Our journey to finding the perfect nanny

The only easy part about finding a nanny was deciding that we needed one. Everything else? Overwhelming, time-consuming, and daunting, just as I expected. However, through this journey, I learned a lot and I hope by sharing our experience, I can help other parents who are facing the same challenge.

Agency vs. Private Hire: Weighing the options

The first big decision we had to make was whether to hire a nanny through an agency or to go the private route. Each option has its own set of advantages and challenges.

Hiring Through an Agency

Pros:

• Agencies vet nannies for you, ensuring a certain level of quality and trust.

• They source candidates that best match your needs.

• All necessary certifications (WWC, police check, first aid, etc.) are pre-verified.

• If your nanny is unavailable, a backup can be provided.

• The agency can arrange additional care as needed.

Cons:

• The cost is significantly higher per hour.

• There’s a large admin fee for sourcing and management.

Hiring Privately

Pros:

• More affordable—no agency fees and pricing is negotiable.

• Direct communication and relationship-building with the nanny.

Cons:

• You have to vet and interview candidates yourself.

• You need to advertise and search for a nanny independently.

• Certification checks (WWC, police check, first aid) are your responsibility.

• No guaranteed backup in case of illness or unavailability.

Our Experience: Navigating the Search Process

Initially, I was drawn to an agency. It felt like the safest choice, especially as a first-time mum looking for a nanny. I booked consultations with two agencies (Gracie Boutique Nanny Agency & Placement Solutions), both of which were incredibly professional and supportive and I felt confident they would help us find the right fit.

However, when we weighed up the cost, it just didn't feel like the smart choice. The cost was so high that it almost negated the financial benefit of returning to work. I started to wonder: was it worth working just to pay for a nanny? That’s when we decided to explore finding a nanny privately.

We started by browsing directories online, but many required a subscription fee just to access contact details. Not wanting to commit to fees for various directories, we turned to Facebook groups for nannies instead, which quickly proved to be the better option for us.

The First Hire: A Lesson in Expectation vs. Reality We started by looking through posts from nannies who were searching for work and reached out to those who matched our needs. We found a young woman who seemed to be an ideal fit—she was a student, with experience and had great energy. After a positive video chat we organised for her to come and meet us. We thought it was a great connection, spoke with her references and we booked her in.

The next day—she cancelled!

To say I was disheartened is an understatement. The stress of finding a nanny before my return to work was already high and now we were back to square one with just over a week left.

The Second Time Around: Trusting the Process

Despite my initial frustration, I reminded myself that things happen for a reason. At least this didn’t happen after I started work! This time we posted a job listing outlining our requirements, schedule, and what was most important to us and within 12 hours, we had a flood of responses (around 16). This time, we were more cautious, double-checking availability and commitment levels before getting too attached to a candidate.

After shortlisting and conducting video interviews, one nanny immediately stood out. My husband and I both had an instant gut feeling that she was the right fit. She had significantly more experience, a passion for childcare and a kindness that put us at ease. We didn’t hesitate, soon after the video interview, we invited her to meet us in person. Ruby loved her, and we knew she was the one.

Key Takeaways

• Give yourself time. The process can take anywhere from two to six weeks, so start early.

• Trust your instincts. A nanny isn’t just a caregiver, they’re someone who will become part of your child’s daily life.

• Be prepared to handle setbacks. Cancellations and last-minute changes happen, but it’s all part of the process.

• Ensure open communication. A smooth transition requires ongoing conversations and adjustments.

• Check all credentials. Whether hiring through an agency or privately, verifying certifications is crucial.

• Check references. Speak to other families who have worked with the nanny before to gain insight into their reliability and experience.

• Factor in time for a detailed handover. Introduce your nanny to your child's routines, meals, and sleep schedule, and show them where everything is in the house. Ensure they are confident in using all necessary items and feel comfortable in the environment.

• Have a backup plan. Nannies may occasionally be unwell or unavailable. Decide in advance whether you will call on family for support, adjust work schedules, or take leave if needed.

  
  

Ultimately, while hiring privately required more effort upfront, it gave us direct control over the process and allowed us to find someone who truly fits our family. The journey wasn’t easy, but now that we’ve found the right nanny, we’re excited for this new chapter ahead. If you’re embarking on this process, know that while it takes work, it’s possible to find the perfect person for your little one.

If you have any questions or need help on your journey to finding the perfect nanny, feel free to reach out—I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can.