Finding the right caregiver for your children is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. As you begin your search, you may wonder: Should I turn to a nanny agency or Care.com, or one of the other various sites aimed at helping families find childcare? Both options offer access to qualified childcare professionals, but the experience, oversight, and outcomes are often vastly different.

At Westside Nannies, we understand that families want peace of mind, personalized service, and a high level of professionalism throughout their childcare journey. Here’s a breakdown of the differences to help you make an informed, confident choice.

1) Nanny Agency or Care.com: What’s the Real Difference?

Care.com and similar platforms operate as online marketplaces. Families create a profile, post a job, and receive applications directly from caregivers. These platforms are user-driven, which means you’re responsible for vetting, interviewing, running background checks, and determining if someone is the right fit for your family.

A professional nanny agency, like Westside Nannies, provides a concierge experience. We do all the legwork for you, from recruiting and vetting to reference checks and interview coordination, ensuring that every candidate is qualified, experienced, and aligned with your family’s values.

2) The Hidden Time Commitment of Doing It Yourself

When you use an online marketplace:

• You may receive dozens (or hundreds) of applications, many of which may not meet your criteria.
• You must schedule, conduct, and evaluate all interviews.
• You’ll need to run your own background checks and verify certifications.
• You take on the legal responsibilities of employment, taxes, and compliance on your own.

Choosing a nanny agency like Westside Nannies means:

• Every candidate has already passed a thorough vetting process.
• You are presented with only hand-selected matches based on your unique needs.
• You receive expert guidance throughout interviews, hiring, and onboarding.
• We connect you with trusted household payroll providers and legal resources.

3) Personalized Service You Can Trust

When deciding between a nanny agency or Care.com, it’s important to consider what level of support you want.

At Westside Nannies, we:

• Take time to understand your family’s dynamic, values, and parenting style.
• Support you through the entire search process and beyond.
• Offer expert insight on compensation, contracts, job structure, and more.
• Provide continuity. You will work with a dedicated placement specialist.

Online platforms can connect you with a caregiver, but they can’t offer the human connection and deep industry experience that a high-touch agency provides.

4) Higher Standards, Safer Hires

At Westside Nannies, we believe families deserve more than just access to job seekers.

We require that every nanny candidate:

• Has a minimum of 3 years of recent full-time experience
• Provides stellar references and passes a multi-step interview process
• Is certified in CPR/First Aid
• Undergoes a thorough national background check and identity verification

Our vetting standards are among the most stringent in the country, ensuring only the best candidates make it to your inbox.

5) Final Thoughts: Should You Use a Nanny Agency or Care.com?

Ultimately, the decision depends on what you value:

• If you want total control over managing the process and to save on up-front costs, Care.com can be a great fit.
• If you want a stress-free experience, expert guidance, and access to elite nannies, a professional agency like Westside Nannies may be the right fit for you.

When it comes to your children, peace of mind is priceless. And that’s exactly what agencies deliver.