What does a nanny do? What responsibilities should a nanny have?

Written By Karen K.

A nanny is a professional caregiver who provides ongoing, in-home childcare and supports your child’s daily routine. Responsibilities vary by family and some nannies may not be open to providing anything but childcare (no household tasks), but they usually fall into a few clear categories, as you’ll see below.
Remember to consider a nanny’s responsibilities when you are considering the hourly rate you plan to offer. More responsibilities should equal a higher rate.

Core childcare responsibilities (most common)

  • Supervise and keep children safe at all times

  • Plan and lead age-appropriate activities (play, reading, crafts, outdoor time)

  • Support development (language, motor skills, independence, social skills)

  • Keep a consistent routine (meals, naps, school schedule, bedtime support if needed)

  • Prepare child meals and snacks (and clean up what they use)

  • Diapering/potty training support and hygiene (handwashing, baths if agreed)

  • Transportation (school drop-off/pick-up, activities) if part of the job

  • Communicate daily with parents (updates, schedules, behavior, milestones)

Child-related household tasks (often included)

These are typically “kid-only” tasks, not full housekeeping:

  • Wash/fold children’s laundry

  • Tidy play areas and kids’ rooms

  • Clean bottles/sippy cups, wipe high chair, reset kitchen after kid meals

  • Organize toys, rotate books, maintain diaper bag/supplies

  • Prep for the next day (pack lunches, lay out clothes, restock diapers)

Educational and enrichment support (sometimes included)

  • Homework help and school projects

  • Reading practice, learning games, basic tutoring (if qualified)

  • Planning outings (library, museum, park) with parent approval

Infant/newborn-specific duties (if caring for a baby)

  • Feeding support (bottles, solids, pumping parts, breastfeeding support as directed)

  • Sleep routines and nap schedule support (not sleep training unless agreed)

  • Developmental play (tummy time, sensory play)

  • Tracking feeds/naps/diapers and communicating patterns

Household management or family assistant tasks (only if agreed)

Some nanny roles expand into “family assistant” or “household manager” territory (usually higher pay):

  • Kid schedule management (activities, calendars)

  • Children’s supplies shopping (diapers, clothes, school items)

  • Appointment coordination (pediatrician, therapies)

  • Light family errands related to kids

What nannies usually don’t do (unless explicitly part of the job)

  • Whole-house cleaning (bathrooms, mopping, deep cleaning)

  • Adult laundry

  • Cooking full family dinners (unless agreed)

  • Heavy pet care (beyond simple kid-related help)

  • Running the entire household without a role change/compensation adjustment

A simple way to define a nanny’s scope

Most families use this guideline:

Karen K.
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