Reliable, private childcare, though a wonderful thing, can come with risks. Opening your home and your family’s daily life to a nanny takes trust, preparation, and a shared commitment to your child’s well-being. Even when you’ve done your due diligence with background checks, reference calls, and interviews, it’s natural to feel a little nervous about your child’s safety when they’re in someone else’s care.

While there are lots of compassionate, skilled professionals out there who will take your child’s well-being as seriously as you do, establishing clear expectations, safety protocols, and consistent communication ensures everyone—parents, nanny, and children—feels confident and secure.

Here are five essential tips for promoting child safety with a nanny, from the first day on the job to every day thereafter.

1) Start with Comprehensive Screening

Child safety with a nanny begins long before day one of the working relationship. In order to ensure that your nanny is fully screened and vetted, work with a reputable agency or perform a thorough background check that includes:

• TrustLine registration (California’s official background check for in-home caregivers).
• National and county criminal searches.
• Motor vehicle reports (MVR) regardless of whether or not your nanny will be driving your children on a regular basis.
• Sex offender registry checks.

At Westside Nannies, every candidate goes through a rigorous vetting process that includes multiple reference checks, identity verification, and in-depth interviews. This ensures families are connected only with trusted, experienced caregivers who meet the highest professional and safety standards. Your child’s safety with a nanny is our top priority.

2) Establish Clear Safety Protocols from Day One

Child safety with a nanny depends everyone being on the same page. Before your nanny officially begins, take time to walk them through your household’s safety rules and emergency procedures. Clarity and communication prevent confusion, especially during high-stress moments.

Include details like:

• Emergency contacts and how to reach you.
• Authorized pickup list (who can and cannot take the kids).
• Household rules around kitchen tools, stair gates, outdoor play, etc.
• Driving expectations, including car seat use and driving routes.
• Allergy and medication instructions, if applicable.

Put everything in writing and store it in a shared, easy-to-find location, like a family binder or a shared PDF. A reliable nanny will appreciate the structure and use it as a reference point for consistent care.

3) Use Open and Ongoing Communication

Even if you set everything up from the very beginning, trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through transparency and an open line of communication. Establish a regular rhythm of communication with your nanny to stay in the loop and keep everyone aligned.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Daily updates via text, app, or a journal about meals, naps, activities, etc.
• Weekly check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, or schedule changes.
• Emergency readiness discussions every few months to review plans or update contact info.

Encourage your nanny to share any concerns or incidents, even small ones. An open-door communication policy ensures that you can address issues early and maintain mutual trust.

4) Leverage Technology Responsibly

When it comes to child safety with a nanny, technology can be a helpful tool for reinforcing safety and peace of mind. While every family has different comfort levels, consider options such as:

• Home cameras in shared spaces (with your nanny’s knowledge and consent).
• GPS tracking for the family vehicle or phone when children are being transported.
• Parental apps for shared calendars, updates, and communication.

We get it—leaving your kiddos in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking under the best of circumstances. But transparency is key. Always discuss what technology you plan to use and why. Nannies who value professionalism and accountability will understand that these tools are designed to build trust, not replace it.

5) Build a Relationship Rooted in Trust and Respect

The safest childcare environment is one where all parties feel respected and valued. When nannies feel appreciated, respected, and heard, they’re more engaged, attentive, and proactive about safety, as anyone in any profession treated this way would respond.

You can foster that trust by:

• Offering clear, consistent feedback and welcoming it in return.
• Recognizing your nanny’s efforts and professionalism.
• Addressing issues respectfully and directly, not reactively.
• Encouraging input and feedback when setting rules or routines.

When parents and nannies operate as a unified team, children feel secure, emotionally and physically. This is why it can be crucial to work with a nanny who is in alignment with your goals and parenting style.

6) Bonus Tip: Periodic Safety Refreshers for Child Safety with a Nanny

As your children grow, so do their needs and environments. Revisit your safety protocols regularly to ensure they still fit your child’s age and activities. For example:

• Update car seat
• Adjust outdoor rules as kids gain independence.
• Review safe media use and online boundaries as they get older.

A brief check-in with your nanny every few months keeps everyone sharp, aligned, and confident.

Ensuring child safety with a nanny is about more than policies and checklists. It’s about an ongoing partnership. When parents and caregivers communicate openly, share expectations clearly, and build mutual trust, safety becomes second nature.

Remember, hiring a nanny isn’t about letting go of control. It’s about extending your child’s circle of care. With the right foundations in place, your nanny can become one of your greatest allies in keeping your children safe, happy, and thriving.

At Westside Nannies, we’re proud to help families find skilled, trustworthy caregivers who bring peace of mind from day one. Because your child’s safety is always our top priority.