How do we find a good nanny?

I get this question a lot.

I'd have to say that finding a good nanny will take some time. You can go through a ton of interviews without finding someone who your family is compatible with. Believe it or not, this is a new relationship that your whole family is going to have to enjoy. You must make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the new nanny.

The thing I stress the most would be to check references. CHECK REFERENCES! Did I mention you should check all the nannies references!! She only provided a couple? Ask her for more, in fact ask her for around ten. It sounds excessive, yes, but this is your families potential nanny, someone who will care for your children when you are not there and you should know a bit about her before you hire her.
Ask her for not only families she has previously worked for, but friends, neighbors, literally anyone she knows. You learn so much about a person by what other people will say about her.

I would also ask to see her CPR/First Aid card, if you feel that is a requirement, which I do recommend. A background check is also a great way to find out more about the potential nanny. You may interview a candidate that looks perfect on paper and interviews very well, but may have a record of some sort that may make you uneasy. Trustline provides a wonderful background check that is required for all nannies working through any California agencies. A TB test is also another precaution to take in ensuring that your children are as safe as can be.

Think about doing a trial week once you have found a candidate you like. This gives each of you a chance to "try" each other out. She needs to make sure she is happy with the job duties, and the kids she will be taking care of. You need to make sure you feel comfortable with her and the quality of her work.

This person should be someone you could be around on a daily basis and feel comfortable leaving alone in your home for hours. Make sure you gut instincts are giving you the thumbs up sign, so to speak, about this nanny. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. More often than not, they are right! If you don't feel 100% comfortable with this nanny, I would strongly advise you to keep looking. It may take some time time but be persistent and don't settle for something just because you are in a bind. Make sure you take the time to get to know the nanny as much as you can before she enters your home.

Things to ask a former employer reference...

Was she punctual?
Did you ever pop in on her unannounced and see what she was doing with the kids?
How much she charge an hour?
Did you feel this was a fair price for the work she did?
What were her duties?
Does she take pride in her work?
Was she flexible?
What was her best quality?
What would have changed about her work technique?
Would you hire her again?
Were there ever any emergencies while she was watching your children?
If so, how did she handle them?
Did she perform any other duties other than watching your children?
Why did she leave/or why was she terminated?

Things to ask a friend/other reference...

How long have you known her?
How do you know her?
Describe her in three words.
What are her best qualities?
Have you ever seen her around children?
Would you rely on her to follow through with her word?
Do you know she is applying for nanny positions?
If you have children, would you trust her to watch your own children?