What should I ask in an interview for a nanny?

A good nanny interview goes beyond the resume and reveals how the candidate will care for your children day to day. The right questions cover experience, childcare approach, safety, and how the nanny communicates with parents. Preparing your questions in advance keeps the interview focused and helps you compare candidates fairly.

Start with experience and background. Ask how long the candidate has worked as a nanny and what ages they have cared for. Ask about the families they have worked with, how many children were in each household, and why each role ended. Listen for steady work history and thoughtful reasons for moving on. Ask what a typical day looked like in their last role, including routines, meals, play, and outings. These answers show whether their experience matches your family's needs and whether they can handle the pace of your household.

Next, explore their approach to childcare. Ask how they handle a crying baby, a toddler having a tantrum, or siblings who are arguing. Ask what they do to encourage learning and play at different ages, and how they balance screen time with outdoor activity. Ask about their views on discipline and how they set limits without harshness. Their answers reveal their patience, their judgment, and whether their style fits your parenting approach. A nanny whose approach clashes with yours will cause friction, even if their experience looks strong on paper.

Safety questions matter most of all. Ask what they would do if a child was injured, had an allergic reaction, or became suddenly ill. Ask whether they hold first aid or CPR training and when it was last refreshed. Ask how they supervise children near water, on playgrounds, and on walks, and how they keep track of a child in a busy place. Ask how they handle food allergies and medication, and how they would respond in an emergency when a parent cannot be reached. A strong candidate answers these questions calmly and concretely, with clear steps rather than vague reassurance.

Also ask about communication and reliability. Ask how they would keep you updated during the day, how they handle a change of plan, and what they do if they are running late or feeling unwell. Ask about their availability for evenings, weekends, or travel, and whether they are comfortable with the duties you listed, including driving, cooking, or homework help. Finish by inviting their questions, since a thoughtful candidate will ask about your children, your routines, and your expectations. Take notes during each interview so you can compare candidates fairly and remember who said what. Asking the same core questions of every candidate also makes it easier to spot the strongest one when you sit down to decide.

Next step: Post a free ad on Realtor to find nannies in your area, then interview the strongest candidates with confidence.