Hiring a nanny is a big decision. A structured interview helps, but the questions you ask matter as much as the format.

1. "Walk me through a typical day you'd plan for a toddler."

Vague answers like "we'd play and do activities" are a red flag. A strong nanny describes specific activities — craft projects, outdoor time, reading routines — and explains why they choose them at different times of day.

2. "How do you handle a child who refuses to nap?"

This reveals patience, creativity, and whether their approach aligns with yours. Listen for calm, consistent strategies rather than frustration or giving up quickly.

3. "Tell me about a difficult situation with a child and how you resolved it."

Real stories show real skills. Anyone can describe the ideal scenario; this question surfaces how they actually behave under pressure.

4. "What's your approach to screen time?"

There's no single right answer, but their response should reflect a considered view — not just "whatever the parents want." You want someone who has thought about child development.

5. "What do you need from us to do your best work?"

This tells you whether they're a good communicator. A confident, experienced nanny will articulate clear expectations around scheduling, communication, and household rules. That's a very good sign.

After the interview, follow up with references using the same questions. Patterns across multiple sources are very reliable.