Types Of Nannies

Professional, Permanent, Temporary, Sitter or Babysitter

Professional Nanny - Has at least five years childcare experience, 3 or more of those years being a “Nanny”. The professional nanny will have a great deal of experience, perhaps even some training in child development or education. A professional nanny considers this her career. This is not a job just to get her through college; this will be her job indefinitely.  There are several types of nannies.  The type of nanny you hire varies depending on your lifestyle, work and social commitments, and desires.

Permanent Nanny - A nanny who works for a family 7 months or more.

Temporary Nanny -A nanny who works for a family 6 months or less. Nannies who work on a temporary basis pass the same rigorous screening process as all our "permanent" nannies. Temporary nannys may be called on for any type of service including babysitting.  Temporary nannies often can begin work with as little as a 2 hour notice.

Babysitter or Sitter - A nanny who works for your family sporadically.

Overnight Nanny - A nanny that works for a very short term (usually a 24-hour period)

Live In or Live Out Nanny

Live In Nanny - A childcare provider who lives in your home. A live in nanny provides care for your child/children and handles all child care related chores, including laundry, meal preparation and picking up children's areas. The majority of live in nannies are care for the upkeep of the entire home, including doing errands and accompanying the family on trips.

Live Out Nanny - Has responsibilities similar to a live in nanny but has her own domicile.

Nanny Types

Mother's Helper - When mother returns home from the hospital, she may want/need a mother’s helper.  Families who will hire a mother’s helper have one stay at home parent. Responsibilities would include helping out with the care of the children to light domestic help.

Post Natal Helper / Newborn Specialist  - Is hired to care for a baby on a temporary basis.  A post-natal helper will assist in all newborn needs that take place during the day or night. They will feed, burp, diaper, rock, sing, administer medicine (upon parent’s approval), etc. A post-natal helper may work as little as a week or may work until that new little one is on a regular sleeping schedule. A post-natal helper must have experience with newborns and may have experience with multiples and/or preemies.

Night Nanny - Is a childcare professional who works overnight shifts after the baby arrives home from the hospital. The Night Nanny's responsibilities include caring for the infant(s), bottle-feeding and/or breastfeeding support for the mother, comforting the infant(s), changing diapers, and tidying the nursery. The Night Nanny can also implement a sleep schedule to help infants sleep through the night. Night Nannys may also perform light housework that pertains to the baby: including washing bottles and breast pump equipment, preparing formula for the following day, emptying the diaper pail and helping with the baby's laundry.

A Post Natal Helper - Has more experience than a night nanny.  She can teach the mother how to swaddle, burping positions, bathing routines, and even help with getting the baby on a sleep schedule.  A Post Natal Helper may help with the infant's laundry, and any other required infant care.

Summer Nanny - Work summers on a full time or part-time basis. Summer nannies plan fun activities and outings for children as well as take kids to activities the parents may have scheduled. Most summer nannies are college students or teachers who are interested in caring for children during the summer months. Nannies' salaries vary depending on experience, education, hours needed, number of children and responsibilities. In East Texas, most summer nannies earn between $9-$12 per hour.

Governess - A governess normally watches school age children and is considered more of an educator or tutor. A governess helps the children excel in school, teaches the children when they are not in school, supervises the child's visiting friends, and helps maintain the household.

Personal Assistant / House Manager - May or may not have any childcare duties. The personal assistant is present to assist employers in day to day needs.  A personal assistant may help with light housework, errands, laundry, vacation planning, meal preparation, help in the office, etc.  The house manager may oversee all estate staff, know their responsibilities, and follow through to be sure the staff meet expectations.  A house manager assures the house "runs" smoothly leaving you freed from household responsibilities.