Full-time vs. part-time nanny: which fits your family?

Most families come to us asking about full-time or part-time care as if it's a scheduling question. It's really a question about ownership: how much of the weekday routine do you want one person to hold?

Full-time (30+ hrs/wk)

A full-time nanny becomes the second adult in the house. They know which sippy cup belongs to which kid, when the pediatrician's office opens, how your toddler transitions out of nap. Full-time care makes the most sense when both parents work standard hours, when you have more than one child, or when you value continuity over flexibility.

Part-time (10–29 hrs/wk)

Part-time care bridges the gaps: after-school pickup, split shifts, three days a week. It's a great fit for hybrid schedules, families sharing care with a grandparent, or households where one parent is home part of the week.

The hidden trade-off

Part-time nannies often work for multiple families, which means less schedule flexibility on their end. Full-time nannies are all yours, which means you're also responsible for enough consistent hours to keep them long-term. Neither is better. They solve different problems.

If you're not sure, start by mapping a real week. Where are the hard-stop moments? Where is there wiggle room? The right structure usually reveals itself once you see the whole picture.