Why a Strong Nanny Contract Matters (and how to build one)
If you’re in the process of hiring a nanny, you’ve probably already realized this part feels heavier than you expected.
You know you need a contract but sitting down to actually write one can feel overwhelming. What’s legally required? What’s just best practice? What are the industry standards? What benefits should me offered? And how do you make sure you’re not missing something that could turn into a problem months down the line?
That exact question is why I created my Fully Editable Nanny Contract Template It’s designed to walk families through all of the categories that matter clearly and thoughtfully. It includes prompts and fill in the blanks to ensure the contract is exactly how you intend it to be.
I see this situation all the time. Parents start with the best intentions and a verbal agreement, assuming everyone is on the same page. But when it comes to in-home childcare, a nanny contract shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be the starting point.
A strong contract helps you get clear on what you’re actually looking for before you start interviewing. It shapes how you screen candidates, the questions you ask, and how you decide whether a nanny is the right fit for your family. Most importantly, it sets the tone for a professional, respectful working relationship from day one
Why a Nanny Contract Matters (More Than You Think)
A nanny contract isn’t about being rigid or overly formal, it’s about clarity and protection for everyone involved.
When expectations are written down, trust is easier to build and misunderstandings are far less likely. A thoughtful contract covers not just what you expect on a typical day, but also how you’ll handle situations that don’t come up often.
For example, do you expect your nanny to handle child-related laundry? Provide daily updates or photos? Support overnight care or handle transportation tasks? These details feel obvious, but they often aren’t as straightforward as some might think. Every family has different goals, expectations, and needs and so does every nanny. A contract helps align families with caregivers who are best suited for the job.
What a Truly Comprehensive Nanny Contract Includes
Many families don’t realize how many categories a solid nanny contract should actually cover until they try to write one themselves. My nanny contract template includes the basics and all of the following, already organized and ready to customize:
Agreement basics & employment structure: clear contact information, start dates, W-2 household employment status, and employer responsibilities, including insurance considerations.
Job expectations & scope of care: childcare duties, child-related household tasks, daily communication and photo guidelines, scheduling expectations, minimum shifts, overnight care, and nanny share arrangements.
Pay, payroll & time off: hourly rates, payroll services, pay schedules, guaranteed hours, cancellation policies, overtime rules, holidays, PTO, and Washington State sick leave requirements.
Health, safety & illness policies: emergency contacts, medication permissions, safe sleep and food safety, allergies, illness expectations, injury protocols, and firearms disclosure.
Household norms & boundaries: babyproofing expectations, pets, cleanliness standards, use of cameras, and driving expectations.
This is often the moment where parents pause and think, I’m really glad I didn’t try to piece this together from scratch.
The Clauses Families Are Always Thankful They Included
In my experience, most nanny challenges don’t come from daily routines, they come from the situations no one thought to talk about ahead of time. As parents know, life can change or shift at a moments notice. Your contract should reflect preparation for things that might come up in the future to ensure both you and your nanny have a plan.
That’s why the following clauses matter so much:
Sick and illness policies: What happens if your nanny is sick? What if your child is? Clear guidelines around sick pay, contagious illness, and expectations protect everyone and reduce last-minute stress.
Nanny share arrangements: If care is shared between families, it’s essential to outline pay structure, responsibilities, scheduling, and what happens if one family cancels or withdraws.
Driving and transportation: Even occasional driving should be documented, including insurance requirements, mileage reimbursement, car seat expectations, and permission for outings.
Travel policies: Whether it’s a weekend trip or extended travel, contracts should clarify compensation, overnight expectations, per diem, accommodations, and time off during family travel.
Inclement weather & emergencies: Snow days, power outages, school closures, and emergency situations are much easier to navigate when expectations are already written down.
Major life changes: While no one plans for separation, divorce, relocation, or custody changes, addressing how employment would be handled during major transitions protects both the family and the nanny.
Termination terms: Notice requirements, immediate termination for safety or boundary violations, and clear exit expectations reduce confusion and conflict.
If you’re reading this and thinking, I wouldn’t have known to include half of this, you’re not alone. All of this information is included in the Loving Care Collective Fully Editable Nanny Contract Template and is an excellent place to start as you comprise your agreement. Get your copy here:
A Contract Is a Communication Tool
At its core, a nanny contract isn’t just a legal document, it’s a communication tool.
It helps you put expectations into words, creates a shared understanding, and gives both you and your nanny something to refer back to when questions come up.
If you’re feeling unsure where to start or worried about overlooking something important, that’s exactly where a complete, editable contract can help. My nanny contract template includes all of the categories above and is designed to be flexible, practical, and family-centered. Click HERE to download the fully editable doc.x template instantly!
A strong contract isn’t about being inflexible. It’s about creating clarity, fairness, and peace of mind for you and for the person caring for your child.
