Start by describing your children’s needs
First, write a realistic description: how many children, roughly how old, is there a baby who needs constant care, do they go to school, does anyone have special needs or allergies, and how many hours a day do they need care?
This description helps the licensed provider understand what you need and helps the nanny know what awaits her before she starts.
Job-related skills
What really matters in a nanny relates to the work: experience caring for children, experience with babies if you have one, patience, being able to communicate in a language the children and family understand, and knowing safety basics. State these skills clearly in your request.
Personal traits unrelated to the work have no place in the choice, and we don’t offer any filters or preferences based on them.
Live-in, monthly or recruited?
Childcare needs stability, so many families prefer recruitment or an extended monthly service so the same nanny stays with the children. Hourly help suits occasional support more than daily care.
Set the duties clearly
The nanny is responsible for caring for the children: feeding them, keeping them clean, playing with them and helping with bedtime. The contract may include light child-related tasks, such as tidying their rooms and washing their clothes.
Making the nanny responsible for the children, the cooking and cleaning the whole home at once harms the children before it harms her, because her attention will be split. If you need more than that, consider an additional service.
Safety rules
Write clear safety rules and explain them: what is kept out of children’s reach, how to handle water, the kitchen, stairs and balconies, who may take the children from home or school, and what to do if one falls ill or gets hurt.
Give her the parents’ numbers and the emergency numbers and explain when to call. It helps if she learns basic first aid for children if she doesn’t already know it.
Medicines and allergies
If a child takes medicine or has a food allergy, write it down clearly and explain it to the nanny in detail. Remember that daily childcare differs from medical care, and health conditions need a doctor’s supervision.
The daily routine
Children like routine, and the nanny needs to know it: wake-up and bed times, meals, school, homework, screen time and play. Write the routine on a simple sheet and agree with the nanny how to follow it.
Keep the rules consistent between parents and nanny; children get confused if each person sets different rules.
The first days with the children
Children need time to get used to the nanny, and she needs time to get to know each child. Stay close in the first days and don’t leave them alone with her for long periods straight away. Introduce her kindly and teach the children to respect her and call her by name.
Language and upbringing
Children learn language from whoever they spend a lot of time with, so many families care that the nanny communicates with the children in a language that suits the family. State the language you need in your request, such as Arabic or English, because it is a job-related skill.
Remember that upbringing is the parents’ responsibility first; the nanny helps and doesn’t replace them. Agree with her on the family’s values and how it deals with the children — encouragement, and what to do when a child misbehaves, with no physical punishment or harshness.
Trust is built through communication
Trust doesn’t come in a day; it is built through ongoing communication. Sit with the nanny regularly and ask about the children’s day, what she noticed and what worries her. Listen to her observations — she spends a lot of time with the children and may see what you don’t.
Privacy and cameras
If the family decides to use cameras at home, do so transparently: tell the nanny they are there, and don’t put them in her room or private spaces. Safety and privacy balance each other, and transparency keeps trust between both sides.
The nanny’s rights
The nanny has the same basic rights: salary in full and on time, daily and weekly rest, annual leave, decent accommodation, health care and keeping her documents. Childcare is tiring work, so enough rest protects her and the children.
Outside the home
If the nanny will take the children out — to the park, school or relatives — agree the rules: where they may go, with whom, and how she contacts you. Make sure the children know their parents’ phone number if they are old enough. Clarity on these details gives her confidence and gives you peace of mind.
As the children grow
Children’s needs change with age: a baby needs constant care, a school-age child needs afternoon support. If the duties change a lot, talk with the nanny and the licensed provider and adjust the agreement through lawful routes.
Questions to ask the licensed provider
- What experience is available in caring for children or babies?
- Which languages can she communicate in?
- Can we learn about job-related skills before contracting?
- What is the guarantee period and what does it cover?
- Do you help with understanding in the first weeks?
Ask licensed providers for offers
With SaudiMaid you describe your children’s needs and the skills required once, and your request reaches licensed providers who contact you with offers. Read about the nanny service.
FAQ
Can I choose a nanny by age or religion?
We don’t offer any filtering by personal traits. The choice rests on job-related skills and experience.
Can the nanny also cook and clean the house?
Loading her with all of that splits her attention from the children — set the duties clearly in the contract.
Can I install cameras?
If you decide to, do it transparently and never in her room or private spaces.
How do I know the nanny suits my children?
Stay close in the first days, watch how she interacts with the children, and talk with her regularly.
Does the nanny give medicines?
Only with clear instructions from the parents and doctor — medical care has its own competent providers.
Can the nanny sleep in the children’s room?
She is entitled to her own private room to rest. If a baby needs night care, agree it clearly with enough compensating rest.
What if my child doesn’t accept the nanny at first?
That’s normal — give them both time, stay close and gently encourage the child until they get used to her.
Do you provide nannies?
No — we are a matching service only; the service is provided by licensed providers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules, fees and procedures can change, so always refer to official channels and the approved contract, and ask the licensed provider in writing about any detail.
