Babysitter vs. Nanny? What is the difference

Babysitters and Nannies share a key purpose in their jobs in that their primary responsibility is to care for children. However there are some differences in how their roles are structured. A babysitter is defined as a person engaged to care for one or more children in the temporary absence of parents or guardians. A nanny is more technically defined as a “children’s nurse.”

Typically a nanny is employed directly by the family receiving a set hourly or weekly rate along with overtime and paid holidays and vacation and a Professional Sitter is typically paid on a job to job basis. You can obtain the care of a Professional Babysitter* on a regular basis; however, Professional Sitters do not offer the guaranteed long term commitment that a nanny relationship might be able to offer.

What both a Nanny and a Professional sitter should be capable of offering to your family is caring for your children with experience to handle any situation. They should be able to keep their workspace clean (anything involving the children’s activities) and they should be able to prepare meals for all ages of children and should always be able to handle their job in a professional manner. A nanny’s role may extend beyond this into household duties; however, a Professional sitter’s duties are typically limited to any tasks related to the children they are caring for.

When selecting your caregiver for your children, a nanny or Professional Babysitter can both serve your needs. You should decide which role is right for your family and research all your options.

*All babysitters referred through SeekingSitters are considered Professional Babysitters as they have passed several levels of screening and have extensive experience with children of all ages. Each Professional Sitter referrred through SeekingSitters also has obtained her CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Having Bedtime Struggles?

Bedtime Routines Should Fit Your Family

I have three very active kids all under the age of 7 and up until about 6 months ago bedtime has always been our biggest struggle of the day. We went through the Babywise course when we first had children so when they were babies bedtime was very easy, but once they climbed out of their cribs, we became powerless.

We tried the routines, we tried consistency, we tried rewards, we tried punishments but nothing worked for our family. Over the years, my husband and I dreaded bedtime so much that we each would make excuses as to who should be in charge of the bedtime each evening. And we looked everywhere for advice. My favorite was my fathers advice, "just let them roam around the house and they will eventually fall asleep." Obviously he didn't know my children that well, I imagined my kids finally dozing off from exhaustion at 4:00am after eating all the food in the kitchen and toilet papering the house.

I knew I had to come up with a solution that worked for our family so I started thinking about what they were really fighting: not wanting to end their time together with mom and dad. So I thought of issuing them a ticket that they could redeem for 10 minutes of private time with Mom or Dad if they stayed in their bed after nighttime routines, The Private Time Ticket. The tickets allowed 10 private minutes with mom or dad doing what ever they chose.

The tickets were printed on bright green cardstock and each child was handed them with their own crayon to fill in their name and activity. The very first night it worked miraculously! The kids were asleep in under 5 minutes. A few weeks later a ticket was lost one night to my oldest son when he got out of bed after the Private Time Ticket was issued. His ticket was ripped up for getting out of bed and he was devastated. But after this time, it never happened again and bedtime has been a joy.

The best time about the tickets is getting a chance to redeem the tickets with my kids. It is a good reminder that even as a working mom, I can find 10 minutes anytime during the day to take a break to spend with my kids and even though we do spend a lot of time together as a family it is rare to have one on one time with each child.

The day after the first tickets were issued, my 5 year old son came in to ask me a question while I was at my desk working and I said, "Ethan, I really can't right now I really need to work." He said "OK" and politely left my office. I thought, boy that was great listening, he must be growing up! I was back to work and then about 2 minutes later he came walking in my office with his Private Time Ticket, "Can I redeem this now." I laughed and gave him a big hug, "Yes, we can redeem this."

Creating Time for your Kids

Working moms are amazing at juggling time with kids and family and time for the office. Fixing breakfast, getting kids dressed and off for the day, heading to the office and tending to wokr then back to the family and the day starts over again. Family does come first but having to answer to the unexpected daily demands of work at times interrupts those perfectly planned park days.

I have learned after many years of working with my kids that it is best to just blend the two to find that balance for your family. I do best when I work to incorporate kid time into my day rather than trying to find the perfect opportunity and perfectly planned event.

After I pick the kids up from school I am usually heading back to the office or running work errands. A quick stop at the park is first on the list. Even if we only have 10 minutes it is a perfect way to get out doors and spend a few minutes with the kids. Then off to the office for an afternoon snack. It is important to plan ahead if the kids have to come into the office. I have an activity sheet printed out for them to start on when we arrive and they are always excited to find what I have for them each day.

However you balance it, find time to laugh and enjoy each day.


Have a clear plan

Schedule family time not only for the kids but also for yourself! As a working mom, you do need a break and taking time off will allow you to be a better mom!

Don't Stress!

My kids hardly remember if it was myself or the babysitter that took them to the library two years ago, they just know that they have been in loving care throughout their days. Just make sure that your children know you are there for them when you are with them and don't try to stress over the little things.

Find a Balance

I know first hand that it can be hard but what is important to keep that balance there, work hard to find time every day but remember it can be the simple time that is the best. So get creative and incorporate small blocks of time throughout the day.


It doesn't have to be perfect!