Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. After all, this person will be responsible for your child’s safety, development, and well-being while you’re away. Whether you're hiring a nanny for the first time or replacing a previous caregiver, it's crucial to approach the process with care—and a healthy dose of caution.

When conducting interviews and reference checks, it's easy to get caught up in personality, experience, or availability. But there are also red flags when hiring a nanny that you should never ignore. These warning signs can indicate potential issues that could impact your child's safety or your peace of mind.

Here are the top red flags every parent should watch out for when hiring a nanny:

1. Inconsistent Work History

One of the first things to look at is the candidate’s employment history. Gaps between jobs aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but a nanny who has frequently changed families or stayed at jobs for only a few months at a time without clear explanations may raise concern.

Tip: Ask direct nanny interview questions like:
"Can you walk me through your work history and explain the transitions between positions?"

2. Lack of References or Poor Recommendations

A reputable nanny should have multiple references from previous families. If a candidate struggles to provide these or offers only vague contact details, that’s a red flag.

Tip: Always follow up with previous employers and ask questions like:
"Would you rehire this nanny? Why or why not?"

3. Refusal to Undergo a Background Check

A nanny background check is essential. It includes criminal history, driving records, and sometimes even drug screening. If a nanny refuses or hesitates to go through a background check, you should proceed with caution.

4. Overly Eager to Start Without Questions

While enthusiasm is great, a professional nanny will also have their own set of questions about your family, schedule, and expectations. If they’re willing to start immediately without learning more about the job or your children, it could indicate a lack of genuine interest or experience.

5. Negative Talk About Former Employers

During the nanny interview, pay attention to how they speak about former jobs. Bad-mouthing previous families or employers shows a lack of professionalism and maturity. It may also be a sign that conflicts could arise in your home too.

6. Unclear Boundaries or Over-Familiar Behavior

Professionalism is key, especially in the early stages of building trust. If a nanny becomes too familiar too soon—like asking to bring a friend over, use your car, or use your home for personal errands—it’s a red flag. Boundaries should be clearly respected and communicated.

7. Inattentiveness During the Trial or Observation Period

If you conduct a trial day or ask the nanny to observe your child before making a final decision, be sure to watch how attentive and engaged they are. A great nanny will be proactive, interactive, and responsive—not distracted or glued to their phone.

8. Lack of CPR or First Aid Certification

While not always mandatory, basic medical training is a huge plus. If a candidate has no interest in getting certified or seems unaware of what to do in an emergency, consider it a warning sign.

9. Poor Communication Skills

Communication is key—between nanny and child, and nanny and parent. If they’re vague, unclear, or don’t follow through with scheduling or instructions, this could lead to issues down the road.

Tip: Make sure they’re responsive via phone, text, or email before the hire. Consistency in communication is a good early indicator of reliability.

Trusting someone with your child is a big deal. Watching out for these red flags when hiring a nanny can help you make a confident, informed decision. Take your time, ask the right questions, run a thorough nanny background check, and listen to your gut.

By staying aware and proactive, you’ll find the right person to provide safe, loving, and dependable care for your little one.