05 Nov Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Hiring a Nanny in Nairobi
Hiring a nanny is more than just finding someone to watch your children, it’s about trust, safety, and compatibility. A good nanny becomes part of your family’s daily life, and asking the right questions before hiring ensures you find someone reliable, caring, and professional.
At In Nairobi Nanny, we help families in Nairobi navigate this process smoothly. This guide outlines the essential questions every parent should ask, tips for spotting red flags, and how to make the hiring process stress-free.
Step 1: Start With the Basics
Before you dive into personality or skills, make sure the candidate meets your basic requirements.
Basic questions to ask:
- What is your full name and age?
- Are you legally allowed to work in Kenya?
- How many years of experience do you have as a nanny?
- Have you worked with children of the same age as mine?
- Can you provide references from past employers?
These initial questions quickly filter out candidates who don’t meet your core needs.
Step 2: Childcare Experience and Skills
Next, dig deeper into the nanny’s experience and skill set. This helps you know if she can handle your child’s specific needs.
Questions to ask:
- Can you describe a typical day in your previous nanny role?
- How do you handle tantrums or challenging behavior?
- Are you trained in first aid or CPR?
- Have you cared for children with special needs or allergies?
- What activities do you usually plan for children’s development?
The answers give you insight into the nanny’s knowledge, patience, and approach to child development.
Step 3: Personality and Compatibility
Even if a nanny is experienced, personality matters. Children respond best to caregivers they feel comfortable with.
Key questions:
- How would you describe your style of caregiving?
- How do you handle stressful situations with children?
- Are you comfortable following family rules and routines?
- How do you communicate with parents about the child’s day?
Observe tone, body language, and confidence. A nanny who is calm, warm, and responsive usually builds better bonds with children.
Step 4: Daily Duties and Responsibilities
Clarifying duties upfront prevents misunderstandings later.
Questions to cover:
- Are you willing to help with light household chores?
- Can you prepare meals or snacks for the children?
- Are you comfortable with school drop-offs/pick-ups?
- How do you handle screen time, playtime, and nap schedules?
Make sure the nanny’s expectations align with yours — this avoids frustration and turnover.
Step 5: Emergency Preparedness
A trustworthy nanny knows how to handle emergencies calmly.
Questions to ask:
- Have you ever dealt with a medical emergency? What did you do?
- Are you trained in CPR or first aid?
- How would you handle a situation if a child gets injured while alone with you?
- Do you know when and how to contact parents or medical help?
The answers show readiness, responsibility, and critical thinking — all essential traits in a nanny.
Step 6: Work History and References
Checking work history and talking to references is one of the most important steps.
Questions to ask:
- Why did you leave your last nanny job?
- How long did you work for your previous families?
- Can we contact your previous employers?
- Were there any challenges in your previous roles, and how did you handle them?
Call references and ask the same questions — honesty and consistency matte
Step 7: Availability and Flexibility
Make sure the nanny’s availability matches your schedule.
Questions to ask:
- What days and hours are you available?
- Are you open to occasional overtime?
- Can you commit to a long-term arrangement?
- Are you comfortable with live-in or live-out arrangements?
Clear communication about schedules upfront prevents conflicts later.
Step 8: Salary and Benefits
Discussing salary and benefits ensures expectations are aligned.
Questions to ask:
- What is your expected salary?
- Are you comfortable with our payment schedule?
- Do you require any additional benefits (transport, meals, leave)?
- How do you prefer salary adjustments over time?
Being upfront about pay avoids confusion or disputes later.
Step 9: Red Flags to Watch
Even with answers in hand, trust your instincts. Some warning signs include:
- Refusing to provide references or contact details
- Being vague about previous work
- Unwilling to discuss training or emergency handling
- Focused only on salary without discussing duties
If you notice multiple red flags, consider moving on to other candidates.
Step 10: Use an Agency for Extra Peace of Mind
Hiring through a professional agency like In Nairobi Nanny adds safety and convenience. We handle:
- Screening and verification of nannies
- Background and reference checks
- Placement that matches your family’s needs
- Ongoing support after hiring
This means less stress for parents and more confidence that the nanny is professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
Closing Thoughts
Asking the right questions before hiring a nanny in Nairobi protects your family, saves time, and ensures a harmonious relationship between your children and caregiver.
From experience and skills to personality, emergency preparedness, and availability, every detail counts. At In Nairobi Nanny, we guide families through this process — helping you find the perfect nanny quickly, safely, and reliably.
Contact us today and let us help you bring the right nanny into your home — someone your children will love and you can trust.
Call/Whats App: +254 708518470
Website: https://nairobynanny.co.ke
Email: info@nairobynanny.com
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