Nanny Interview Questions: 17 Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring a Nanny in 2025

Finding the right nanny is one of the most critical decisions for working parents. Whether you're hiring your first nanny or replacing a previous caregiver, knowing exactly what questions to ask when hiring a nanny can mean the difference between finding a trusted childcare partner and making a costly hiring mistake. This comprehensive nanny hiring checklist covers 17 essential nanny interview questions, what answers to look for, and red flags that should concern you.

Quick Tips for Your Nanny Interview

• Prepare your questions in advance and take detailed notes during the interview

• Check references from at least two previous families before making an offer

• Trust your instincts - compatibility and comfort matter as much as qualifications

• Schedule a paid trial day to observe how the candidate interacts with your child

• Have a written nanny contract ready to clarify expectations from day one

Understanding Nanny Experience and Qualifications

When learning how to interview a nanny, establishing their experience and nanny qualifications is your crucial first step. Research from childcare organizations shows that nannies with 3+ years of professional experience demonstrate stronger crisis management skills and create more developmentally appropriate activities.

1. What is your childcare experience?

This foundational question reveals their background and expertise level.

What to look for: Candidates with at least 3-5 years of relevant experience, whether in private homes, childcare facilities, or both. A strong nanny can articulate specific age groups they've worked with—from infants to school-aged children—and explain how they adapted their caregiving approach for each developmental stage.

Example strong answer: "I've been a professional nanny for 4 years, working with two families. My first position was with twin toddlers for 2 years, and currently I care for a 5-year-old and 7-year-old.

2. Are you certified in First Aid and CPR?

Safety certifications aren't just nice to have—they're essential nanny qualifications.

What to look for: Current certifications in pediatric First Aid and infant/child CPR, ideally renewed within the past two years. According to the International Nanny Association (INA), professional nannies should maintain up-to-date emergency training.

Ask to see: Physical certification cards or digital proof. Verify the issuing organization (Red Cross, American Heart Association, or similar reputable provider).

3. What types of activities do you engage in with children of different age groups?

This question assesses creativity, developmental knowledge, and engagement style.

Assessing Parenting Philosophy and Approach

A nanny’s caregiving approach plays a big role in shaping your child’s everyday experiences and emotional growth. Asking the right interview questions during the hiring process can help make sure their values align with your family’s.

4. How do you handle discipline and behavior management?

Understanding their discipline approach is vital for consistency and your child's emotional well-being.

What to look for: Methods that align with your parenting style. Many families prefer positive reinforcement, natural consequences, and redirection over punitive measures.

Example strong answer: "I believe in positive discipline. I set clear, age-appropriate expectations and use natural consequences when possible. For example, if a child refuses to put toys away, those toys get put away for the rest of the day. I always explain why rules exist and praise good behavior immediately. I never use physical punishment or yelling."

5. What is your approach to screen time and technology use?

In today’s digital age, it’s important to set clear technology boundaries when interviewing a nanny.

What to look for: A balanced, thoughtful approach that limits recreational screen time while potentially incorporating educational technology.

6. How do you ensure open communication with parents?

A respectful, transparent relationship forms the foundation of successful nanny partnerships.

What to look for: Proactive communication strategies including daily updates, regular check-ins, and transparency about both successes and challenges.

Practical Considerations for Your Nanny Hiring Checklist

Beyond philosophy and experience, it’s the practical details that decide if the arrangement can last in the long run.

7. What is your availability and flexibility?

What to look for: Clear availability that matches your schedule, plus reasonable flexibility for occasional changes. Discuss specific scenarios: Can they stay late occasionally? Work weekends? Accommodate last-minute schedule changes? According to INA standards, professional nannies should receive advance notice for schedule changes and additional compensation for overtime hours.

8. What are your long-term goals as a caregiver?

This reveals commitment level and career intentions.

What to look for: Candidates seeking stable, long-term positions rather than short-term "filler" jobs. Professional nannies often view childcare as a career, not just temporary work.

9. How do you handle personal sick days or emergencies?

What to look for: Professional sick day policies and reliable backup plans.

A responsible nanny should provide adequate notice when ill and potentially have backup caregiver recommendations. Discuss your expectations: Will you provide paid sick days? How much notice do you need?

10. What are your salary expectations?

Talking about pay early on helps avoid confusion and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.

Research shows: Average nanny wages range from $20-35 per hour depending on location, experience, and responsibilities. Urban areas and positions requiring specialized skills (multiple children, special needs care, specific language requirements) command higher rates.

Be transparent about your budget and what's included: gross vs. net pay, guaranteed hours, overtime rates, paid time off, and whether you'll handle payroll taxes legally. Learn more about formalizing these arrangements in our guide [nanny employee vs contractor].

11. Are you comfortable with household duties related to the children?

Clarifying responsibilities prevents future conflicts.

What to look for: Willingness to handle child-related tasks like preparing meals and snacks, children's laundry, organizing play areas, and transportation.

Important distinction: Nannies focus exclusively on child-related responsibilities, while household managers handle broader domestic duties including general housekeeping, home maintenance coordination, and family scheduling. If you need someone to manage both childcare and household operations, you may be looking for a household manager or nanny/household manager hybrid role. Be explicit about your expectations during the interview to ensure you're hiring for the right position.

12. Are you comfortable with pets in the home?

What to look for: Honest assessment of comfort level, especially with larger or more active pets. If you have dogs, cats, or other animals, this question is crucial. Some candidates may have allergies or fear of certain animals.

Safety and Background Checks

Your child's safety must be the absolute priority in your nanny hiring checklist.

13. Are you willing to undergo a comprehensive nanny background check?

What to look for: Immediate, enthusiastic agreement without hesitation.

A thorough nanny background check should include:

• Criminal background check (federal and state)

• Sex offender registry check

• Driving record (if transportation is involved)

• Reference verification

• Social Security verification

Professional nannies understand this is standard practice. The International Nanny Association recommends comprehensive screening for all childcare providers.

14. Can you provide references from at least three previous families?

References provide invaluable insights into reliability, competence, and character.

What to look for: Current contact information for at least 2-3 recent employers or professional references.

Questions to ask references:

• How long did the nanny work for you?

• What were their specific responsibilities?

• How did they handle challenging situations?

• Would you hire them again?

• Why did the employment end?

Finding the Right Cultural and Personality Match

Technical qualifications matter, but personality fit determines day-to-day happiness.

15. What do you enjoy most about being a nanny?

A nanny's genuine passion reveals their motivation and commitment.

What to look for: Authentic enthusiasm about child development, relationship building, and making a positive impact on children's lives.

16. How do you handle stressful situations?

Childcare is unpredictable. This question reveals problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.

What to look for: Calm, methodical approaches and specific examples from past experiences.

17. How would you engage my child in learning activities?

This question assesses educational approach and creativity.

What to look for: Developmentally appropriate strategies that incorporate learning into daily activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask a nanny in the first interview?

In the first interview, focus on experience, qualifications, and general philosophy. Ask about childcare background, certifications (CPR/First Aid), discipline approach, and availability. Save deeper questions about specific scenarios and salary negotiations for second interviews with top candidates.

How much should I pay a nanny in 2025?

Nanny wages typically range from $20-35 per hour depending on location, experience level, number of children, and special requirements. Urban areas command higher rates. Remember to factor in legally required employer taxes, paid time off, and benefits.

What are red flags when interviewing a nanny?

Major red flags include: reluctance to undergo background checks, inability to provide references, vague or inconsistent answers about experience, excessive focus on compensation over childcare, poor communication skills, dismissive attitudes toward safety protocols, references to harsh discipline methods, expired certifications without plans to renew, primarily money-focused responses without genuine passion for childcare, or plans to leave within 6-12 months when you need long-term care. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

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Finding the perfect nanny can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

The Noble Nanny makes the process simple by matching families with trusted, experienced caregivers who fit your unique needs and values.

Contact The Noble Nanny today to find a nanny who feels like part of your family and brings peace of mind to your home.