What Is The Difference Between A Nanny And A Babysitter

Babysitters and nannies both provide valuable care and support for families with children. However, a nanny is generally more experienced, flexible and able to work around your schedule. They also tend to have a deeper connection with the families they work with. 

Read on to find out more about the main differences so you can get the right kind of childcare in place. 

Let’s take a look at the key differences between nannies and babysitters

A nanny and young child having fun drawing with colored pencils

Nannies

Nannies can work for parents on a full or part-time basis. Some nannies live with the families that they support, but they can also commute to their homes when their services are needed.

They tend to have bigger roles in children’s lives than babysitters and care for them on a long-term basis. They can prepare meals, oversee educational activities and provide transport for kids. 

Some nannies help with household tasks like housekeeping and laundry. Nannies can be hired through agencies or directly by parents. Some of the benefits nannies often receive include paid time off and health insurance. If they live in the same household as the child or children they care for, they may be housed free of charge.

Babysitters

Babysitters tend to be hired when needed to provide short-term childcare when parents are away from home for a short period of time, such as a few hours during the day or an evening when parents are away from home. They normally work irregular hours and are tasked with supervising children, making sure they’re safe, playing with them and preparing simple meals and snacks. They're not normally responsible for things like housekeeping and aren’t normally as ‘close’ to the children they care for. Many babysitters are teenagers or young adults looking for part-time income.

What other differences between nannies and babysitters are there?

Nannies are normally more experienced than babysitters and often have qualifications and certifications in childcare. Some nannies have special first aid training too. Nannies are normally paid more than babysitters as they're employed on a more formal, long-term basis as their additional duties.

A nanny can normally be more flexible than a babysitter because they don’t have other commitments such as studying. They often work longer, regular hours and can fit their work around your schedule. Babysitters are often hired at shorter notice, for shorter periods. Nannies usually develop a strong bond with children and families. This can mean more stability for kids.

Which is right for me?

Now we’ve answered the question 'what is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?' , you may be wondering which is the best option for you. Whether a nanny or a babysitter is right for you can depend on factors like your specific requirements, budget, and schedule. 


Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.

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