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Why Nanny Benefits Matter: How to Attract & Keep the Best Nannies
- Ruth Regan
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
The Overlooked Key to Nanny Retention: Benefits
If you want to attract — and keep — a great nanny, benefits are just as important as pay. And in some cases, they’re even required by law.
Benefits are what make a nanny position sustainable. They show respect, stability, and professionalism, helping caregivers feel valued — and preventing burnout or job hopping.
Core Benefits Every Nanny Should Receive
These essential benefits set the foundation for a strong, long-term relationship:
Paid Time Off (PTO) – Nannies need breaks, just like any other professional.
Sick Days – Protect both your nanny and your children when illness hits.
Paid Holidays – Recognize major holidays as paid time off.
Guaranteed Hours – Even if your plans change, pay for the hours you agreed on. This ensures your nanny has a reliable income.
Additional Benefits That Make You Stand Out
Going the extra mile can make your position far more attractive to top nannies:
Health Insurance Stipends – A monthly contribution helps cover essential healthcare costs.
Professional Development – Support CPR renewals or early childhood education training to show you value growth.
Legal Must: Worker’s Compensation Coverage
Worker’s compensation is a legal requirement in most states. It protects both you and your nanny if there’s an injury on the job. Skipping it could leave your family open to costly legal and financial consequences.
Mileage Reimbursement
If your nanny drives their personal vehicle for job duties (school runs, errands, etc.), reimbursement is required. Current IRS standard rate: $0.70 per mile.
Small Gestures with a Big Impact
Consider offering a 6-month or year-end bonus. It doesn’t have to be large — it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation and encourage loyalty.
The Big Mindset Shift
When you hire a nanny, you’re an employer. Families who treat the role with professionalism — by offering fair pay, benefits, and legal protection — are the ones who attract and retain the best caregivers.
✨ The winning formula: Competitive pay + solid benefits + legal compliance + appreciation = a happy nanny and long-term stability for your family.
WANT TO HANDLE THE SEARCH YOURSELF?
Not every family chooses to work directly with an agency — and that’s why we created the Confident Nanny Hiring: The Complete Parent’s Guide Bundle.
Our DIY Nanny Hiring Guides walk you step by step through the same process agencies use, including:
Background check recommendations
Interview question toolkits
Red flag checklists
Contract guidance
Onboarding tips
So whether you choose to partner with an agency or DIY your search, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make the right hire.
📖 Explore the guides today and take charge of your nanny search with clarity and confidence.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE BUNDLE?
Guide 1: A 10-Step Guide to Hiring Your Dream Nanny
A complete roadmap that walks you from “Where do I start?” to “We found our nanny!” with confidence, clarity, and ease.
Guide 2: The Nanny–Family Handbook Template
A ready-to-customize handbook that covers your household values, communication norms, rules, and expectations—keeping everyone on the same page.
Guide 3: The Family Guide to Legal Nanny Hiring
Demystifies payroll, taxes, workers’ compensation, and insurance. Includes referrals and resources so you can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and protect both your family and your nanny. Includes a real “story time” case where workers’ comp saved a family from major financial loss.
Guide 4: Drafting Job Descriptions, Interviews & Trials
Step-by-step guidance for writing clear job ads, conducting interviews with confidence, and running structured trial days that set everyone up for success.
Guide 5: Nanny Pay, Raises & Incentives
Understand industry standards for pay, overtime, and bonuses. Learn creative incentive strategies that keep your nanny motivated, happy, and long-term committed.
Guide 6: The Complete Nanny–Family Work Agreement
Covers everything from hours to holidays, overtime to house rules. Includes a fillable template so you and your nanny start with clarity and mutual accountability.
Guide 7: The Nanny Hiring Toolkit
Your all-in-one toolkit with customizable job description templates, proven interview questions, red flag checklists, and evaluation scorecards—so you can simplify the hiring process and make smart, informed decisions.
Guide 8: Evaluating Fit, Navigating Challenges, and Planning for Longevity
Learn how to assess the right nanny for your family, anticipate common challenges before they become problems, and create a relationship built to last.
THE ULTIMATE NANNY & BABYSITTER INTERVIEW TOOLKIT
Not sure where to start? We’ve also created a Free Nanny Interview Toolkit to help parents kick off the hiring process with clarity. Inside, you’ll find:
Must-ask questions to reveal a nanny’s true experience
Red flags to listen for during interviews
Tips for comparing candidates fairly and confidently
This toolkit is designed to help you make smarter decisions from the very first conversation with a potential nanny.
📖 Download your free toolkit today and take the first step toward a smoother, safer hiring process.
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