Do you need a nanny or do you need a babysitter? What’s the difference anyway? It seems like this is a relatively simple question until you start interviewing or you start applying to job postings. There’s a distinction that you never really gave much thought to until now. Good thing I’m here to help!
Despite the fact that I’ve heard these terms used interchangeably, as someone who has worked for years as a professional nanny and years as a babysitter, I know there are distinct differences. So, let’s just jump right into it.
Babysitters are typically less experienced than nannies and are tasked with providing for the basic needs of children. They are hired on a periodic, very part-time, or as-needed basis. Think of the high school or college neighbor who you call every once in a while for date night.
Nannies on the other hand, tend to have more training, formal childcare education/degrees, experience teaching children, and their services are typically needed on a recurring (daily/weekly) full-time basis. Nannies are viewed as childcare professionals since caring for children is usually their career choice.
Check out this video for a quick run-down
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the differences:
Babysitter
- Meets the basic needs of the children: feeding, changing diapers, playing, supervising
- May only come on date nights or for special occasions
- Usually part-time or temporary
- Typically, on the younger end of the spectrum
- They could have some training or certifications, but typically nothing very extensive
- Generally, make less per hour (it depends on which data source you look at, but there are some sources that indicate that some babysitters make more per hour, but since they work less hours the overall take home pay is less)
For babysitters just think ‘B and B’ – Babysitter meets the basic needs of the children
Nanny
- Typically, full-time household employees or really close to full-time
- They are involved in planning activities, teaching, and sometimes cares for family as well as kids: light cleaning of dishes, let the dog out, does laundry, meal prep
- More experience and training and continuously seek out extra learning related to childcare
- Have more extensive training and broader experience: CPR, first aid, early childhood education, preschools, daycares
- Have more formal or even higher education (4-year degrees, Masters degrees)
- Constantly assessing and working to improve the child’s development
- May receive medical/dental or other benefits offered by the family
- Typically, more expensive hourly rate because of one-on-one care and elevated level of service they provide
Check out our post on estimating how much a babysitter or nanny should get paid per hours here: ‘How Much Should You Charge Per Hour’
4 Things Parents Should Consider
1. Schedule
The number one factor in deciding if you need a nanny or a babysitter is how frequently you will need childcare help. I know what you’re thinking, ‘shouldn’t pay or cost be listed first.’ Well, pay is definitely a critical part of the decision process, but at this point we are trying to determine what you need from a nanny or babysitter. We will address the cost concern after this segment. But I have found that solidifying your schedule needs alone can sometimes make the decision clear right away.
So, do you need on-call/occasional help just when things get busy, or will you need help on a recurring and predictable basis? If there is no regularly scheduled childcare then you probably need a babysitter. If you have needs on regular basis, then a nanny is likely best for you.
Also, don’t worry if your scheduling needs aren’t five days a week and eight hours per day. Nannies understand that many families have specific scheduling needs. I have seen nanny requests where a family on needs someone every Friday for 10 hours…which is kind of an unusual schedule, but it is recurring predictable work that some nannies would love. Who knows, some nannies might have a Monday through Thursday family and could be looking for some extra work.
But, if we are being honest, most nannies prefer full time work (or as close to it as possible). So, if you have a less-than full time need, you might need to up the hourly rate you are willing to pay in order to attract the right nanny for you.
2. Pay
When deciding which job role you need, pay will always be a factor. Always. And as I don’t know your specific financial situation, it’s hard for me to break that down for you. But when you systematically analyze what you REALLY need out of your nanny or babysitter, you can use this analysis to help you make your decision.
Do you really need your babysitter or nanny to provide educational instruction? Do you really need someone to help with small household tasks? Do you care if they have a 4 years degree? If you don’t need these things or they are deal breakers for you…then don’t pay for them! But if you do need those things, then you’ll need to be willing pay for those services.
But what if I don’t need those things but my scheduling needs are on a regular basis? In this case, it sounds like you DO need a nanny, but you could seek out a less experienced or less trained nanny who is relatively new to the industry. They would be able to meet your schedule needs at a lower cost, and you won’t be paying for services that you don’t need. 
Something important to keep in mind. Please don’t list that you are willing to pay more than you are comfortable with. If your job posting says that you are willing to pay $15- $18 an hour for a nanny and the nanny asks for that amount, this shouldn’t make you uncomfortable if they meet all the qualifications. The worst thing you can do is list a higher dollar per hour, interview qualified candidates, then tell them you’re only willing to pay them $3 less than you listed. Just be honest. Or better yet, list the EXACT amount you’d like to pay. This takes the guessing game out of their pay rate. Only those willing to work for the listed amount will apply. It’s a beautiful thing!
I did an interview with a family that listed their range as $12-$15/hour for a nanny. When I asked for $15/hour based on my experience and education, they looked shocked. But why? It’s the price you listed and I am asking for fair market value. We were both uncomfortable after that and it didn’t end up working out. Avoid these situations and be honest about what you can afford.
3. Training and Education
When evaluating your needs, it’s important to know what training and education is important to you in your nanny or babysitter.
Here are some typical trainings (for babysitters AND nannies):
- Babysitting Basics – online training from the Red Cross (Babysitting & Child Care Training | Red Cross)
- Advanced Child Care Training – online training from the Red Cross (Advanced Child Care Training Online (redcross.org))
- CPR / First Aid / AED training – CPR, First Aid, AED Certification & Training | Red Cross
- Water Safety Training – Water Safety Certification & Tips | Red Cross
- Pet and Animal care training
- Elementary Education training
Here are some typical educational backgrounds and trainings nannies might have (AA, BA or MA):
- Early Childcare Development
- CDA (Child Development Associate)
- Behavioral Health Science – Family Dynamics
- Human Services – Family and Community Services
- Human Services – Child and Family Welfare
- Counseling
- Social Work
- CPR / First Aid / AED training specific to children and infants – CPR, First Aid, AED Certification & Training | Red Cross
- Preschool or Kindergarten Teacher Experience
- 30+ hours of STARS Training
When analyzing your needs for a nanny or babysitter, try to pair those needs up with someone who has the right training or education that would enable them to meet your specific needs. You may not be able to find someone who checks all the boxes, so listing them out with the highest priority at the top could be a helpful exercise.
Looking at the list from the top down, how many are ‘must-haves’ and how many are ‘nice to haves’? If you have a lot of must haves, are you willing to pay for a nanny with that training or education? If not, you might need to pear down your list again.
4. Experience
Last, but absolutely not least, experience is a huge factor in deciding which role best fits the needs of your family. Remember, most people don’t need a nanny with 30 plus years’ experience and a master’s degree in early childhood education. Some people just have a regular need for someone to make sure their child stays clear of the stove top, is fed, and well cared for. But some people are looking for more.
Some nannies have seen it all, and helping kids grow and flourish just comes second nature. That second nature and intuition is something that can’t be taught. So, if you see a nanny with great recommendations, that has been around for more than a hot minute, but has no formal education – don’t immediately write them off! They could be a gold mine of child rearing excellence!
Childcare is definitely an industry where experience might be more important than formal education. It all depends on the individual nanny and what’s important to you.
It’s a Balancing Act
On the surface, deciding between a nanny or babysitter seems like a pretty straight forward decision. But the deeper you dig you quickly come to realize that there is much to consider. As with many decisions in life it’s give-and-take.
It’s a balancing act of compromises that revolve around the needs and priorities of your family. And ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you need. Now you have the tools and resources to make an informed decision and find great care for your kiddos!
shandacerobertson
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