Hiring a nanny involves deep trust. Not only will this person share your home, transforming it into a workplace, but they’ll also care for your most beloved: your children. And since it’s such a personal choice, it’s common for parents to rely heavily on intuition, first impressions, and glowing references when choosing a caregiver. But as one shocking real-life case from New York revealed, proper vetting is the game-changer that can turn what seems like a perfect hire into a nightmare.

Vetting your nanny isn’t just a formality. It’s a critical step that protects your family, finances, and emotional well-being. The story of one New York family and their nanny, recently detailed in The Cut, underscores why background checks, reference verification, and clear contracts are absolutely essential before extending trust to anyone who will work in your home.

1) The Cautionary Tale: When Trust Goes Too Far

New parents in New York sought a bilingual nanny to help care for their baby. They found a nanny who seemed kind, experienced, and nurturing, all things parents want in a caregiver. The nanny began working part-time with the family, and everything was going well. She eventually moved into the family’s guesthouse, and that’s when things began to unravel.

There were several red flags, such as a dog despite the home’s “no pets” policy and a party thrown without the family’s approval or knowledge. Over time, her behavior escalated, culminating in property damage and a shocking discovery of unsanitary conditions after her departure.

Ultimately, the family had to pursue legal eviction, a stressful and time-consuming process that consumed months. What began as an act of generosity, offering a guesthouse to a trusted caregiver, became a cautionary tale of misplaced trust and blurred boundaries.

2) The Lesson: Why Thoroughly Vetting Your Nanny Matters

This unsettling story illustrates a vital truth: even the most well-meaning families can face serious risks if they skip thorough screening. Vetting your nanny is not about suspicion or coldness; it is about ensuring safety, professionalism, and clarity from the very beginning.

Here are key steps for every family considering hiring a nanny:

a) Conduct Comprehensive Background Checks

Always verify criminal, civil, and employment history through trusted services or an agency. Even if a candidate seems kind and experienced, professional verification are non-negotiable.

b) Verify References Directly

Call past employers and ask detailed questions about reliability, behavior, and how the employment ended. A trustworthy caregiver will have nothing to hide.

c) Clearly Define Living Arrangements and Boundaries

If a nanny will live on your property in any capacity, define every term in writing. Specify rules around guests, pets, property access, and what happens if employment ends. Many families mistakenly treat such arrangements as informal hospitality, which can complicate eviction laws and boundaries depending on your location.

d) Use an Agency That Specializes in Domestic Placements

Reputable nanny agencies conduct thorough screenings, verify credentials, and mediate clear contracts. They also understand housing and employment laws, providing an added layer of protection for families.

e) Stay Involved and Communicate Regularly

Even after hiring, continue regular check-ins and open communication. Transparency protects both the family and the nanny and helps small issues from escalating into major conflicts.

3) How Agencies Protect Families from Risk

Working with a trusted nanny agency removes much of the uncertainty from the process. Agencies like Westside Nannies thoroughly vet every candidate through interviews, thorough background checks, and reference verification. They understand that chemistry and warmth matter, but professionalism and safety must come first.

Agencies also help define expectations around work scope, confidentiality, and living arrangements. In the case of live-in roles, they ensure contracts outline all necessary details, from guest policies to how housing transitions will occur if employment ends.

With these safeguards, families can feel confident knowing they have done everything possible to prevent misunderstandings or risks before welcoming a caregiver into their home.

4) Caution, Not Fear

Stories like these are thankfully rare, but they serve as a powerful reminder of how complex domestic employment can be. Vetting your nanny is not about assuming the worst. But at the end of the day, they are a stranger. Vetting is about protecting the ones you love most.

Whether you hire privately or through an agency, take your time, ask hard questions, and document everything. A careful process builds mutual trust and ensures a foundation of safety and professionalism that benefits everyone involved.