals, or guiding a toddler through a new skill, every moment counts.

For parents hiring a nanny for the first time, clear expectations and open communication lay the foundation for success. And for nannies, each day brings the joy of making a difference in a child’s life.

Looking to learn more about hiring or becoming a nanny? Stay tuned for resources, guides, and tips tailored to both families and care professionals.

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Disclaimer: This blog's content is provided for informational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any personal, professional, legal, medical and financial or tax-related decisions.