Top 10 Interview Questions to Ask When Hiring a Nanny
1. What experience do you have caring for children of this age group?
Children at different stages of development need very different types of care. For example, a nanny who’s great with toddlers might not have the experience to handle a newborn’s feeding schedule or help with tricky pre-teen homework.
When I was hiring a sitter for my son at 6 months old, I wanted someone comfortable with his nap schedule and introducing solids. Ask about specific examples from their past roles to see if they’re a good match for your child’s needs.
Follow-up question: Can you give an example of a typical day with a child this age?
2. How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
Discipline is personal, and alignment on this is non-negotiable. Does your family prefer gentle parenting, time-ins, or natural consequences? Make sure your nanny’s approach reflects your values.
A nanny once told me she uses “redirection” for toddlers, which I loved—it’s exactly how I handle my son’s epic toy battles.
Tip: Provide a hypothetical scenario, like “What would you do if my 3-year-old hit their sibling?”
3. How do you plan to engage my kids throughout the day?
Ask for specific examples of activities the nanny would do with your children. Look for answers that include outdoor time, crafts, story time, and other activities that match your family’s values and routines.
At The Natural Nanny Collective, we love nannies who embrace creative, screen-free activities. (Think forts made of couch cushions or backyard scavenger hunts!)
4. Are you comfortable with additional tasks like light meal prep or laundry?
Some families need childcare only, while others expect light household duties. It’s important to clarify what’s included upfront.
For example: “We’d love for you to help with simple meal prep for the kids, like cutting fruit or making grilled cheese—are you okay with that?”
5. How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
Every parent needs peace of mind knowing their nanny can stay calm in an emergency. Whether it’s a child with a sudden fever or a small scrape from falling outside, this is your chance to see how prepared they are.
Pro Tip: Ask about their CPR and First Aid certification—this is a requirement for all nannies placed through our agency.
6. What’s your approach to screen time?
This one can be a dealbreaker for some families, especially if you’re following a low-tech lifestyle.
I always recommend asking: “How would you keep the kids entertained on a rainy day without relying on screens?”
The right nanny will have a list of creative, no-tech activities ready to share!
7. What qualities are you looking for in the families you work with?
Yes, nannies are also interviewing you! This question helps ensure that both sides are aligned. You want someone who values open communication, respect, and partnership.
One nanny told me: “I love working with families who include me as part of their team.” That’s the kind of person you want caring for your kids!
8. Can you share references from previous families?
Always, always check references. Hearing firsthand experiences from other families will give you the full picture of what it’s like to work with this nanny.
If the nanny hesitates or doesn’t have strong references, that’s a red flag. At The Natural Nanny Collective, we verify references for all our placements to make this part stress-free for families.
9. Are you comfortable traveling with the family, if needed?
If your family loves to travel (like mine does!), this is an important question. A travel nanny can be a lifesaver for family vacations, helping to keep routines and sanity intact.
Follow-up: Do you have a valid passport or experience with long road trips?
10. What are your long-term goals as a nanny?
This question helps you understand the nanny’s commitment and whether they’re looking for a long-term position. For many families, having a nanny grow with their kids is a huge plus.
Example: “Are you looking for a position for the next 2+ years, or do you have other plans in the near future?”
Ready to Hire Your Dream Nanny?
These questions are designed to help you get beyond the basics and really connect with potential candidates. At The Natural Nanny Collective, we’re here to make the hiring process easy, personal, and stress-free.
Need help finding the perfect nanny? Learn more about our nanny placement services here.
Want more tips and guidance? Check out:
Final Thoughts
Trusting someone with your children isn’t easy, but asking the right questions can help you find a nanny who feels like part of the family. And if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of the process, we’d love to help! Fill out our family application today and you can be one step closer to finding your perfect nanny!
