Au Pair vs. Nanny: Which One is Right for My Family?

When it comes to childcare, it's important to consider all your options. Some families with unique schedules or who want more flexibility in their childcare may consider having someone watch their children in their own home. 

When researching in-home childcare options, families may come across nannies and au pairs and wonder what the difference is. We're breaking down the differences between nannies and au pairs and how to choose which is best for your family. 

1. What is an Au Pair?
2. What is a Nanny?
3. Do they do different tasks?
4. What are their working hours?
5. Relationship with the family
6. Salary
7. Is a nanny or au pair better?
8. How do you find a nanny or au pair?

What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is a young person, typically aged 18-30, who lives with a host family in a foreign country for up to one year. In exchange for room and board and a weekly stipend, an au pair provides up to 45 hours per week of childcare and light household duties (meal prep for children or tidying up activities, etc).

What is a Nanny?

A nanny is a professional childcare provider a family typically employs to work in their home. Nannies may work full-time or part-time, and their responsibilities include:

• Providing care for children.
• Sometimes engaging in educational activities.
• Preparing meals.
• Performing light household duties related to the children. 

Do they do different tasks?

Both au pairs and nannies provide childcare and tend to the day-to-day needs of the children they care for. They both may bring children to and from school or activities and do things like crafts or educational activities with children. Neither a nanny nor an au pair is typically responsible for housekeeping, but they may tidy up after the children, prepare meals and snacks, etc. 

Although they perform similar tasks, there are some differences in job descriptions. For example, a nanny may bring their transportation to get children to and from activities, but a host family needs to give the au pair access to the family car and add them to their insurance. Also, an au pair host family may have to provide the au pair with a cell phone, whereas a nanny will generally have their own. 

With a nanny, you are the employer and therefore the work agreement you create with your nanny will determine exactly what tasks you both agree they will perform. With an au pair, the au pair agency you use will help you determine which tasks are and aren't covered by an au pair.

What are their working hours?

Au pairs can only provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week, and their working hours must be spread out over five days. They are also entitled to two days off per week, usually spent exploring their host country or pursuing other interests. Nannies may work full-time or part-time, depending on the family's needs. Full-time nannies typically work 40-60 hours per week, while part-time nannies may work as little as a few hours per day.

Au pairs must also take some educational credits as part of their cultural exchange visa. The host family must schedule childcare hours around the au pair's school schedule. 

Relationship with the family

Au pairs are considered temporary members of the host family and are encouraged to participate in family activities and meals. This close relationship helps au pairs to feel at home in their new country. On the other hand, nannies are family employees and may have a more professional relationship with the parents. This isn't to say that a nanny won't become a valued member of the family; it's just that an au pair lives within the family's home which naturally fosters a closer relationship. 

One of the things to consider about an au pair is that they are only allowed to spend a year with a family and can occasionally extend their visa for 18 months. If your family is looking for long-term care that can grow with your family, a nanny may be a more long-term solution. 

Salary

Au pairs receive a weekly stipend that varies depending on the country and the specific program they are participating in. In addition to room and board, au pairs may receive a small amount of spending money to cover their personal expenses. Host families are also required to pay an educational stipend for the au pair to attend a certain number of college courses while they are in the United States. Since au pairs may travel with the family or go along on outings, a host family typically pays for the au pair as an extra family member. 

Nannies are typically paid an hourly or monthly wage, which varies depending on their experience level, the number of children they care for, and the region where they work. Some families may provide health insurance for their nannies and paid time off— depending on the hours worked and the area the family lives. 

Is a nanny or au pair better?

The choice between an au pair and a nanny depends on your family's unique needs, lifestyle, and priorities. Here's a comparison chart to help you decide.

Both au pairs and nannies are excellent childcare options for families seeking more individualized care. Considering your living situation, weighing the costs and benefits of both options will help you make an informed decision.

How do you find a nanny or au pair?

You get connected with an au pair via an au pair agency. You can also use an agency to find a nanny, but nannies can also be hired directly without the use of an agency. Use Winnie to get the process started with an agency for au pairs, nannies, or babysitters.