A nanny can serve as your eyes, ears and hands when you, as a parent, can't be present to care for your children. A nanny also can be your partner in the raising of your children. But choosing a nanny can cause stress. One nanny might come highly recommended, but you don't get along with her well. Another nanny you like may not have good references. Outlining your criteria ahead of time can quickly eliminate nannies who aren't right for you.
Step 1
Decide the hours you will need a nanny. If you need one full-time, advertise or search for a live-in nanny. If you only need help a few hours a day, or here and there, you can hire a part-time nanny.
Step 2
Type up a job description for prospective nannies and hand it out when they arrive for their interviews, says the National Association for Nanny Care. For instance, specify what type of medical training you want your nanny to have, what kind of disciplinarian tactics are appropriate or even what religion you'd prefer. A well-written job description attracts the most qualified applicants.
Step 3
Ask friends and family members for referrals, or contact a nanny registry service. A nanny service can screen potential nannies and send you the most compatible choices. Choosing from a smaller pool of nannies rules out applicants that are incompatible with your parenting philosophies.
Step 4
Hold a formal interview with each nanny, suggests TLC.com. While a nanny may come across as professional, well-mannered and qualified on paper, you may not like her personality. It's important to choose a nanny you feel you can work with well. Trust your gut instinct during the interviewing process. Narrow the choice to two or three nannies.
Step 5
Investigate the two or three nannies you have chosen, recommends "Parents" magazine. If the applicants have references, call the references and quiz them about their satisfaction levels and their overall impression of the nanny. If this hiring process sounds extensive, remember you are trusting the nanny with your child's safety and well-being. You need to be able to trust her completely.
