The 9 Types of Nannies You Need to Know

For Parents

Oct 8

Nannies Are Special

Professional nannies are magical humans with a unique set of skills and the power to swoop in and make children and parents feel at ease.

As professionals, they also have specific areas of expertise that make them suitable to work with families who are looking for what they have to offer.

Whether you’re looking to book a Nanny for the day or hire a Nanny long-term, it’s important to know the difference between the different types of caregivers so that you know exactly what to look for.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of professional nannies, what each position entails and how they can help support your family’s childcare needs.

Types of Nannies

NANNY-HOUSE MANAGER

Performs the same duties as a traditional Nanny, plus:
Administrative duties, such as paying household bills.
Supervising other household staff, if applicable.
Running errands.
Grocery shopping.
Doing laundry.

TRADITIONAL NANNY

The main childcare provider in the home.
In charge of the children’s overall health and well-being.
Responsible for preparing children’s meals, tidying up their bedrooms, etc.
Actively engages the children daily in both indoor and outdoor play.
May drive children to/from school and activities, as required.

EDUCATION SUPPORT NANNY

Has a teaching or education background.
Performs the same duties as a traditional Nanny, plus:
Assists with homework and project completion in physical and/or online form.
In charge of managing the technology for children’s online learning (e.g., websites, passwords, schedules, deadlines, etc.), if applicable.
Liaises with the children’s teachers regarding homework assignments, projects, tests, etc.

NANNY EDUCATOR-TUTOR

Has specific teaching credentials (B. Ed or M. Ed.) and classroom teaching experience.
Hired for the specific purpose of teaching the family’s children in the home.
Develops the curriculum and teaching plans for the school year in accordance with local education standards.
Purchases all required support materials to support teaching and children’s learning.
Responsible for all teaching, evaluation, and progress reporting.
Assists with homework and project completion in physical and/or online form.
In charge of managing the technology for children’s online learning (e.g., websites, passwords, schedules, deadlines, etc.), if applicable.

TRAVELLING NANNY

Hired on a short-term basis, specifically to travel or go on vacation with a family, or
Hired as a traditional Nanny for a family who travels regularly.
Engages with and cares for the children from morning to evening.
Organizes personalized activities for the children, depending on the location and according to the parents’ requirements.
Needs to be an experienced traveller, so as to anticipate the children’s needs and plan accordingly in advance.

NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST

Highly specialized and trained to focus on the care and well-being of newborn infants.
Generally works independently with minimal guidance from parents.
Helps establish good feeding and sleeping habits in newborns.
Familiar with behaviours, appearance, and general care of newborns.
Understand and recognize signs of possible food allergies, intolerances, and reflux in newborns, and know ways to help.
Understand the value of and can support a breastfeeding parent.
Have an understanding of Postpartum Mood Disorders, can recognize them, and confidently address them as they arise.

NIGHT NANNY

Provides all aspects of infant care during the night.
Bottle-feeding and nursing help, as well as burping.
Helps with bathing the infant and changing diapers.
Helps establish good feeding and sleeping habits in infants.
Any other infant care-related duties, as needed.

LABOUR DOULA

Has specific training and certification in supporting the parents through the labour and delivery process.
Doulas give parents support, but do not provide medical care or deliver the baby.
Their focus is on the family, not necessarily the newborn.

POSTPARTUM DOULA