Nanny, babysitter, maid or housekeeper: which kind of help do you need?

The same word can mean different things to different families. Being clear about the role helps you find the right person – and helps them decide whether the job suits them.

Nanny

A nanny's main job is caring for children: feeding, routines, play, outings, school runs and sometimes homework. Many nannies also do the children's laundry and prepare their meals. Families who need childcare every day usually look for a nanny. Browse nannies.

Babysitter

A babysitter looks after children for shorter periods – evenings, weekends, after school or occasional days. Babysitting is usually hourly or part-time rather than a full-time role. Browse babysitters.

Maid

A maid focuses on the home: cleaning, laundry, ironing, tidying and often grocery shopping and simple cooking. Some maids also help with children, but childcare is not the main part of the role unless you agree it. Browse maids.

Housekeeper

A housekeeper runs the day-to-day household and often handles a wider range of tasks, including cooking and organising. Larger homes sometimes need a housekeeper who can coordinate other help. Browse housekeepers.

Combined roles

Many families need a mix – for example childcare in the morning and housework in the afternoon. That is fine, but say so clearly in your job post and in interviews. A candidate who expects a childcare-only role may not want a job that is mostly cleaning, and the other way round.

Next step

Read our tips on writing a clear job post, then post your job.