For families
Nanny, sitter, or daycare: what fits your family
The differences between a nanny, a babysitter, an au pair, and daycare, and how to choose the right fit for your family.
What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
A nanny is a professional caregiver who works a regular, ongoing schedule with one family; a babysitter covers occasional hours, such as a date night.
Nannies usually take on more responsibility for the child's routines, development, and daily logistics. Sitters typically cover short, irregular blocks of time.
What is the difference between a nanny and an au pair?
An au pair is a young international participant in a U.S. State Department cultural exchange program who lives with the host family; a nanny is a professional employee who may live in or out.
Au pairs are typically 18 to 26 years old, must live in the family's home, and have weekly hour limits set by the program. Nannies set terms directly with the family, are often more experienced, and are not limited to a program year.
When is daycare a better fit than a nanny?
Daycare can suit families who want a structured group setting, fixed hours, and lower cost per child.
A nanny is usually the better fit when you need flexible hours, care at home, one-on-one attention, help with more than one child, or care for a child who is often sick or very young.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nanny or an au pair better?
It depends on your needs. An au pair lives with you through an exchange program and has hour limits; a nanny is a professional employee with more flexibility and usually more experience.
Does an au pair have to live with the family?
Yes. Au pairs in the U.S. exchange program live with their host family and must have a private bedroom.
Is a nanny more expensive than daycare?
For one child, usually yes. For two or more children, the gap narrows because a nanny's rate covers the whole household.
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