Choosing the right nanny for your family is a big decision, and having a few good questions ready can really help. These questions will give you a feel for their experience, personality, and approach, making it easier to see if they’ll be a great match for your kids and fit right into your family’s daily rhythm.
1. What experience do you have with children of similar age to my child?
Why this matters: As you know, children of different ages have unique needs. That's why when considering questions to ask a nanny in an interview, understanding their experience with your child’s age group is essential. This gives you insight into how well they can handle age-specific challenges and activities.
2. Can you walk me through a typical day in your care?
Why this matters: This is a fantastic way to understand their approach to caregiving. Asking about a daily routine reveals how they plan activities, manage downtime, and create structure. Elements that are essential for children’s well-being.
3. How do you handle challenging behaviors or discipline?
Why this matters: Discipline and behavior management are key aspects of caregiving. That makes this is one of the most important questions to ask a nanny in an interview. Look for responses that align with your family’s values and approach to discipline, and be clear about how you handle these situations at home.
4. How do you ensure safe sleep practices for infants or young children?
Why this matters: Safe sleep practices are critical for younger children. Ask if they know safe sleep guidelines, like putting babies to sleep on their backs, using a firm crib mattress, and keeping the sleep area free of blankets and toys. This is one of the essential questions to ask a nanny in an interview if you have an infant, and a knowledgeable response reflects their dedication to safety.
5. How do you handle food safety, including allergies and dietary restrictions?
Why this matters: Nannies often prepare meals and snacks, so it’s essential to know how they approach food safety. Ask about their experience with preventing choking hazards, checking bottle temperatures, handling food allergies, and managing any dietary restrictions. Observing their confidence in explaining these practices can help you feel secure about your child’s mealtime safety.
6. What kinds of activities do you like to do with children?
Why this matters: Understanding a nanny’s interests and skills will show you how they engage with children. Among the questions to ask a nanny in an interview, this one highlights how they plan to create a fun, enriching environment, whether it’s through creative play, outdoor activities, or educational games. Look for enthusiasm in their response to see if they’ll create a stimulating environment for your child.
7. How comfortable are you with car seat installation and safety?
Why this matters: If your nanny will transport your child, car seat safety is critical. Ask if they know how to correctly install and secure a car seat, as this is one of the key questions to ask a nanny in an interview for families needing transportation help. Confident answers show they’re prepared to prioritize safety on the road.
8. How do you stay organized with multiple responsibilities?
Why this matters: Nannies often juggle several duties, from childcare to light household tasks. When compiling questions to ask a nanny in an interview, ask about their organization skills to see if they can balance multiple tasks effectively. Their answer should demonstrate their ability to handle both child care and household responsibilities in a structured way.
9. What would you do in an emergency situation?
Why this matters: Safety is always a priority and this one reveals their emergency preparedness. Whether it’s first aid, CPR certification, or general composure, this answer should give you confidence in their ability to handle unexpected situations.
10. What is your experience with children who have special needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions?
Why this matters: If your child has specific needs, this is an essential question. Including this among the questions helps you find a caregiver who is prepared, comfortable, and experienced in managing these requirements with care and attention.
11. Do you have paid experience, or is most of your experience with family?
Why this matters: Professional, paid experience often requires a different level of accountability and communication than family-based experience. If they’ve mainly cared for family members, ask about the specific responsibilities they’ve handled and their approach to professionalism. This question helps gauge their readiness to work in a non-family role and their comfort in a professional setting.
12. How do you handle communication with parents?
Why this matters: A successful nanny-family relationship relies on open communication. Ask about how they plan to keep you updated. Do they prefer daily updates, notes, or even photo updates? Finding a communication style that works for both of you is key.
13. Do you have any long-term commitments or plans that might affect your availability?
Why this matters: Families often look for a nanny who can provide stability and consistency. Including this among your questions will give you a sense of their long-term availability and if they’re looking for a similar commitment to your family.
14. Do you have any questions for us?
Why this matters: A nanny who has thoughtful questions is likely invested in understanding your family and expectations. Among the questions to ask a nanny in an interview, this one lets you gauge their interest and commitment, showing they’re ready to make this role a success for everyone involved.
Trusting Your Instincts
At the end of the day, finding the right nanny is about more than just the questions to ask a nanny in an interview. It’s about trusting your instincts. Asking these questions can reveal a lot about their experience, confidence, and approach. But ultimately, a warm presence and natural connection are just as important. With an app like SitterTree, you can cross-reference their responses with their profile for additional peace of mind. If it feels right, you may have found the perfect match!
Ready to find a nanny you can trust?
With SitterTree, connecting with experienced nannies in your community has never been easier. You can get $20 off your first booking at the link below.