Live-In or Live-Out Nanny - Which Is Best For Your Family?
- carla avery
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Choosing the right childcare is a big decision for any family. One of the most common questions we hear from parents is:
“Should we hire a live-in nanny or a live-out nanny?”
Both options offer fantastic support for your family, but the best fit depends on your lifestyle, routine, space at home and the level of flexibility you need.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, benefits and things to consider to help you decide what works best for your family.
What Is a Live-In Nanny?
A live-in nanny lives in your home and becomes part of daily family life. They are provided with their own private bedroom (and ideally, bathroom) and usually work longer or more flexible hours than a live-out nanny.
Live-In Nanny vs Au Pair — What’s the Difference?
It’s really important to remember that a live-in nanny is not the same as an au pair.
Many parents start researching childcare and understandably get the two mixed up — but the roles, responsibilities and expectations are very different.
Au Pair
An au pair is typically:
A young person (often 18–25)
From overseas, here for a cultural exchange
Living as part of the family, like an older sibling
Providing light childcare and household help
Working limited hours (usually 25–30 per week)
Receiving pocket money, not a professional salary
Not formally qualified in childcare
Au pairs can be a wonderful fit for families who want cultural exchange, additional hands-on help, and support with older children, but not full-time professional childcare.
Live-In Nanny
A live-in nanny is:
A trained childcare professional
Hired primarily for child development, routine building & consistent care
Experienced, often with qualifications in early years, newborn care or first aid
Providing full-time childcare support
Paid a professional salary (with accommodation included as part of the package)
Responsible for children’s daily routines, learning, wellbeing and milestones
Live-in nannies are there to support parents and the child's emotional, developmental and daily needs — not to simply help around the house.
In simple terms:
Au pair = cultural exchange, pocket money, light support
Live-in nanny = professional childcare expert, full-time role, salary-based
Both can be fantastic options depending on your family’s needs,, but they are not interchangeable.
If what you need is qualified childcare, routine support, newborn help, or wrap-around family support, a live-in nanny is the right fit.
Benefits of a Live-In Nanny
✅ Greater flexibility — perfect for unpredictable schedules or long work hours
✅ More support during mornings & evenings
✅ May help with occasional overnight care
✅ Often more cost-effective than live-out nannies when factoring accommodation
Things to Consider
⚠️ You’ll need enough space in your home
⚠️ Boundaries & privacy are important for both sides - Tip: Homes with annexes, loft rooms or basement rooms are ideal for live-in setups.
⚠️Live-in nannies need clear working hours — they aren’t on duty 24/7
⚠️They must still be paid a fair salary!
What Is a Live-Out Nanny?
A live-out nanny commutes to your home each day and works agreed hours — typically full-time or part-time.
Benefits of a Live-Out Nanny
✅ Ideal if you prefer more privacy at home
✅ Suits families with limited living space
✅ Clear separation between work and home life
✅ Perfect if you have a predictable work routine
Things to Consider
⚠️ Less flexibility for early starts / late finishes
⚠️ You may need backup childcare if they are ill or delayed
⚠️ Travel costs and commuting time can impact availability
Which Option Is Right For You?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Best For | Live-In Nanny | Live-Out Nanny |
Parents with long/variable hours | ✅ | — |
Families wanting privacy | — | ✅ |
Homes with spare room | ✅ | — |
Predictable work schedules | — | ✅ |
Need overnight support | ✅ | — |
Prefer clear boundaries | — | ✅ |
Cost Considerations
Live-in nannies usually receive a slightly lower salary because accommodation and bills are included. Live-out nannies often earn slightly more due to travel expenses and commuting time.
However, both roles should still be paid fairly, and families must meet UK employment laws including:
Nanny payroll
Pension contributions (where applicable)
Holiday pay
Written contract
Employers can only deduct a maximum amount of their nanny's salary when factoring in their accommodation. You can read about this here:
Need help working all this out? Drop us a message — we’ll guide you.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when choosing the right nanny. The decision depends on:
Your lifestyle
Your home setup
Your children’s needs
Your work schedule
Your budget
The type of support you want
Whether you choose a live-in or live-out nanny, the most important thing is finding someone who fits your family, your values and your routine.
Need Guidance Choosing the Right Nanny?
We’d love to help. With real experience in childcare and supporting families, we understand what makes a nanny-family match work.
👉 Tailored nanny matching
👉 Personal support throughout
👉 Trial and interview support
👉 Ongoing guidance once your nanny starts
Pop us a message if you'd like help finding your ideal nanny.
You don’t have to do it all alone.
WhatsApp: 07353781271
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