How to find a nanny in the Fort Worth area
Most families find a nanny in one of three ways:
Recommendations from friends and family
Online caregiver platforms and social media (Care.com, SitterCity, Facebook, Nextdoor)
1) Ask Friends and Family
Starting with your personal network is often the simplest (and lowest-cost) option. Recommendations can lead you to caregivers who have already worked for someone you know and trust—so you’re not starting from zero.
Best for: families who have a strong local network and want a quick starting point.
2) Use Online Platforms and Social Media
If your personal network doesn’t turn up strong leads, moving your search online can open up more options.
Caregiver Platforms (Care.com, SitterCity)
Sites like Care.com and SitterCity let you post your job and receive applications from caregivers in your area who match your schedule, pay range, and preferences. You’ll generally have the most success with premium access, which gives you better visibility and messaging tools.
At the time this article was updated (April 2025), premium memberships were typically around $155–$180 per year.
If you have time to screen candidates, this route can work well—but it does require effort. A realistic funnel might look like:
1 job post
30 applicants
15 phone screens
3 final candidates
The biggest challenge is the volume. You may spend a lot of time sorting through applicants, scheduling interviews, and occasionally dealing with no-shows—something most families experience at least once.
Social Media (Facebook, Nextdoor)
Local Facebook nanny/babysitting groups and Nextdoor can also be great sources for leads. We do see successful matches here, but like caregiver platforms, it can be time-consuming and requires careful screening.
Best for: families who have time to manage the process and want to interview many candidates.
3) Work with a Nanny Placement Agency
If you prefer a more guided, done-for-you approach, a nanny placement agency can save a significant amount of time. Agencies typically charge either a flat fee or a percentage-based fee (depending on the agency’s pricing model).
The biggest benefits of working with an agency are the time savings and peace of mind that come from a standardized vetting process—often including reference checks, verifying qualifications, and running criminal background checks. You also get expert guidance on setting up a strong working relationship from the start.
Best for: families who want professional support, thorough vetting, and a smoother process.
Tips for Finding (and Keeping) a Great Nanny
Most families can expect the nanny search to take 4–6 weeks, no matter which route they choose. You’ll have a much easier time finding a safe, reliable nanny if you:
Write a clear, accurate nanny job description
Understand local market rates
Use consistent interview questions for each candidate
Request and check references
Schedule a paid trial day
Run a criminal background check (and driving history/drug test if needed)
Set up a legal payroll process
Define expectations, responsibilities, and house guidelines upfront
Once You Hire the Right Fit, Focus on Retention
A strong nanny-family relationship is built over time. To help your nanny feel valued and supported:
Offer benefits like paid time off, holidays, and sick days
Take an interest in your nanny’s professional growth
Check in regularly to keep communication open
Address concerns early, with clear and respectful direction