Nannies and Babysitters - An Ocean Apart!

Very often these terms are used loosely and seem interchangeable. Not true! A nanny is a professional and is always an adult and she works only for a single household. Babysitters, on the other hand, can be your neighbor’s school going teen, coming in for a few hours whenever you need to leave your kids behind at home. This is a good way for them to earn the extra bucks. Of course, there are also older adults who will babysit but this is always a temporary affair and they do not need to have any qualifications and you trust them to keep your kids happy and safe while you are away.
A Nanny is a Legitimate Job
A nanny is a career and like any other career comes with its own skill sets. Unlike in the case of a babysitter who can plonk the children in front of the television set and make sure they have eaten and put them to bed when it’s their bedtime. A nanny, does everything from planning educational activities, helping with homework, cooking nutritional meals, providing discipline when necessary to driving children to and from activities.
She is often certified in CPR and first aid and has skill sets to teach and supervise children with special needs. Since she is the most often with the child, she has a vital part to play in the growth and development of a child. Nannies go through interview procedures just as in any other job.
She earns a weekly/monthly salary and has taxes deducted from her pay check. She is entitled to 2 weeks of paid vacation. She could live in with the family or be a live-out nanny.
Nanny Skills and Qualifications
A nanny is an educated childcare professional and needs to have passed her high school equivalent as well as taken advanced courses in early childhood education. She needs to be certified in CPR and first-aid as well as trained in child nutrition. She should have a professional nanny certification. Since they are in your house and are unsupervised, it would be best to ensure they have had a background check included in the details they provide you.
Make sure references are provided if you are hiring a nanny. When it comes to a babysitter unless you know them personally, it would be best to talk to another family they have babysat for.
Take the next step toward your goals
Share your requirement and find the best care providers in your area
-
Looking for a caretaker’s job? Build your profile and get in touch with families in your vicinity.
-
Discover nannies, babysitters, cooks, housekeepers, pet sitters, and elder care under one roof.
-
Get all the support you need to run a successful care center.
-
Search for appropriate centers near you depending on your needs.
Care Corner Insights: Blog Library

Nanny vs. Daycare in Naperville, IL: What Works Best for Indian Working Couples?
Hey Naperville Parents! Balancing work and family life is no small feat—especially for Indian working couples trying to juggle careers, household responsibilities, and parenting. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face? Choosing between a nanny or

Housekeepers in Sugar Land, TX: Deep-Cleaning Checklists for Indian Homes
Housekeepers in Sugar Land, TX: Deep-Cleaning Checklists for Indian Homes Indian cooking = flavor + spices + love… but also oil splatters and stubborn stains. Time to reset! Degrease stovetops, chimneys, and exhaust fans. Scrub countertops, tiles,

12 Easy After-School Snack Ideas for Kids Who Get Hungry Quickly
School’s out, and the hunger hits hard! If your little ones come home ravenous and ready to raid the kitchen, you’re not alone. After-school snack time is prime time for refueling, recharging, and maybe even sneaking in a little nutrition. So here ar

Vegetarian Home Cook Services in Sunnyvale, CA: North & South Indian Meal Prep for Busy NRIs
Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, finding time to cook fresh meals can be difficult. That’s when a vegetarian home cook service in Sunnyvale makes life easier—bringing authentic North and South Indian dishes straight to your table. T

Hiring a Live-In Nanny in Plano, TX: A Practical Guide for NRI Households
For NRI families living in Plano, TX, raising children while managing work and household responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Many parents find that hiring a live-in nanny provides the right balance of support, convenience, and cultural comfort. U

Daycares in Fremont, CA for Indian Toddlers: Curriculum, Food Policies & Waitlists
You’ve probably met them — the parents at the park chatting about Montessori vs. play-based learning while handing their toddler a homemade paratha. The ones who ask every daycare in Fremont if they serve vegetarian meals. And yes, the ones who have

Babysitters in Jersey City, NJ for NRI Parents: Last-Minute, Weekend & Evening Options
You’ve probably seen them — the parents juggling grocery bags in one hand and a phone call to grandma in India in the other, while trying to keep their toddler from running into the road. The ones who cancel dinner plans because the babysitter bailed

Best Nanny Services in Edison, NJ for Indian Families: Costs, Language, and Cultural Fit
Edison, NJ, is home to one of the largest Indian communities in the U.S., and finding a nanny here often means looking for more than just childcare skills. For Indian families, cultural understanding, language fluency, and traditional values play a b

What Is Helicopter Parenting? How It Affects Children and Ways to Avoid It
You’ve probably seen them. The parents at the playground who shadow every move, wiping invisible germs off the slide before their child touches it. The ones who fill out job applications for their teens. And yes, the ones who email college professors

Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Children? Pros and Cons Explained
Weighted blankets have become a cozy trend in recent years. From helping adults sleep better to calming anxiety, they’ve earned a spot in many households. But when it comes to kids, especially the little ones, parents often ask: Are weighted blankets