A monthly nanny: everything about cost and the contract before you sign

You’ve decided your need isn’t just scattered hours here and there, and you want a steady nanny who shows up every day. Good call. But before you sign any monthly agreement, there are points that need to be clear from the start, so you’re not regretting it a month in.

Why choose a monthly nanny over daily bookings?

If you notice you’re booking a sitter every other day for the same reason, the monthly rate usually works out cheaper than repeated daily bookings. On top of that, your child gets used to one steady face, which makes a real difference to their sense of comfort — especially younger children who get unsettled by new faces.

What determines the price of a monthly nanny?

There’s no fixed number that applies to every household — several factors drive it:

• Daily hours — four hours is a completely different rate from a full working day.
• The child’s age and needs — an infant needs closer attention than a five-year-old.
• The nanny’s experience and qualifications — more experience or extra training usually raises the rate.
• The city — prices vary between larger and smaller cities.

It’s always better to ask for a clear quote based on your specific need, rather than going by a number a friend mentioned whose circumstances were completely different. For a broader picture of babysitting costs in general, see our complete babysitter guide.

What should actually be written into the contract?

This is the part a lot of mothers skip past, then run into misunderstandings that were easy to avoid:

• The exact hours — from when to when, and what happens if you’re late.
• The tasks included — does it cover feeding and bathing, or just supervision?
• The payment terms — monthly, upfront or after service, and the payment method.
• The cancellation or replacement policy — if you need to change nannies or pause the service.
• Who’s responsible — if something goes wrong, who’s actually accountable.

Tips before signing a monthly contract

• Don’t sign before trying the nanny for at least a day or two.
• Ask about the replacement policy if it doesn’t work out with your child.
• Keep a written copy of the agreement, not just a verbal understanding.
• Make sure someone is following up on performance throughout the month, not just at the start of the contract.

Another option: try before you commit

If you’re not sure a monthly commitment is right for you yet, you can start with a trial week or a few scattered days, then move to a monthly contract once you’re confident in the nanny and how she works with your child.

Ready to arrange a monthly nanny with confidence?

With Sitt, we lay out the cost and the details from the first call, with no surprises after the first month — and you can try before you commit.