Children thrive in the comfort of their home, when they have an attentive and nurturing nanny to care for them. Nannies provide one on one interaction and care, giving children a deep sense of security and self-worth. The consistent relationship between the child and nanny allows the child to develop a special bond as the nanny typically stays with the family for a certain period of time.

Tools and sites such as UrbanSitter, care.com, and Sittercity give current and future parents the option to look at lots of profiles in one place. They can also hire through parent groups and agencies.

Without further ado, here are the top tools to find the right nanny for your family.

1. UnMask

Once you’ve decided on a candidate, it won’t hurt to do a background check on them through UnMask just to be safe. This is someone that will be alone with your children, after all.

The site offers several background check options for you. You are certain to find all the information you need to make a valid assessment.

2. Urbansitter 

You can search and post jobs for free on Urbansitter, which is distinguished by its flexible pricing options to get in touch with nannies and sitters. The rate agreed on is guaranteed. You can hire a full-time or part-time professional as well as babysitters you need only occasionally. Other options include last-minute sitters, backup childcare, and “date night” babysitters.

This tool’s useful Sitter Lists let you know who the top reviewed nannies are, as rated by parents in your church, school, or neighbourhood. There are flexible plans to fit different demands. You can choose from different subscription plans.

All the professionals listed on Urbansitter are background checked, an SSN trace, and Global Watchlist check. The tool is available to give you help when you need it: you have to attend a teacher-parent meeting, you’re sick, or you have to work late.

Payment is very easy with this tool, done with a simple tap of a credit card. The site sends you a summary of the amount due, the hours, and the rate.

3. Care.com 

Care.com was founded almost 15 years ago based on the premise that quality childcare is both a key driver of empowerment and a basic human need. To become successful as adults, children need quality care in their crucial formative years. When mothers have support in childcare, the economy grows.

This tool offers a variety of services that make it possible for families to give nannies gainful employment by easily finding, managing, and paying for care. There is a solid suite of safety resources, family household tax and payroll services, easy ways for caregivers to get occupational benefits, and customised packages with benefits.

Care.com’s digital platform provides families with a simple, comprehensive solution to meet their care needs. The tool’s HomePay service gives much-needed peace of mind by managing taxes and household payroll for families who hire nannies. They provide access to benefits that can result in meaningful and satisfying careers and a platform to find high-quality jobs.

4. Sittercity 

Sittercity has a dedicated team with robust safety tools and resources in place. They also offer a screening tool suite enabling parents to confidently hire a nanny for their child. The trusted community gives access to reference contact info, reviews and ratings from local families, and highly detailed profiles. Their safety measures include sitter ID authentication, Family Watchdog screening, scam prevention, and ongoing monitoring of site content.

Screening tools for families include interview booking, secure messaging, and background check options for extra safety.

Online Parenting Groups and Agencies 

If you turn to an online parenting group, you’ll find your inbox flooded with resumes. Exercise caution and do background checks if you settle on someone. If you choose to contract an agency, they will interview candidates and run a background check on them. They will interview you as well. An agency can be a useful tool because they offer not only potential nannies, but also interview tips.