If you’re considering what sort of childcare your children need, a common dilemma for busy parents is the choice between nanny vs babysitter. Both will take care of your children but what’s the difference? Why choose a nanny over a babysitter or vice versa? First, let’s break down the terms.
Babysitters
Babysitter are short term caregivers. They are hired for nights or weekends when you need a caretaker for a few hours. While they might provide basic child-minding like food or entertainment, they are not as involved as a nanny. Babysitters can be of any age or experience level, and they usually have no formal training.
Nannies
Nannies are long-term, or live-in, or out childcare specialists. They are very involved in your children’s lives and play a bigger role with your children, food preparation, or education. They usually come with years of experience working with children, and it’s common for them to have a degree in early childhood development or education.
Who is a babysitter?
Most people are familiar with the concept of babysitters or even have experience being one themselves! Perhaps your babysitter is the neighborhood teenager who needs a part-time job. They might be the retired older woman who has raised several children of her own. They could even be a family member who offers to take the child for the evening.
Whatever your relation to these babysitters is, it’s usually a short-term, hourly-paid position. They are usually hired for 3-6 hours at a time and their role consists of basic childcare. For example, a babysitter’s expected role is something along the lines of making dinner, entertaining the kids, and putting them to bed.
Babysitters can be of any age and any experience level. Since this is a casual work relationship, they do not require the experience or training of a nanny. However, these days many parents expect a babysitter to have CPR and first aid certification.
The babysitter will ideally get along well with your children and give them all the nurturing you would while you’re away, but their bond won’t be as strong or long-lasting nanny’s bond.
Pros of babysitters:
Rate — They are often paid an hourly rate based on their experience level. If this is a babysitter’s first job, they will not charge as much as an experienced nanny.
Flexibility — Babysitters are hired as needed, and usually for only a few hours. Date night out or if you have some quick meeting and you need someone to watch your kids.
Trial Run — Can be a good “trial run” before committing to a long-term caregiver. Allows you to assess your child’s comfort level with different caregivers and identify potential personality matches for future needs.
Cons of babysitters:
Lack of training — Babysitters generally are not as specialized or experienced as nannies. At most, they might have CPR and first aid certification.
Less familiar — Because babysitters are not around as much as nannies, they won’t be as involved in your children’s lives. If your children are shy, they may not be as comfortable around their caretaker.
Availability — A younger babysitter probably won’t be available during daytime hours if they’re in school or working another job. Scheduling might be more of a headache.
Who is a nanny?
Nannies are specialized and experienced child caretakers. Because they often studied child development, education or psychology, they have much more training. For most nannies, childcare is a long-term career, not just a part-time gig.
Usually, being a nanny is a full-time position and they will work five days a week, around 40-50 hours. In addition to childcare, they might perform extra duties such as making food, driving children to extracurriculars, or engage in developmental games.
Keep in mind that a nanny hired as your employee, not an independent contractor, so most likely they will be entitled to benefits and you will pay employment taxes.
Nannies often have CPR certification, complete educational courses, and many years of experience. They know how to create a nurturing environment that fosters your child’s well-being.
Pros of nannies:
Specialized training — Nannies are professionals and come with many qualifications and experience. You can feel at ease knowing someone skilled is taking care of your child.
Stability — Because a nanny is around so often, they will provide a consistent nurturing presence in your children’s lives. They can offer more attention and engagement than a babysitter.
Childs’ development — Nannies will often be far more involved in a child’s development. Engage with children via games, reading, exercises, etc.
Cons of nannies:
Personal differences — Parents and nannies might have different styles of childcare or discipline. Nannies will be spending a lot of time with your children and you should be very clear about your parenting style. It’s important to discuss these expectations beforehand and decide whether you will be a good match.
A Professional Relationship — As their employer, you have more legal responsibilities. You will be responsible for your nanny’s taxes and benefits, like sick leave. Because you will need a contract, there is more paperwork and liability.
Cost — Nannies are more expensive than a babysitter due to their extensive training and qualifications. As mentioned above, you are also responsible for their benefits and, depending on your agreement.
Nanny vs. Babysitter – which option is right for you?
Now that we’ve laid out the differences between a nanny vs babysitter, the question becomes: what will work best for you? The choice between a nanny vs a babysitter is ultimately very personal.
Are you looking for someone to be very involved and focused on your children? Maybe your household has two full-time parents and you need consistent assistance with childcare. Perhaps you would feel better knowing your children are with an experienced professional.
Nannies or Babysitters may not always follow this terminology breakdown. There is always some overlap in caretaker roles.
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