A nanny is an individual hired to take care of one of more children in a household. They are employed by the guardians of the children to take care of them, usually long-term. A nanny might live in the same home as the kids or come to the house to take care of them frequently. Unlike a babysitter, a nanny is usually not used for a short-term job.

What duties can a nanny perform?

A nanny's primary duty is to care for and watch over the children of the family they work for. In addition, they might make meals for the children, do laundry, clean the home, drive kids to and from school and other activities, and anything else agreed upon between the nanny and their employer.

What is the cost of hiring a nanny?

There are many factors that play into the cost of a nanny. Some factors include how many hours a day they work, how many children they care for, what responsibilities they perform while they are working, qualifications, and more. It is not uncommon for nannies to be paid an hourly rate bi-weekly or once a month. For a live-in nanny who works every day, it is also possible to agree to pay on a salary basis. Different nannies come with different rates that they usually choose themselves.

How do I choose the best nanny for my children?

To choose the best nanny, start by thinking about the qualities you want in a trustworthy nanny. Do you want them to be first aid certified? Do they need a driver's license? Do your kids feel most comfortable with a male or female? Narrowing down some basic requirements you set will help as you browse through the list of candidates. From there you can read their bios, message with them, and then interview them to see who you feel most comfortable with.

What ages of kids do nannies take care of?

Nannies can watch over kids who are infants all the way up to teenagers. You'll want to make sure that the nanny you hire has a history of working with children the same ages that you have. Some nannies are specifically qualified to work with infants and they know how to safely feed them, put them down for naps, and provide first aid if necessary.

What is the difference between a nanny and an au pair?

By definition, au pairs are young people who come from overseas to care for young children. They come on a cultural exchange visa to enter a country legally. Nannies are anyone within your home country who are qualified to take care of children either part-time or full-time. They are paid according to the country's standards, whereas an au pair receives pocket money from the host family.

Are all nannies required to have background checks?

Unfortunately, not all nanny agencies require their candidates to have background checks. However, most of them allow the option for employers to run them. It's important to review the background check of a nanny before hiring them or run one of your own. This will ensure an added level of safety for your children.

Can I conduct a trial run on the nanny I'm interested in?

Many companies allow you to have a nanny come to your home and work on a trial basis. This short period allows your kids to get to know the nanny and express to you how comfortable they are with them and see if they get along well. It also lets the nanny know if they think they will work well with the kids and be able to accomplish all of their responsibilities safely.

Best Nanny Agencies for February 2026

Item: The Best Nanny Agencies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, February 14th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Nanny Agency Reviews

Where is the best place to find a great nanny agency? In today's fast-paced world, more families are turning to nanny agencies to help manage the demands of work, home, and childcare. There's so much that goes into caring for a family, and sometimes having an extra set of hands around to help can make your day-to-day significantly easier.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Nanny Lane

Expected hourly rate around $16.42
Monthly membership fee of $30 to $60
Browse 300+ nannies

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Nanny Lane website

Nanny Lane is a modern online nanny agency that connects families with hundreds of local caregivers through an easy-to-use platform. The site highlights which nannies have verified background checks and offers two paid membership plans that include messaging, interviews, and optional hiring support. Nanny Lane has a strong 4.4-star average on Trustpilot and a large selection of qualified nannies that make it a reliable and well-liked option for families seeking flexible childcare. This is our #1 pick among nanny agencies.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Care

Hourly rates from $16 to $50 per hour
Monthly membership fee (required to contact nannies) between $12.95 and $38.95 per month
100+ suggested nannies in test area

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Care website

Care is an all-in-one nanny agency platform that helps families find local nannies, tutors, and other caregivers with detailed filters and built-in background checks. Every nanny listed on Care is screened for criminal history, and members can view full reports for added peace of mind. With hourly rates at competitive prices, Care remains a reliable and secure option for finding trusted childcare in your area.

3.5

GOOD

Good

The Nanny League

Hourly rates start at $30 to $35
No membership costs
18% job fee of nanny's gross salary paid to The Nanny League

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GOOD

3.5

On the The Nanny League website

The Nanny League is a premium nanny agency known for matching families with highly educated, professional caregivers across the US. Every nanny goes through a detailed screening process that includes background checks, first-aid certifications, and training through Stop the Silence for child safety. While The Nanny League is praised for its privacy standards and personalized matching, the lack of verified online reviews and higher pricing keep it from landing as one of our top two picks, but it remains a competitive choice.

3.4

GOOD

Good

Nanny Authority

Expected yearly stipend of $55k to $150k
Submit application and wait for a match
Background checks for all nannies

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GOOD

3.4

On the Nanny Authority website

Nanny Authority is a long-established nanny agency that has been helping families find qualified caregivers since 1962. Every nanny must meet strict requirements, including at least three years of experience, a clean driving record, and a one-year commitment, which helps ensure professional and reliable matches. While Nanny Authority's process takes longer than most (because it requires submitting an application and waiting for contact), its strong reputation, careful screening, and positive customer feedback make it a trusted option for long-term childcare.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Nanny Poppinz

Costs from $100 to $2,000 per week
No membership fees
Nanny Poppinz chooses nannies for you

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Nanny Poppinz website

Nanny Poppinz is a nationwide nanny agency that connects families with fully vetted caregivers across 49 states and charges no membership fees to get started. Every nanny goes through a detailed screening process that includes interviews, background checks, and reference verification, all handled directly by the agency. While Nanny Poppinz has an "A+" BBB rating and strong security standards, the limited customer feedback online makes it difficult to gauge consistency across locations.

2.9

AVERAGE

Average

Hello Nanny

Hourly rates start from $15 per hour
On-site advertising (required) for $450 per quarter
Job-board style where nannies approach you

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AVERAGE

2.9

On the Hello Nanny website

Hello Nanny focuses on creating a personalized and secure experience for families looking to hire a nanny, offering background checks, contracts, and interviews for an added fee. The platform includes an app that helps users manage hiring and communicate safely without revealing personal details until a nanny is hired. While Hello Nanny has an "A+" BBB rating and a professional team, its $450 quarterly listing fee and limited online reviews make it a pricey option compared to more popular nanny agencies.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Sittercity

Hourly rates from $10 to $50
Membership fees from $35 to $90 per period (monthly, every 3 months, or annually)
Browse a few nannies or let Sittercity pick for you

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Sittercity website

Sittercity is an online nanny agency that lets you find every type of caregiver, from full-time and part-time nannies to occasional babysitters and newborn specialists. The platform verifies each nanny's identity and lets you customize your search by location, hours, and experience, but you'll need a paid membership to contact candidates directly. While Sittercity has a reasonably high rating on Trustpilot, a "D-" rating from the BBB and complaints about rising membership costs make it a less appealing choice in our review.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Babysitter's Registry

Average cost from $10 to $17 per hour
Pick from 500+ nannies listed
Need an account and membership for perks

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Babysitter's Registry website

Babysitter's Registry is an online directory that lets you browse local caregivers, including babysitters, tutors, and nannies, all by entering your zip code. While the site lists over 500 nannies, most profiles redirect to outside websites, and only a small number are actually hosted through this platform. With no built-in vetting, background checks, or verified reviews, Babysitter's Registry functions more as a search database than a true nanny agency, which limits its reliability for finding safe childcare.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Jovie

Query and wait for a match
Background checks for all nannies
Training for all nannies

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WEAK

1.5

On the Jovie website

Jovie is a long-running nanny agency that connects families with fully trained, professional caregivers who make childcare their career. Each nanny goes through a full background check that includes address and criminal history to ensure safety and trust. While Jovie has an "A+" BBB rating and a personalized matching process, the lack of cost transparency and slow response times make it less-than-ideal for families who need quick and reliable childcare.

1.0

POOR

Poor

GreatAuPair

Weekly pricing from $100 to $1,000
Nannies reach out to your listings
Background checks for all nannies

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the GreatAuPair website

GreatAuPair connects families with certified au pairs and nannies from around the world, offering background checks in over 300 countries and a secure platform with fraud prevention tools. This nanny agency focuses on cultural exchange programs, allowing families to host live-in caregivers for up to two years. While GreatAuPair has strong safety features and an "A+" BBB rating, poor customer feedback about unreliable caregivers makes it a less dependable choice for finding trusted help.

Continued from above...

Where is the Best Place to Find a Great Nanny Agency?

In today's fast-paced world, more families are turning to nanny agencies to help manage the demands of work, home, and childcare. There's so much that goes into caring for a family, and sometimes having an extra set of hands around to help can make your day-to-day significantly easier.

While in years past, finding a nanny was about going in person or conducting tedious interviews for weeks to find the right fit, nanny agencies offer a much better process. These online platforms put the best nanny options right at your fingertips. These directories often highlight skills, experience, and references so you can find a professional nanny who can create a personalized experience for you, your children, and your family life.

Choosing a nanny can offer more stability than traditional childcare services, too. A dedicated nanny provides specialized attention and builds a deeper bond with your child than you might find in a regular daycare. Nannies will work with your child (or children) to learn and adapt to routines, meals, and activities. Unlike daycare centers, where staff turnover and large group settings are common, a nanny becomes an extension of your home life, offering consistency and comfort for your children, and an agency is the best way to get a trusted nanny.

One of the biggest advantages of using an online nanny agency is the level of security and vetting that modern platforms provide. Top-rated nanny sites take screening seriously, requiring background checks, employment verification, and detailed reference reviews before a caregiver ever appears in search results. Many sites even offer secure messaging systems and interview scheduling tools, so you can communicate with potential nannies directly without sharing personal contact information too early. This structure helps protect both parties and builds trust before a final hiring decision is made.

Finding a nanny online can also be far more cost-effective than relying on traditional placement agencies. Many online platforms allow you to choose between different membership levels or pay-per-use options instead of paying high placement fees. This flexibility makes it easier for you to find help within your budget. A platform like this can also help you find a new placement if your old nanny moves or has scheduling conflicts.

So, if you're ready to add some extra help to your family life, picking out a nanny from a top nanny agency is your next step. But if you're not sure where to start, don't sweat. We've put together some factors that can help you narrow down the best sites to find the right nanny for your family:

Security. How does your chosen nanny agency complete background checks and keep you and your family secure during the process? Are there in-house chat apps or video screenings, so you can see if your chosen nanny is trustworthy before you ever meet? Make sure that you feel safe with all the agency's online features before you lock in.
Qualifications. How are nannies vetted? What kind of qualifications does your chosen nanny agency look for? Are there education or child safety certification requirements included in membership to the site? Look for sites that are transparent about how they pick and support nannies to get the best nanny agency for your family.
Cost. You're trying not to overpay for childcare (especially with the high costs of daycare), we get it. So, make sure that the price you pay for your nanny services is within your budget. Whether you pay a monthly membership fee to a nanny agency or a per-visit price for your nanny, you'll want to ensure you're getting a high value for your money.
Feedback. What are other families saying about your chosen nanny agency? Check out any third-party, verified reviews to ensure that you get a nanny service that's backed by tons of positive reviews. Sites like Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and the Better Business Bureau can help you confirm you've found the right fit for your family.

No matter what your reason is for wanting to hire a nanny, we've got your back. You deserve a little stress-free time, and a nanny can help you get it. To get you in the swing of the nanny scene, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the most popular nanny agencies out there today. This way, you can trust that the nanny you hire is the best pick for you. Who knows, you might even find your real-life Mary Poppins!