Nanny vs. Babysitter: What’s the difference?

Babysitters and nannies are similar in a lot of ways. They both help take care of children, which usually means they have a love for working with kids and some form of experience doing so.

Still, one of the most common questions we hear is “What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?” Let us sort this out once and for all - and find out if it really matters. 

What does a nanny typically do?

A nanny is a childcare professional who works in a family’s home taking care of their children. A nanny usually works full-time hours and is responsible for her charges’ full care. Beyond the day-to-day tasks, a nanny can be responsible for essentially anything to do with the kids’ lives, including, but certainly not limited to:

• Planning activities

• Scheduling playdates

• Going to medical appointments

• Kids’ laundry and tidying

• Keeping closets, supply stocks, and similar in order

The nanny is a long-term employee who really becomes a part of the household and is integral to the family. 

What does a babysitter typically do?

Babysitters are also childcare professionals and exist in a wide variety of roles. Typically babysitters work part-time or sporadically with families and often work for several families at once. They might also couple this job with other employment, school, or creative pursuits. Some families may need a babysitter only for the odd date-night, whereas other families who do not need a full-time nanny may work with an after-school babysitter or regular part-time babysitter on an ongoing basis. 

It’s important to note that there is a difference between the middle-school babysitter (you can probably picture them), who comes over and puts on a movie for the kiddos while texting their friends, and the professional caregiver who works part-time but is engaging, experienced, and handles many aspects of childcare beyond keeping one eye on the kids to make sure they’re not painting the dog. Many part-time babysitters in regular, ongoing positions are highly experienced, stay with their family long-term, and are an important part of the household, even though they may not be tasked with scheduling appointments or shopping for the kids’ supplies. 

If you find yourself constantly piecing together various part-time sitters and other childcare solutions, read more on our blog about hiring a full-time nanny to see if it might be just the help you need. 

Does it matter what we call caregivers?

There’s a lot of gray area in the definition between nannies and babysitters. A part-time, after-school babysitter may have much more in common with a full-time nanny in terms of experience, regularity and longevity in the role, and some overarching responsibility than with an occasional date-night sitter whose experience is “having siblings.” Some families might be tempted to wonder if it matters at all what we call a caregiver. 

Here at Smart Sitting, we have long been championing childcare professionals and empowering them in their roles as legitimate employees. In our aim to redefine childcare, we are looking to lift the status and professionalism of the work that caregivers do. So for a nanny, acknowledging all the work that goes into their role, as well as recognizing the skill and dedication required by understanding the difference can be important. This is a career for many nannies who are passionate about childcare and who dedicate themselves to the trade and to their families. 

There’s a lot of gray area in the definition between nannies and babysitters. A part-time, after-school babysitter may have much more in common with a full-time nanny in terms of experience, regularity and longevity in the role, and overarching responsibility than with an occasional date-night sitter whose experience is “having siblings”.

Both babysitters and nannies are household employees. This means that caregivers working in either role should pay income tax for wages earned while working for you, and this becomes your responsibility once they hit a certain income threshold. Essentially, this means that a date-night sitter who you see rarely may make less and be responsible for managing their own taxes entirely, whereas for your nanny it will always be your responsibility to make sure their payment is handled on the books. 

Still not sure if you’re looking for a babysitter or nanny?

If you have any more questions, you are always welcome to contact us here at Smart Sitting to see what kind of childcare will best suit your needs.

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