Why Every Nanny Needs Strong References

Hiring a nanny is about more than just finding someone to watch your child—it’s about entrusting your family’s safety, well-being, and happiness to another person. That’s why nanny references are one of the most important factors when hiring a nanny. Strong references help you verify experience, reliability, and character before making a long-term commitment.

If you’re searching for the best nannies Houston offers or seeking expert nanny agency tips on vetting candidates, this guide will walk you through why references matter, how to check them effectively, and how to use them alongside background checks to find a truly reliable nanny.

Why Are Nanny References So Important?

Houston parents interviewing a nanny and reviewing her references at home.

References serve as a window into a nanny’s past performance and compatibility with families, providing insights that resumes and interviews alone can’t offer. They can reveal:

How the nanny interacts with children and parents
Reliability and punctuality in real-world scenarios
Trustworthiness and professionalism
Ability to handle emergencies and challenges
Communication style and flexibility

Without solid references, you’re taking a bigger risk. Families who invest time in checking references report higher satisfaction and longer-lasting placements.

How to Check Nanny References Effectively

1. Ask for Multiple References

Request at least 3 references from previous families.
Include recent employers and those with similar childcare needs.

2. Prepare Your Questions

Focus on open-ended questions such as:

How did the nanny interact with your child?
Was the nanny reliable and punctual?
How did they handle emergencies or difficult situations?
Did the nanny communicate clearly and respectfully with your family?
Would you rehire this nanny? Why or why not?

3. Verify Authenticity

Call references directly rather than relying on written testimonials.
Be wary of vague or overly positive answers without specifics.

4. Take Notes and Compare

Look for consistent themes or red flags.
Compare references against what the nanny shared during the interview.

The Role of Background Checks Alongside References

Parent conducting a nanny background check alongside reviewing references on a laptop.

While references provide personal insights, a thorough nanny background check is essential to verify identity and ensure safety. Background checks typically include:

Criminal records search
Employment verification
Driving record check (if applicable)
Sex offender registry check

Combining references with background checks creates a comprehensive picture of your nanny’s qualifications and reliability.

What To Do if References Are Limited or Unavailable

It’s not uncommon for newer nannies or career changers to have limited references. In those cases:

Ask for written character references from non-family employers or community members
Conduct more in-depth interviews focusing on skills and situational responses
Consider trial periods with close supervision to build trust gradually

Testimonial: How Checking References Made a Difference

Happy Houston parents relaxing while their carefully vetted nanny plays with their child.

"When we hired our nanny through Elite Nanny League, we were impressed by how thoroughly they vetted her references. Speaking with previous families gave us confidence in her experience and temperament. It’s made all the difference for our peace of mind."
— Mark and Elena S., Houston