How to Start a Nanny Share: 7 Tips for Families

A nanny share is an arrangement between two or more families who jointly hire a child care provider. The families each reduce the cost of child care for themselves, and the nanny earns more. Considering a nanny share? Your family might be a good fit for one if:

You’re working with a limited childcare budget but want to offer fair pay.
You want your child to benefit from daily social interaction with another child.
You’re open to flexibility and compromises on some details like nap schedules or routines.

Sound like you? Before finding a nanny, you’ll want to find a share family (or families) first.

Key Takeaways:

Find others interested in sharing a nanny before finding a nanny.
Create a written work agreement together.
Establish communication protocols.

1. Find other families interested in a nanny share.

Before beginning the hiring process with potential nannies, find compatible people to share a nanny with. Ensure they share your expectations and priorities. To find one (or more), you’ll want to cast a wide net, so think of all the networks you have available to you—your yoga studio, gym buddies, work colleagues, faith communities, local child care organizations, Nextdoor neighbors, neighborhood listservs, Facebook groups—and start connecting. Families that live close to each other and have similar schedules are often better matches for a nanny share.

2. Spell out the details.

Consider schedules, food, naps, potty training, vaccines, screen time, etc. Make a sick child protocol for when children need to stay home. Discuss what to do if the home hosting the nanny share has been exposed to sickness and protocols during health emergencies, including exposure to COVID-19. Make a plan for childproofing. In general, ensure that all families agree on what the children, nanny, and families all need to stay safe, and make sure all parties have everything they need, including strollers, high chairs, and a place to sleep. Collaborate on a list of supplies you can share.

3. Create a written work agreement.

As co-employers, you will need to agree on and create one contract for the nanny that ensures fair employment practices and meets legal obligations in your city and state. Legal obligations might include wage, hours, vacation, sick pay, workers’ compensation, and other benefits. Both the nanny and families in the share should review and sign the contract. For sample contracts, check out Hand in Hand’s national and regional resources.

4. Establish clear communication processes.

Establishing regular check-ins with the families in the nanny share, along with the nanny will help make sure everyone is on the same page and minimize conflict. It is also recommended that families choose one point person to be the primary contact for the nanny in order to streamline communication.

5. Schedule regular check-ins.

Maintain clear expectations by setting regular times to revisit your agreements. Don’t miss out on Hand in Hand’s tips on clear communication.

6. Make room for compromise.

Above all else, know your own priorities and be prepared to compromise on things that are not as important to you. Flexibility, empathy, and humor will be key to making these relationships amazing.