Everything You Need to Know About Nanny Duties and Responsibilities

Published: April 1, 2025

Alicia Garibaldi

 

Finding the right nanny isn't just about childcare—it's about partnering with someone who will help shape your child's future. Research shows that quality early childhood care is fundamental to cognitive, emotional, and physical development. 

This guide covers how to hire the best nanny for your family and what to look for to find the right fit. To create a successful nanny-family dynamic, define your needs, set clear responsibilities, and foster open communication. A valued nanny means better care for your child. Now, let’s dive into the key duties and responsibilities that make this relationship work!

[TOC]Types of Nannies

Nanny responsibilities can differ based on the type of nanny you’re hiring, such as part-time help, night-nurse care, live-in help, and full-time care. An important step is understanding precisely what your family needs in terms of support, and that will help guide the qualities and qualifications to look for.

Nanny Titles and Responsibilities Based on Care Type 

Every family has unique needs, so your nanny arrangement may look a little different. The most common setup is a full-time, live-out nanny, which is the focus of this article. However, we’ve also included examples of duties and responsibilities for other types of nannies below.

Part-Time Nanny Duties—Essential Care During Peak Need Times

• Focused care during specific hours

• Core childcare responsibilities

• Limited household tasks related to children

Live-In Nanny Duties—Full-Service Care with Clear Boundaries

• Flexibility with defined schedules

• Comprehensive childcare responsibilities

• Integrated household management 

Overnight/Night-Nurse Duties—Expert Support for Restful Evenings

• Available through the night to provide attentive care, including regular diaper changes, soothing the baby back to sleep, and maintaining a safe sleep environment.

• Detailed communication about bottle or breastfeeding support and comprehensive notes on the baby’s overnight schedule and behaviors for seamless handovers in the morning.

 

[TOC]Nanny Duties and Responsibilities 

Outlining the responsibilities of your caregiver is essential to ensure you find someone who not only meets your child’s needs but also upholds your family’s values. Whether it’s fostering a love for learning, maintaining a sense of organization, or modeling kindness and respect—a well-thought-out list of duties ensures your caregiver is on the same page supporting the lessons you teach at home. Essential responsibilities broadly fall into two categories: Household responsibilities and Emotional/social responsibilities. You can customize the list below to fit your family’s unique lifestyle and priorities when hiring the right caregiver for your child.

1. Household Responsibilities

If your family values organization, you might ask your nanny to involve your children in tidying up their toys or helping set up a daily schedule to reinforce those habits. Because parenting is about modeling, hiring a nanny who reflects the behaviors, attitudes, and lessons you want your children to learn is essential. The research highlighted in a Motherly article shows that clutter can increase anxiety and affect how we process information and focus, while an organized space promotes productivity and harmony. The ultimate goal is to create a list of responsibilities that mirrors your family’s lifestyle and parenting philosophy, ensuring your values shine through every aspect of your child’s care.

2. Emotional and Social Responsibilities

Beyond the daily tasks, one of the most vital roles of a caregiver is fostering a child's emotional well-being and encouraging social connections. These elements create a supportive foundation for their growth and happiness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, "Positive social and emotional development in the early years provides a critical foundation for lifelong development and learning.”   

Some suitable social activities for kids:

• Going to a playground, park, or museum

• Art activities

• Role Playing

• Reading books

• Journaling

Below is a skimmable list of a sample of a nanny's duties and responsibilities!

Refer to the Nanny Titles and Responsibilities Based on Care Type section above to tailor this list to your nanny’s specific hours and your family’s unique childcare needs. Remember that these responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the type of care required. For example, caring for infants and newborns often involves additional tasks like bottle preparation, diaper changes, and soothing techniques. Part-time and live-in care will also require trimmed-down or more robust details for your family.

 

[TOC]Qualities and Qualifications to Look for in a Nanny

The emotional connection between a nanny and a child forms the foundation for healthy development and overall well-being. Research shows that secure caregiver bonds directly impact a child's social skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. Look for the below qualities in your nanny:

• Emotional Intelligence - Reading and responding to children's needs

• Reliable Presence - Creating consistent, trustworthy routines

• Clear Communication - With both children and parents

• Problem-Solving Skills - Turning challenges into learning moments

• Emergency Readiness - Maintaining composure under pressure

Important Caregiver Certifications

Certifications can also ensure your loved one is safe. This is not an exhaustive list, but just the basics for what’s most important to discuss in an interview with your nanny:

• Recent CPR Training or Certification

• First Aid Training

• Up-to-date Vaccination Records

• Valid Driver’s License (if your caregiver is expected to transport children)

 

[TOC]Setting Expectations With a Nanny

Treat your nanny hire like any professional role by starting with a clear, comprehensive contract. A nanny contract should detail: 

• Hours and scheduling expectations

• Compensation structure and timing

• Holiday, sick day, and vacation policies

• Core responsibilities and duties

• Communication preferences and boundaries

If this sounds overwhelming–don't worry! Poppins Sample Nanny Contract makes sure you’ve got your bases covered. Regular check-ins and open dialogue create mutual respect, which is essential for a lasting partnership.

 

[TOC]How to Hire Based on Nanny Duties and Responsibilities 

Let's face it—finding the perfect nanny can feel like searching for a unicorn! But don't worry, we've got your back. The key is knowing exactly what you need and then finding someone whose experience and style match your family's vibe. Whether you're looking for someone to handle the morning rush or need full-time support, we'll help you ask the right questions to find your perfect match.

Interview Tips for Hiring a Caregiver

Trusting your gut is super important when interviewing a caregiver, and having scenarios and examples can also help ensure you tap into your instincts. Think of it like a first date—but for your family's newest teammate! Here are some conversation starters that'll help you get past the basics and see how your potential nanny thinks on their feet:

• Ask about handling challenging situations (e.g., sensory meltdowns or agitation).

• Inquire about their process for creating activity schedules or meal plans.

• Role-play a scenario to observe their problem-solving skills in real-time.

 

[TOC]Next Steps to Hiring the Perfect Nanny for Your Family 

Finding the right caregiver for your family is a big decision, but with the right tools and a thoughtful approach, it can be a rewarding and stress-free experience. By outlining your family’s needs and focusing on key caregiver qualities—you’ll set your family up for success. A great caregiver can bring stability, joy, and peace of mind to your household—and that’s worth every step of the journey.

Once you’ve found your perfect nanny, the next step is ensuring that they are paid legally. Being compliant with the IRS and issuing your nanny regular paychecks enables them to take advantage of social security, medicare, and unemployment benefits. Poppins Payroll simplifies taxes, compliance, and payroll management, giving you more time to focus on your family.

Ready to get started? Download our comprehensive Payroll Guide for step-by-step guidance on forms, payment structures, and best practices for household employers.

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The content of this article is general and informational in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific circumstances. The information is not intended to provide legal or tax advice, and should not be relied upon without consulting with an attorney and/or tax professional.