What to Think Through Before Hiring a Nanny

Hiring a nanny is an attractive option if you:

• Have a job that requires travel, has unpredictable shifts or long hours, offers no flexibility if your child is sick (think: surgeon, physician, etc.)

• Want to have 1:1 specialized care for your child

• Are able to afford the going rate for qualified caregivers

• Want to have oversight over enrichment, care, and daily activities

• Want a consistent caregiver who becomes an “extra parent” for your child

But before you start looking for a nanny, there are some things you should consider. 

Cost

The cost of a nanny is typically considerably higher than the cost of daycare. In the DFW area (as of 2026), the cost of a qualified nanny is $25-$35/hr. The First Milestones recommends a minimum of $25/hr while many positions we post are averaging $27/hr. 

Factor in a 40 hour week and employer tax responsibilities and your weekly cost for a nanny is ~ $1100 per week, or $4400 per month.

Hidden costs of nannies:

• Payroll 

• Employer taxes

• Nanny agency fees, if using a nanny agency

• Nanny benefits, including PTO, sick days, paid holidays

• Annual or holiday bonus

• Cost of backup care

The cost of daycare for an infant 5 days a week is $1500 - $2000 monthly. 

Hidden costs of daycare: 

• Registration and materials/supplies fees

• Time off work when baby is sick

• Cost of backup care

Consistency of Care

One of the benefits of having a nanny is that you reliably have one person caring for your child, and this becomes a really special bond. On the other hand, your child may interact with many caregivers in a daycare setting, and this can also be beneficial. Your child may learn to be more comfortable with 

If your child is sick and if your nanny has agreed to provide sick care, you don’t have to worry about taking time off when your child gets sick. On the other hand, if your nanny gets sick, you may be without care.

Quality of Care

It would be unfair to make a blanket statement that a nanny would provide better care than a daycare provider; many daycares have excellent programs and provide age-appropriate enrichment and learning opportunities. They also offer built-in socialization opportunities. The primary difference is that, as a nanny employer, you have more oversight and input on day-to-day care and activities. And you have the ability to hire a new caregiver if your current one is not meeting your expectations, whereas changing daycares or asking for a new teacher may not be a viable option.

Parenting Style

It can be hard to define or know what your parenting style is if you’re a first time parent. But if you’re like most of our families, you have a general idea of what you’d like your parenting style to be. When you are looking for childcare, it’s important to define at least a few parenting preferences. For example:

• How do you feel about screen time?

• Will you try to have an established eat/play/sleep schedule, or will you be more child-led in your day-to-day routine?

• Do you prioritize safety above all else, or do you have room for some calculated risk to allow children to learn about natural consequences?

• Do you enjoy being outdoors and want your child to spend time outdoors, or do you prefer to be indoors and would like your nanny to create an engaging environment within your home?

• Are you introverted, or extroverted? Do you prefer someone who matches your personality or balances it?

• Do you want someone with an energy level that matches yours, or do you prefer someone who balances out your energy?

At the end of the day, choosing between a nanny and daycare comes down to what works best for your family's budget, routine, and parenting goals. While hiring a nanny gives you one-on-one care, schedule flexibility, and direct input, it also means managing higher costs and employer duties. By figuring out what matters most to you upfront, you'll be well-prepared to make the right choice for your family.