Have you ever thought about the concept of a “professional nanny”? Being a nanny is much more serious than one might initially think. Thinking about hiring a nanny for your child is not the same as thinking about the responsible daughter of the neighbor whom I’ll pay whatever I feel like so she can go out with her friends on the weekend.
Being a nanny involves a responsibility far beyond just “watching over” a child. To the point that the concept of a professional nanny exists and, although it is largely unknown in Spain, it is a highly demanded and exceptionally well-paid job in the rest of Europe and Anglo-Saxon countries.
The main proof of the importance of a professional nanny is the variety of services that can be offered under this profile.
Here are the main ones.
Nanny Live-In
A live-in nanny is an in-house nanny, meaning a nanny who lives in the employer’s home and provides care for the children of the household.
Families who choose to hire this type of professional nanny instead of a live-out nanny (who changes each day and family) do so for a variety of reasons, but mainly they are used by families who struggle to stick to routines, such as families who work non-traditional hours or travel frequently.
They live in the family’s home but only work for the children. They do their laundry, cook for them, take them to school, and can do any household chores, but always focused on the children.
Nanny Live-Out
As the name suggests, a live-out nanny is an external nanny. Unlike occasional babysitters, but similar to live-in nannies, live-out nannies are generally full-time household employees, working approximately 40-50 hours, five days a week. Although live-out nannies do not reside in the family’s home, they more or less take on the role of “primary caregiver” when the parents are not at home, providing a safe and enriching environment for the children each day. Typically, this is done independently, naturally, and without much instruction. This implies that this type of nanny is highly trusted by the family.
Nanny Housekeeper
Many of you may know this profile as a housekeeper. A housekeeper typically cares for children up to 12 years old while also performing a variety of household tasks. This makes them ideal for busy families who need extra help. The role is flexible, allowing the family to decide on their duties based on what they need.
These professionals can take on a combination of household responsibilities.
The duties of a housekeeper nanny may include:
- Preparing children for school
- Taking care of school drop-offs and pick-ups
- Supervising homework
- Organizing playdates
- Scheduling appointments
- Taking care of the family’s laundry
- Preparing meals
- Keeping the house tidy
- Managing any household staff
Housekeeper nannies specializing in working with younger children combine their cleaning duties with nursery duties.
Nanny Governess
A nanny governess is a professional who combines the roles of nanny and governess.
A nanny typically focuses on child care, providing care and supervision, while a governess usually provides education and tutoring, often in a domestic setting.
Therefore, a nanny governess is someone who not only cares for the children but also provides educational support, helping with homework, implementing educational activities, and sometimes even teaching specific subjects. They offer a comprehensive approach to childcare and education, combining the care aspects of a nanny with the academic guidance of a governess.
Rota Nanny
A rota nanny, also known as a rotational nanny, is a type of childcare provider who works on a rotating schedule. Instead of working a traditional Monday to Friday schedule, a rota nanny typically works for a certain number of days or weeks on duty, followed by an equal amount of off-duty time. This schedule could vary depending on the family’s needs but often involves periods of several days or weeks on duty followed by an equal amount of off-duty time, during which the nanny is not required to be available for work.
Rotating nannies are often employed by families who require 24/7 childcare coverage, such as those with demanding work schedules or who travel frequently.
The rotating schedule allows for constant care for the children while also providing the nanny with extended periods of off-duty time to rest and recharge. This arrangement can be beneficial for both the nanny and the family, as it allows for flexibility and ensures that the children receive continuous care.
Male Nanny
A male nanny, commonly known as a “manny,” is a childcare provider who is male. Similar to a traditional nanny, a male nanny is responsible for caring for the children, ensuring their safety, and engaging in activities with them. Mannies may have backgrounds in education, child development, or other related fields and typically possess the same caregiving skills and responsibilities as female nannies.
The presence of male nannies in childcare has become increasingly common as social norms surrounding gender roles continue to evolve. Families may choose to hire a male nanny for various reasons, such as providing male role models for their children, offering diverse perspectives and experiences, or simply based on the qualifications and compatibility of the individual nanny.
Male nannies can play a valuable role in childcare, offering support, affection, and positive influence to the children in their care, regardless of their gender.
Maternity Nurse
Maternity nurses are also known as midwives. They are nurses specialized in caring for pregnant women and newborns during the immediate postpartum period. Their main role is to provide physical and emotional support to new mothers, as well as education and assistance in newborn care. Maternity nurses can help with breastfeeding, baby care, establishing sleep routines, and providing guidance on postpartum recovery for the mother.
In summary, maternity nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby during the early weeks after childbirth.
Other less common types
Nanny Share
A “nanny share” is an arrangement in which two or more families share the services of a nanny. In this arrangement, families collaborate to hire a nanny who will care for the children of all participating families in a shared location, such as one of the families’ homes or a neutral location. This type of arrangement can be beneficial for families by sharing the costs of hiring a nanny and providing companionship and socialization for the children by interacting with other children of the same age.
Night Nanny
A “night nanny” is a specialist who provides childcare overnight. This type of caregiver typically works during nighttime hours to assist parents with their children’s nighttime needs, such as feeding, changing, comforting, and helping them sleep. Night nannies are especially useful for parents who need to rest at night due to fatigue or other responsibilities and who want to ensure that their children are cared for during those hours.
Weekend Nanny
A “weekend nanny” is a person who provides childcare specifically during weekends. This type of nanny is available to work on Saturdays and Sundays, providing care and supervision to the children during that time. Weekend nannies can be helpful for families who work during the week and need additional help on weekends, or for parents who want leisure time for activities or rest during the weekend while ensuring that their children are well cared for.
Nanny Special Needs
A special needs nanny is a professional trained to provide care and support to children with special needs. These needs may include physical disabilities, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, mental health issues, or other conditions that require additional attention and specific adaptations in care and interaction.
A nanny specializing in special needs may have specific training in areas such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, behavior management, special education, or other related fields. They are familiar with the unique needs of children with disabilities and can adapt their approach and care strategies to effectively meet those needs. Their goal is to provide a supportive, safe, and stimulating environment for children with special needs, promoting their development and well-being in all aspects of daily life.