The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Nanny vs. a Babysitter

Making the right choice from the available options for childcare is one of the most important decisions parents can make. Hiring a nanny or a babysitter is usually one of the major choices parents face. When deciding which one to choose, understanding the differences between how each of them carries out their duties and the unique benefits they offer, can help you make the right choice for your family.

Working as a caregiver, the nanny takes on the responsibility of looking after the children while the parent is away at work. They are the primary care-giver of the children and take charge of all their needs. The nanny is expected to serve the children meals, take charge of their homework and pick up after them.

The babysitter, on the other hand, assumes the role of a guardian while the parents are away. However, they do not undertake the normal and everyday responsibilities of a caregiver. They have different duties such as putting the children to bed and watching over them while they sleep.

Expertise and Training

Professional Nannies:

Probably the most advantageous aspect of hiring a professional nanny is their level of training and expertise. In fact, most professional nannies have a degree or certificate in child development, early childhood education, or a related field. In addition to their coursework, many nannies are certified in CPR, First Aid, and other emergency procedures. Most go through training programs that prepare them to deal with a variety of childcare situations including nutrition, behavioral issues, and so forth.

Babysitters:

Babysitters provide a more generalized childcare service, are usually younger – think high-school or college students – and often aren’t professionally trained. Yes, many babysitters are very good at caring for children, protecting them from harm and keeping them entertained for the few hours that you are out – but they probably don’t have the advanced skill-set of a professional nanny.

Consistency and Stability

Professional Nannies:

Professionals are usually more reliable and consistent. Nannies are typically hired on a live-in or live-out basis, which makes them a regular part of life. Stability is child’s emotional and psychological development as it enables emotional attachments and security

Babysitters:

Babysitters are often hired to help out parents on a short stay with a family for an evening when they are attending an event. Since they don’t work on a family basis, the level of bonds with the kids they deep.

Personalized Childcare

Professional Nannies:

A nanny who reflects the specific needs of your family is more likely to be someone you enjoy spending time with and whose skills complement yours.

Babysitters:

Babysitters are great at keeping kids entertained and safe for short spans of time, but they usually don’t have time and energy to offer child-specific, highly developmentally oriented activities. Interactions are geared more towards immediate, short-term needs rather than long-range developmental goals.

Household Responsibilities

Professional Nannies:

In addition to caring for the children, many professional nannies will do household tasks such as preparing healthy meals and helping with homework. They may also drive the kids to school or other activities.

Babysitters:

Although babysitters might help with some housework, they tend not to get involved with much more than watching the children.

Long-term Engagement

Professional Nannies:

Because hiring a nanny is such a major investment, most people look for a permanent employee. Many nannies stay with families for several years, even becoming an extension of the family. This kind of stability is particularly important for children, who gain the most from continuity and ongoing relationships.

Babysitters:

Babysitters may be less steady than nannies because they are more likely to be hired for occasional childcare. Although some babysitters may become regular fixtures in your family’s life, it is harder to hire the same person all the time unless you personally know your babysitter.

Cost Considerations

Professional Nannies:

Most professional nannies are more expensive than babysitters because they have more training and experience. They are educated and professionally trained to deal with babies, children and young teenagers. They can offer parents a broader range of services, including accompanying their kids to school and after-school activities, and even informal counseling and tutoring. Above all, parents feel safer and more relaxed knowing that their children are in good hands and in the care of an expert.

Babysitters:

The main reason babysitters are used is that they are much cheaper which makes them an attractive option for parents who need occasional care. They are especially useful if you need childcare for a short time as you do not have the financial commitments that come with a nanny.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you have to examine your family’s individual needs and circumstances to decide which is the best fit for your family. If you need the occasional weekend or evening here and there, a babysitter probably works better for you. If you require a more skilled, educated, and long-term caregiver then the professional nanny is going to be the better choice. The more you understand what each option provides, make a decision that helps goals.