1. Interview and Observation

Explore why this nanny wants to be a nanny. Has she been a nanny before? What makes her interested in your particular job vs. somebody else’s job. 
How does the nanny feel about working long hours? Being a full time nanny is much different from part time nanny responsibilities, babysitting or working at a pre-school/day care. 
Is the nanny genuine and sincere? Is she warm, caring, attentive and responsive to your child?

Take enough time to get to know her. Most interviews are at least an hour long. See if she is comfortable with your family and if she is trying to make a connection with your child during the interview. 
Does she give you a resume, and reference phone numbers? Does she seem organized?
 Did the nanny look you in the eye or look up or away when she was answering your questions? Even if the nanny is telling the truth, it may say that she isn’t the best in the communication department.
2. Ask all potential nannies to give you examples of the following:

• Types of activities they will do with your child
• How they will entertain your child
• What they like to do with children in general, and the types of things they did at their last nanny job
• How they would discipline your child
• How would they handle naps, as well as eating and toilet training
• How would they handle an emergency
• What types of medication is o.k. and not o.k. to give your child (this is a trick question, since any and all medicines should be o.k.ed with the parents first!)

3. Ask a lot of “what if” questions. For example:

• What if my child cries all day?
• What if my child refuses to eat? Nap?
• What if my child is sick?
• What if my child has a temper tantrum?
• What if my child hits you?

4. Always check references and work history

5. Be sure to background check your nanny.

6. Trust your instincts! Hire someone that you like and who you click with. This person will become part of your family. And, of course, hire someone whom your children like.

7. Once you have found a good nanny, remember to:

• Check all references thoroughly.
• Run a National background check and a Department of Motor Vehicles report (you can tell a lot from a person’s DMV report i.e. if they have a lot of tickets they may be impatient or irresponsible…)
• Make sure your nanny has current CPR and First Aid certification. Make sure it has not expired.
• Make sure you speak with a professional about nanny taxes and what your responsibilities are.
• Fill out a work agreement with her. This will make all job responsibilities clear and get you off to a good start.
• Communicate on a regular basis, and ask her how she likes her job . Give your nanny praise and appreciation when it is deserved.
• Stop by unexpectedly during the first 1-2 weeks.
• Ask your child how they like the nanny and how they think she is doing.
• Give your nanny a raise every 6 months and do little things for her. This will show her how happy you are with her and let her know that she is doing a great job!

Remember, good nanny care is based on communication and partnership! Your child is the most important thing to you, so put effort into establishing a healthy relationship with the person who will be with your prized possession!

Click Here for Nanny Care’s sample interview questions.