You want the best possible care for your children that money can buy, so when you’re looking for either a nanny or a babysitter in Orange County, CA, it’s a good idea to know the difference between the two types of caregivers so that you find the perfect person for the job. The service you’re looking for will depend on factors like the amount of time the care is given, as well as what the caregiver’s duties are. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between nannies and babysitters in Orange County, CA.

Time

As a general rule, babysitters are hired for a shorter period of time than a nanny and not necessarily at regular intervals. A babysitter is usually a temporary position for only a few hours at a time when parents are out for activities, not on their typical schedule. A nanny is a more regular position in which the caregiver regularly takes care of the children, usually with a set schedule. A nanny often cares for the children while the parents work or have other scheduled activities. A nanny can be considered either a part-time or a full-time employee, but a babysitter is only hired as-needed.

Qualifications

Another difference between a nanny and babysitter is their training, experience, and qualifications. A caregiver should have basic certifications like first aid and CPR, but there are often additional qualifications that nannies should have since they usually spend more time taking care of the kids. Many employers look for additional certifications like water-safety certification, professional nanny certification, and a degree in early childhood education. A babysitter may have basic childcare training and some experience caring for children, while a nanny will have more advanced childcare training, some of which were learned on the job or with formal education. A nanny usually has more years of experience with children since that’s the primary occupation, which isn’t often the case with a babysitter.

Duties

Perhaps the most significant differences between a nanny and a babysitter are the duties and the level of care provided. A babysitter is temporarily in charge of the child’s care and provides supervision and basic needs while babysitting. That means that the babysitter will feed the children and do basic activities like story time or play with the kids. Often, housework isn’t involved. A nanny’s job description includes all the duties of a babysitter, but it’s expected that the care is more child and developmentally-centered rather than simply custodial. The nanny provides activities that nurture the children mentally, physically, and emotionally, Nannies are often also responsible for preparing meals, helping with housework and homework, and transporting children to different activities.

Choosing Your Caregiver

When you’re choosing what type of caregiver to hire for your children, there are other factors to consider besides the length of time and type of care you’re looking for. These factors include the amount you’re willing to pay, whether you need someone to live in or out of the home, and if you can afford to pay taxes and worker’s compensation insurance for a household employee. There are other options you may want to consider, like a mother’s helper to help ease a mother’s stress or an Au Pair to help introduce another culture or language to your child. Contact OC Home & Family today to learn which caregiver will be the best fit for your family.