Nanny interview questions: What to ask to find the best fit for your family

When hiring a nanny and entrusting a stranger with the care and well-being of your children, there are never too many questions to ask during the interview. Asking the right questions helps you find someone who meets your practical needs and fits your family’s values and lifestyle. 

To assist, we’ve put together these nanny interview questions, sourced from experienced nannies, parents, and hiring managers.

Basic interview questions for a nanny 

Why are you interested in this job?

This nanny interview question will help you understand their motivations and determine whether they are genuinely interested in the position rather than just needing a job. The nanny’s answer will reveal whether they meet your specific job requirement or they’re just applying generically. 

Why did you choose a nannying career?

This highlights the nanny’s long-term commitment and passion for childcare versus viewing it as a temporary job. Look for answers that emphasize genuine care for children’s growth.

What do you enjoy most about working with children?

Identify their strengths and whether they match your child’s personality or needs. For instance, if they thrive on creativity but your child needs routine, it might signal a potential mismatch.

How long have you been a nanny, and what age groups are you most comfortable with?

Confirm their experience level and expertise with your child’s age (e.g., newborns vs. teens). A nanny who’s only worked with school-aged kids might struggle with infants.

Qualifications and experience

Are you CPR and first aid certified?

This ensures the nanny has basic emergency response skills. Can they handle situations where immediate care might be needed, such as choking or injury? Up-to-date certifications reflect a commitment to safety.

Do you have any formal childcare training or education?

This question assesses the nanny’s level of formal education in child care, such as early childhood education (ECE), child development, or any other relevant qualifications. It reveals foundational knowledge, milestones, and best practices beyond hands-on experience.

How many years of nannying or childcare experience do you have, and how long have you stayed with one family?

What’s the rationale of this nanny interview question? It gauges experience depth and reliability. A candidate with years of experience will have refined their skills more than someone with less experience. Additionally, long-term roles suggest trustworthiness and adaptability to family dynamics.

Have you ever dealt with an urgent situation? How did you handle it?

This assesses real-world crisis management. You want to know if the nanny has experience dealing with medical emergencies, especially if your child has any special needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions. Look for calm, clear actions, for example “I administered an EpiPen and called 911”.

Are you comfortable driving children? Do you have a valid license and a clean driving record?

Driving is critical if the role requires school pickups or activities. A clean record minimizes safety risks.

Can you provide references from previous families you’ve worked with?

References are essential for validating their experience. A good reference will give you insights into their work ethic, reliability, and how they interact with children and families. It also adds a layer of trustworthiness to the candidate.

Handling challenges and work experience

What was your most recent position, and what was your daily routine?

This will help you understand the nanny's experience and how they structure their days with children. It will also reveal their organizational skills and adaptability when plans change.

How do you handle challenging situations like tantrums or crying babies?

You’ll want insight into the nanny’s patience and problem-solving skills. Explore whether the nanny has strategies to stay calm and knows age-appropriate soothing techniques (e.g., toddler distraction and swaddling for infants).

How do you handle a child who refuses to follow directions or is defiant?

Probe the nanny’s approach to discipline and whether they have a balanced approach. For example, can they set clear boundaries while remaining empathetic to the child’s needs? Look for methods that align with your values (e.g., natural consequences vs. time-ins).

What do you do if a child refuses to eat or is picky about food?

This nanny interview question helps you understand how the nanny would manage mealtime struggles. You want someone who can encourage healthy eating habits without causing frustration or conflict.

How do you manage conflicts between siblings or children who don’t get along?

The answer will highlight conflict-resolution strategies. Does the nanny encourage communication, enforce fairness, or redirect attention? How will they promote positive behavior and foster cooperation among children?

Caregiving style and compatibility

What kinds of activities or play do you most enjoy doing with children?

This reveals the nanny’s caregiving style and creativity. It helps you understand if they prioritize outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, reading, educational games, or STEM activities. The answer also indicates whether their interests align with your child’s personality and family values.

How do you approach discipline? Can you give an example of how you’ve handled a behavioral issue?

From this answer, you can assess if their methods of discipline (e.g., time-outs, natural consequences, positive reinforcement) match your parenting style. You also want to know how they communicate issues or concerns with parents. Are they open, proactive, and willing to work together to manage behavior and set boundaries? Look for consistency and calmness in their approach.

How do you handle situations where you and the parents have different approaches to childcare?

This will test adaptability, compatibility, and communication. It also reveals respect for boundaries. A good nanny should be adaptable and willing to work with the parents to ensure consistency. They’ll follow your guidelines even if they have to do things differently.

How do you communicate with parents about difficult situations (e.g., behavioral issues or accidents)?

Evaluate the level of transparency and communication style. Does the nanny share concerns promptly and constructively or avoid tough conversations?

What to consider when hiring a nanny

When you’re interviewing a nanny, assess qualities beyond technical skills and experience. Here’s what to look for in a nanny:

• Reliability: A reliable nanny shows up on time, consistently follows through on responsibilities, and can be counted on in both routine and unexpected situations.
• Flexibility: Look out for willingness to schedule changes, last-minute requests, children's moods, and occasional changes in plans. 
• Communication: You want someone who can clearly express concerns, give updates about the child’s day, and be comfortable discussing tough topics (e.g., behavioral issues) respectfully.
• Trustworthiness: You should feel comfortable leaving your children with the nanny. The nanny should respect your privacy, follow your rules, and be reliable. The nanny should also be calm under pressure (e.g., tantrums, sibling fights, and clinginess) and effectively manage stress without taking frustrations out on the child.
• Safety consciousness: A safety-conscious nanny would prioritize childproofing, hygiene, and emergency preparedness and be proactive about minimizing risks (e.g., safe driving and allergy management).

Questions you cannot ask during a nanny interviewWhile it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about a nanny’s qualifications, salary expectations, experience, and caregiving style, some personal topics are off-limits during the interview. They are irrelevant to job performance and could expose you to legal risks. Here are a few examples:

• Age: “How old are you?” or “When did you graduate?” are a no-no. Instead, ask about years of experience.
• Marital status: “Are you married?” or “Do you have kids or plan to have kids?” are inappropriate. Rather, ask, “Can you commit to a long-term role with our family?” or “Do you have any personal commitments that might affect your availability?”
• Religion, race, or nationality: Avoid questions like “What’s your ethnicity?” or “What is your religion?” at all costs. Instead, ask something like, “Are you comfortable following our dietary/cultural routines?”
• Financial status: Instead of asking “How much do you earn?”, ask something like, “What are your salary expectations for this role?”

Red flags to look out for when interviewing a nannyWhen interviewing a nanny, the goal is to assess whether they fit well with the family's expectations and your child's personality. It’s equally important to watch for potential red flags indicating future challenges.Some of them are:

• Defensiveness when asked about past roles or mistakes.
• Vague answers about experience or discipline methods.
• Inconsistencies in their experience or references.
• Lack of curiosity about your child’s needs or routines.
• Discomfort with parental involvement and regular communication.
• Overly negative or criticizing past employers.
• Lack of references or unwillingness to provide them.
• Inflexibility or resistance to family values.
• Overly eager to please.

Wrapping up your nanny interview questions: Finding the right fitBy asking the right nanny interview questions, you'll be able to identify the best caregiver for your family. Pay attention to both the answers and the overall interaction. With careful consideration, you'll find someone who fits well with your values and provides the care your child deserves.