If you are hiring a nanny for the first time, it can feel like everyone has advice. Friends share stories, Facebook groups offer opinions, and quick online searches promise easy answers. Many families believe they understand how hiring a nanny works, but the reality often looks very different once the process begins.

When families rely on assumptions or outdated information, they can unknowingly set themselves up for stress, high turnover rates, or mismatched expectations. Understanding the difference between common myths and the real process behind hiring a nanny can save time, protect your family, and lead to a much better long-term outcome, especially for new parents. 

Let’s break down some of the biggest myths families believe about hiring a nanny and what actually matters instead.

1) Myth 1: About Hiring a Nanny: “I can just find someone amazing on my own through a Facebook group”

Online groups can be helpful for networking, but hiring a nanny involves far more than scrolling through resumes or reading comments. Families who rely solely on social media are often left to handle vetting, reference checks, background screening, and legal compliance on their own, or, worse, they skip these steps based on an online referral and end up in a troublesome situation. 

When hiring a nanny, safety and trust must come first. Deep vetting, verified references, and professional screening protect not only your children but also your peace of mind. Many families underestimate how much time and expertise are required to properly evaluate candidates beyond surface impressions, and due diligence is too important to be skipped. 

2) Myth 2: “The best nanny will have the most impressive resume”

A strong resume matters, yes. But it is only one part of hiring a nanny successfully. Families truly thrive when they find a caregiver whose values, communication style, energy level, and parenting philosophy align with their own.

Two candidates may look equally qualified on paper, or it’s even possible one will look like a better fit based on their resumes alone. Yet one could integrate seamlessly into your household while the other struggles to get it. Professional matching focuses on both skill and compatibility. Hiring a nanny is about building a relationship, not just checking boxes.

3) Myth 3: “Reference letters are all I need”

Written references can be polished, outdated, or in some cases, unfortunately, completely fabricated. Families who rely only on letters may miss critical insights about a nanny’s reliability, communication style, and strengths. Also, keep in mind references are sending these letters to the candidate themselves. This means some information that might be crucial for prospective families to know might be left out to avoid an uncomfortable situation. 

A thorough hiring of a nanny includes direct references. Connecting directly with past employers allows families to ask follow-up questions and gain real context. Verified references provide clarity that a glowing letter simply cannot.

4) Myth 4: “The cheapest option will save me money in the long run”

Choosing the lowest cost option may seem practical, but turnover, repeated searches, and disrupted routines quickly add up. Families often underestimate the emotional and logistical cost of restarting the hiring process.

When hiring a nanny, a strong match supports consistency, child development, and household stability. Investing in quality care reduces burnout, improves retention, and allows families to focus on their careers and children rather than constant transitions.

5) Myth 5: “A nanny agency is just an expensive middleman”

Professional agencies bring years of industry knowledge, established vetting systems, and ongoing support. Hiring a nanny through an agency means families are not navigating contracts, compliance, or conflict alone.

At Westside Nannies, families benefit from thorough vetting, customized matching, interview guidance, and post-hire support. Many families return again and again as their childcare needs evolve. Hiring a nanny does not have to be a do-it-yourself process.

6) Why These Myths Persist

Childcare is deeply personal, and misinformation spreads easily. Families often rely on advice from people whose situations, budgets, or expectations differ greatly from their own. Or perhaps someone had a great experience hiring themselves—that’s great! However, that doesn’t mean that most DIY approaches experience the same outcome. 

Hiring a nanny requires current industry insight, legal awareness, and emotional intelligence. What worked ten years ago or for another family may not work today for your family.

7) Our Approach to Hiring a Nanny Is Different

Families deserve more than guesswork. Our process is built around clarity, safety, and long-term success.

Our approach includes:

• Thorough candidate vetting
• Verified reference checks
• Custom matching based on household needs
• Interview support and preparation
• Industry guidance and compliance insight
• Post-hire resources and ongoing support

Hiring a nanny should feel supported, informed, and intentional.

8) You Deserve Better Than a Guess-and-Check Hire

You wouldn’t guess your way through hiring a teacher, tutor, healthcare provider, etc. Your nanny plays an equally important role in your child’s life.

Understanding the realities behind hiring a nanny empowers families to make confident, informed decisions. When myths are replaced with knowledge, families gain stability, trust, and peace of mind.

If you are preparing to hire or rehire, we invite you to explore our free guide on the most common hiring mistakes families make so you can avoid unnecessary stress and start your search with confidence.

Hiring a nanny is a meaningful investment in your family’s future. You deserve a process that honors that importance. Westside Nannies would love to help.