What Should I Look for in a Full-Time Nanny?
A real-world guide for parents who want someone they can genuinely trust
Finding a full-time nanny isn’t like hiring for any other role. You’re choosing the person who will show up in the moments your child wakes up from a nap, feels overwhelmed, needs comfort, or wants to share something exciting. This person becomes part of your family’s rhythm, your child’s world, and your daily life.
So when parents ask “What should I look for in a full-time nanny?”, what they’re really asking is:
How do I know who I can trust with my child?
How do I know this will be the right person for our home?
This blog is here to help you answer that... calmly, clearly, and with confidence.
Start with the feeling, not the checklist
When a parent meets the right nanny, there’s usually a moment where everything softens.
Your child leans into them.
Your home feels calmer with them in it.
You feel your shoulders drop a little.
That’s your intuition noticing alignment — safety, warmth, and presence.
But intuition works best when paired with real standards, so here’s what actually creates that “right person” feeling.
Look for someone who genuinely sees children
This is something you feel instantly.
A high-quality nanny notices small things:
Your child’s cues
Their interests
The way they warm up
What makes them feel safe
How they respond to transitions
hey don’t rush kids. They tune in.
And that connection is what builds trust, not just with the child, but with you.
Experience matters, but emotional maturity matters more
A nanny can have years of experience and still not be the right fit for your child.
What you want is someone who brings calm to chaos, structure to the day, and steadiness to the unpredictable moments of parenting.
Look for:
Someone who stays patient even when things get messy
Someone who knows how to regulate their own emotions
Someone who can guide your child gently, not forcefully
Someone who understands development, not just “childcare”
This is the difference between a nanny who simply gets through the day…
and a nanny who helps your child thrive.
Safety should feel obvious, not forced
A nanny shouldn’t have to convince you they’re safe.
It should show up in the way they communicate, the way they move through your home, and the way they interact with your child.
The basics still matter, CPR certification, background checks, verified references — and this is where working with a vetted agency like District Sitter truly protects your family. Every caregiver has gone through professional-level screening, safety training, and an experience requirement that parents can rely on.
But beyond the paperwork, safety is a feeling.
A grounded nanny creates an environment where your child relaxes, explores, and feels secure.
Look for someone who communicates like a partner, not an employee
You’re not just hiring help.
You’re building a relationship.
A great full-time nanny keeps you connected to your child’s day in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming:
“He seemed extra tired today, so we did more quiet play.”
“She tried a new food and loved it.”
“We had a tricky moment around cleanup, but here’s what helped.”
Communication is where trust grows.
You want someone who keeps you informed, respects your parenting style, and can talk through the little things before they become big things.
Pay attention to how they handle real-life moments
Interviews only tell you so much.
What really matters is how a nanny handles the everyday things:
What do they do when your child says “no”?
How do they respond when a snack spills?
How do they guide transitions without power struggles?
How do they talk to children versus about them?
You learn a lot about a caregiver in the ordinary moments — not the polished ones.
Think long-term
A strong full-time nanny isn’t just there to get through each day.
They’re building your child’s world, routines, learning, emotional safety, and memories.
Look for someone who:
Shows up consistently
Supports your family’s values
Anticipates needs
Creates structure that makes your home run smoother
Feels like someone your child will look back on with love
Good nannies don’t simply “watch” children.
They shape the moments that shape them.
You can check all the boxes, CPR certified, background checked, experienced, reliable — but the nanny who is right for your family will meet those standards and bring something deeper: warmth, steadiness, and a genuine love for children.
If you want help finding that kind of caregiver, District Sitter was built for exactly this. Our nannies are thoroughly vetted, deeply experienced, and selected for qualities that matter most to parents: kindness, reliability, safety, trust, and integrity.
