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Family guide

Types of Childcare Professionals

Different childcare professionals provide different types of care. Use this guide to quickly compare each role and choose the support that best matches your family's needs.

What they do

A nanny is a professional childcare provider employed by a family to provide full-time or part-time care for children directly within the family's home. Nannies build long-term relationships with families and take on comprehensive responsibility for the children's physical, emotional, and social development.

Key responsibilities

  • Daily Care & Routines: Feeding (preparing meals and bottles), bathing, dressing, diaper changing, and managing sleep schedules or naptimes.

  • Educational & Skill Development: Organising age-appropriate learning activities, reading, helping with homework, and supporting milestone accomplishments (like potty training or language development).

  • Transportation & Logistics: Driving children to and from school, playdates, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities.

  • Child-Related Housework: Keeping nursery or play areas organised, doing children's laundry, and sanitising toys or meal prep items.

  • Emotional Support & Socialisation: Encouraging positive behavior, arranging playdates, taking trips to local parks, and offering a stable, nurturing environment.

What makes them different

Nannies can be placed in several formats depending on your household needs:

TypeDescription
Live-In NannyResides in the family's home, receiving lodging and meals in addition to a salary; ideal for flexible scheduling.
Live-Out NannyCommutes to the home daily for set hours, functioning like a typical full-time or part-time job.
Nanny ShareTwo or more families employ a single nanny to care for their children together, sharing employment costs.
Night Nanny / Newborn Care SpecialistSpecialises in overnight newborn care, establishing sleep habits, and assisting recovering parents.

What they do

An event nanny (also called a wedding nanny) is a professional childcare provider hired to supervise and entertain children directly at a specific function, such as a wedding, corporate conference, gala, or family reunion.

Key responsibilities

  • Provides on-site supervision and care for children during events.

  • Keeps children engaged through safe, age-appropriate activities and entertainment.

  • Supports children in a busy venue environment while parents participate in the event.

What makes them different

Instead of working in a private home, event nannies operate at venues to keep young guests engaged, safe, and happy throughout the occasion.

What they do

A babysitter is a temporary childcare provider hired to look after children for short periods.

Key responsibilities

  • Temporary, short-period childcare in the family home.

  • Safe supervision and responsive care while parents are out.

  • Evening cover available from 6pm onwards.

What makes them different

Our babysitters are available from 6pm until late.