Live-in vs live-out nanny: which choice is best for your family? When it comes to hiring a nanny, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire a live-in or live-out nanny. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice you make will depend on your family’s needs and preferences. Factors to consider when considering a live-in vs live-out nanny would be: potential accommodations for the nanny, childcare hours needed, flexibility needs, privacy needs. Let’s consider the differences between a live-in vs. live-out nanny.
Live-in Nanny
A live-in nanny is a nanny who lives with the family they work for. They typically have their own room or suite. They may or may not share a bathroom with the children they care for, depending on the nanny’s preferences and family’s housing options. While they do still have set work hours and are not typically on-call to provide childcare at any moment, live-in nannies may be able to offer more flexible hours for parents who have varying childcare needs. They may also be sometimes available for last-minute or emergency childcare needs (to be compensated in addition to their standard salary). A live-in nanny may be available to provide household manager tasks in addition to their childcare responsibilities, particularly if the children are of school age.
Here are some typical roles and responsibilities of a live-in nanny:
- Providing full-time childcare for the family’s children
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children
- Light housekeeping related to the children’s care such as children’s laundry, dishes, and tidying toys
- Transportation to/from school or extracurricular activities
- Accompanying the family on vacations or trips
- Helping with homework
- Being available for emergencies or unexpected situations
Pros of a live-in nanny
- More flexibility in scheduling – can be available for unusual or emergency hours
- May be a better fit for parents who travel often or have non-standard work hours
- Can provide more support for the family
- May be available to provide last-minute childcare
- May be more cost-effective than a live-out nanny, depending on the family’s childcare needs
Cons of a live-in nanny
- May be less privacy for the family
- May be more difficult to separate work and personal life
- May require additional living expenses for the nanny
Live-out Nanny
A live-out nanny is a nanny who does not live with the family they work for. They commute to work and typically work during set recurring hours, such as weekday business hours. They typically do not provide overnight care, though they may be available to occasionally provide additional or overnight care (to be compensated as overtime). They be be available to travel with the family for vacations, but it’s not typically an expectation. They may be available to provide additional household manager tasks while the children are in school.
Here are some typical roles of a live-out nanny:
- Providing part-time or full-time childcare for the family’s children
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children
- Light housekeeping related to the children’s care such as children’s laundry, dishes, and tidying toys
- Transportation to/from school or extracurricular activities
- Helping with homework
Pros of a live-out nanny
- More privacy for the family
- Family does not need to provide accommodations
- Easier to separate work and personal life
- May be a better fit for parents who have set, consistent childcare needs
- May be more cost-effective for families who only need part-time care
Cons of a live-out nanny
- Less flexibility in scheduling
- Can provide less support for the family
- May require additional transportation costs for the nanny
- May not be available for emergencies or unexpected situations
Live-in vs Live-out nanny: Which choice is best for your family?
The choice between a live-in or live-out nanny will depend on your family’s needs and preferences. It will also depend on your housing arrangements – if you’re considering hiring a live-in nanny, you’ll need to have adequate accommodations for the nanny.
If you have housing available and need more flexibility in scheduling and want more support for your family, a live-in nanny may be the best choice. If you value privacy and want to separate work and personal life, a live-out nanny may be the best choice.
Family Requirements for a Live-in Nanny vs a Live-out Nanny
Live-in and live-out nannies have different requirements. A live-in nanny requires their own accommodations within the home (or on the property). They may also require additional living expenses for the nanny. Live-in nannies are still expected to be compensated at an industry standard salary, without deductions for room and board, since the primary reason for a nanny to live-in with a family is for the family’s convenience.
On the flip side, live-out nannies will not require accommodations or additional living expenses. However they may require additional transportation costs, if stated in your contract. If you’re asking your either type of nanny to drive your children to school or activities, they may require the use of the family’s vehicle. This can help prevent wear and tear on your nanny’s vehicle and reduce liability.
Compensation for a live-in nanny vs a live-out nanny:
What is the difference in compensation for live-in vs live-out nannies? There may not be discernible differences in compensation for live-in vs live-out nannies. Nannies are expected to be paid a competitive rate within the nanny industry standard specific to your location, that reflects their training, experience, and responsibilities. When considering which type of nanny to hire, it’s best to focus on aspects other than financial, as there may not be major differences. Whether a live-in nanny or live-out nanny is more cost-effective for your family depends on the individual candidates your are considering and your family’s childcare needs. Depending on your state, overtime may not be required for live-in employees.
Hire a Nanny Today
In conclusion, the choice between a live-in and live-out nanny will depend on your family’s needs and preferences. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision. By hiring the right nanny for your family, you can ensure that your children receive the care and attention they need while you focus on your work and other responsibilities.
At Nanny Poppins we’ve helped countless families find the perfect nanny for their family for over 25 years. Learn more about our placement process and complete a family registration form to start your search for the perfect nanny today.
