What Benefits Should I Offer My Nanny?

Your nanny needs time off just like you do! A nanny is an employee, so offering the benefits you'd expect at your own job is both fair and good for keeping a great caregiver. Here's what we recommend, plus what the data says families typically do.

1. At Least Two Weeks of Paid Vacation

Two weeks is the standard. Care.com calls two weeks of paid vacation typical and suggests it for your nanny. Overall, 69% of nannies in the International Nanny Association's (INA) 2022 survey received at least two weeks of paid time off, a figure that counts sick days, holidays, vacation, and other paid days off together. 

Decide up front how much notice you need for vacation requests, and whether any days are set by your family. Many families pick days they'll be off anyway, like the week around Christmas, so everyone can plan.

2. Three to Five Paid Sick Days

Nannies spend all day with small children, so sick days are inevitable. Paying for them also means your nanny won't feel pressured to show up ill. The INA survey found that 80% of employers include paid sick and personal days, and four or five days is the most common amount.

3. Paid Major Holidays

Paid holidays are a separate benefit from PTO. The INA found 82% of employers provide paid holidays. Families typically offer either all federal holidays or five to seven holidays of their choosing. If the holiday falls on a day your nanny normally works, she's off and still paid.

The most common choices are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Many families add Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving. Write the list into your agreement, and decide what happens if you ask your nanny to work one.

4. Guaranteed Weekly Pay

Guaranteed weekly pay covers your nanny's regular weekly schedule. If you leave work early on Friday and don't need her for her shift, she still gets paid for that time. Your nanny can't pick up other work on short notice, and her bills don't shrink because your plans changed.

Make It Official with a Written Agreement

Whatever you offer, spell out how time off accrues, how much notice is needed, and whether unused days carry over or get paid out. 

In Texas, household employers don't need to pay for unused vacation or sick time unless the employment contract says they do. That makes your agreement the deciding document, so make it clear. 

Why These Benefits Are Worth It

Paid vacation, sick days, paid holidays, and guaranteed pay are the baseline. They show your nanny she's valued, and they support a long-term relationship.