Nannies look after your children in your home. A nanny would expect to be responsible as a prime carer for your children, and this should extend to keeping their rooms clean, washing and ironing their clothes and shopping for and preparing their meals. Some parents reduce the costs by getting together with another parent and having a nanny share, whereby two families use the same nanny. As well as cutting costs, it also provides the children with a playmate.

• Nannies either have a recognised childcare qualification, or are qualified by experience in all aspects of childcare
• You should feel more confident leaving your young baby with a trained nanny when you first return to work
• Your child stays in familiar surroundings while you go out. This means no dressing the baby or preparation of changing bags before you leave for work, and your child will be ready for bed if you’re late home
• Your baby is cared for by only one person
• If your baby is ill, the nanny will care for him at home
• You determine the hours your nanny works: many nannies are prepared to do very early starts and/or late finishes

• If you employ a live-in nanny, you should consider the impact of having someone else living with you
• Your nanny is your employee, and as such you will have to pay her salary, tax and National Insurance
• It is not necessary for a nanny to be registered under the Children Act, therefore it’s important that you follow up references
• You may find a nanny an expensive option if she is looking after just one child. If you have two or more children, or you share a nanny, you may find this is cheaper than using a nursery or even a childminder

Where to next?

• Choosing childcare - your options.
• How to spot a great nursery.
• How to choose a great childminder.
• Keeping it in the family - our article explores the issue of family looking after baby, further.