Smart Tips for Hiring a Nanny

Smart Tips for Hiring a Nanny (From a Parent Who's Been There)

Hiring a nanny isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s personal. You're inviting someone into your home, into your child's life, and you want to get it right. I’ve been through this process myself, and I’ll tell you now: it’s not just about who looks good on paper.

You want someone who fits your family, who genuinely likes children (not just tolerates them), and who understands that raising kids isn’t all sunshine and finger painting. It’s a lot—but the right nanny can make all the difference.

Start With What You Need

Before you dive into job boards, stop and have a proper think. What do you actually need help with?

• Are you looking for full-time support, or just someone for the school run and a few hours after?
• Do you need a live-in arrangement because of your hours or location?
• Are you hoping the nanny will cook, clean, or help with homework—or just mind the children?
   

Write it down. No harm in being detailed. You’d be surprised how much easier the whole thing becomes once you’ve got a clear picture in your head.

Skip the Facebook Groups—Use a Proper Site

Look, I get it. Local parent groups on Facebook feel handy and familiar. But when it comes to trusting someone with your children, you want more than a name and a smiley emoji.

TrustedCarers.ie is where I found our nanny. You can actually see whose ID-verified, message them privately (without giving away your details), and check reviews. It just felt safer.

I’m not saying everyone on social media is dodgy. But when you’re hiring someone to care for your child, safe beats sorry every time.

Don’t Make It an Interview—Have a Chat

When I first met our nanny, we had a cup of tea at the kitchen table. No clipboard, no checklist. I just wanted to see how she spoke about kids, how she reacted when my toddler threw a shoe across the room (true story), and whether she felt like someone I could be around every day.

That said, do ask questions like:

• What’s your favourite age to work with, and why?
• How do you handle difficult behaviour?
• Can you tell me about a day you really enjoyed working with a child?

It’s not just about experience. It’s about attitude.

Check the Essentials—Always

Even if someone seems perfect, you still need to follow through on:

• ID checks (passport or driving licence)
• At least two solid references
• First aid training (bonus points for anything child-specific)
• If they’ll be driving, check they’ve got a clean licence and proper insurance

It might feel awkward to ask, but a true professional won’t be offended. They’ll expect it.

Get It in Writing—You’ll Thank Yourself Later

When you’re caught up in the buzz of finding someone great, it’s easy to skip the formal stuff. Don't.

We wrote up a simple contract that included:

• Working hours
• Pay (and how/when it’s paid)
• Holidays and time off
• Duties (ours included light housework and school pick-ups)
• Any house rules (like phone use, screen time, sweets, etc.)

We both signed it and kept a copy. It cleared up loads before anything could turn into a misunderstanding.

Yes, You’re an Employer Now (Don’t Panic)

Here’s the part most parents aren’t told: if your nanny is working in your home, they’re likely considered an employee under Irish law—not self-employed.

So, you’ll need to:

• Register with Revenue as an employer
• Deduct tax, PRSI, and USC
• Keep proper records and give payslips

It sounds like a headache, but using online payroll software or hiring a payroll service makes it manageable. I promise, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Set Boundaries, Especially for Live-In Nannies

If you’re offering a live-in position, you’ll need to get comfy with some awkward-but-important chats.

Where will they sleep? What’s “off duty” time? Can they have friends over? Use your car? Share Wi-Fi?

These little things matter. Better to lay them out than guess.

Keep Talking, Even After the Job Starts

A nanny isn’t just someone who follows a schedule. They’ll see parts of your family life most people don’t. So regular check-ins—every week or so—keep things smooth.

You don’t need to overdo it. A quick “How’s it going?” over a cup of tea can be enough. Some parents also use a WhatsApp log for meals, naps, or just silly updates. It builds trust.

Be Decent – It’s a Relationship, Not a Transaction

Good nannies are like gold dust. If you find one, treat them with respect.

That doesn’t just mean paying them fairly (though yes, that too). It means:

Asking for their input

• Backing them up in front of your child
• Giving proper notice for changes in hours or duties
• Saying thank you—genuinely, regularly

A bit of kindness goes a long way.

Final Word: Trust Yourself

At the end of the day, you know your child better than anyone. If a candidate ticks all the boxes but gives you a funny feeling—walk away. If someone feels right even if they’re not "perfect" on paper, trust that instinct.

Hiring a nanny in might feel overwhelming at first. But once you get it right, the relief, the stability, and the joy it brings your family is well worth the effort.

If you’re ready to start, TrustedCarers.ie has nannies listed by town, experience, and availability. Go have a look—you might just find the person your child’s going to adore.