So you’re pregnant and excited to meet your baby but anxious about who could possibly meet your standards to look after your bundle of joy. There are some wonderful resources for parents seeking nannies and it can be daunting, here are five simple tips for hiring a nanny.

Make a list of expectations. A few to consider: What days/hours do you need your nanny to work? Are you looking for a live-in or live-out nanny? Do you want a nanny who holds a degree in child development or similar field? What benefit you will offer (if any)? If you have an infant, multiples, or a special needs child you will want a nanny who has experience in this area.

Contact a reputable nanny agency. To find the best agency in your state check- Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, An agency will be available to you before, during, and after you hire a nanny. The agency will provide you with qualified candidate’s that meet your family’s specific needs. Agencies check references and run background checks, and will provide you with candidate’s resumes, letters of recommendation, copies of certifications and/or degrees, and a list of references.

Interview nannies in person. Check for how a nanny communicates verbally and non-verbally. Think to yourself… Is this someone you want working in your home every day for the next x-amount of years? A nanny can have a stellar resume and excellent experience but if your personalities clash, she/he is just not the right nanny for you.

Check References! If you’re using a reputable agency reference and background checks are conducted by the agency at their expense. These include: criminal background check, DMV check, and social security verification. If hiring a nanny on your own, you can contact your local nanny agency and ask if they provide a la carte background checks. contact PFC Information Services, a well-known company that provides background checks for a number of nanny agency’s across the U.S.

Have a “trial day”. After the initial interview, I always suggest scheduling a time for your potential nanny to return to your home for a “trial day.” This is a time for both parties to get acclimated with one another. This is also a good time to watch your potential nanny interact with your child or children.

Rebecca Stewart: President, Founder of VIP Nannies Inc.

Rebecca Stewart, founder/president of VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing. As a former nanny herself, and mother, Rebecca has been in the household staffing industry for over a decade and knows what it takes to be, and how to find the highest quality professionals that you can trust to provide the very best for you and your family.