Au Pair or a Nanny
What suits your family better?
What is a nanny?
A nanny is a professional childcare provider hired to look after children in your home. Nannies can work full-time or part-time, and some nannies live with the family (live-in), while others travel to the family’s home daily (live-out). A nanny often has experience in childcare and may have specific skills or certifications, such as first aid for children or pedagogical training.
What does a nanny do exactly?
A nanny provides personalized care for children in a home setting. Their responsibilities include:
- Daily care, such as changing diapers and dressing children.
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children.
- Planning educational and recreational activities.
- Guiding children in their development, such as social skills and schoolwork.
- Taking and picking up children from school or activities.
Nannies focus entirely on the children and may take on fewer household tasks than an au pair.
How does nanny care work?
A nanny is hired directly by the family. This can be done through personal networks, advertisements, or specialized agencies. An employment contract is often drawn up, outlining working hours, tasks, and salary. The costs for a nanny can vary depending on experience, working hours, and location. Nannies are generally more expensive than au pairs, as they receive a salary and often additional benefits such as vacation pay and social security contributions.
| Au pair | Nanny | |
|---|---|---|
| Costs | Pocket money (€340 per month) + room and board; additional costs for insurance. | Market-conform salary (average €15-€20 per hour) + additional employer costs. |
| Tasks and responsibilities | Childcare and light household chores such as cleaning and cooking. | Focus on childcare; household chores usually not included. |
| Flexibility | Flexible schedule: maximum eight hours per day/thirty hours per week/minimum two days off. | Fixed working hours; less flexibility outside agreed hours. |
| Cultural enrichment | Introduces new customs, languages, and traditions into the family. | No direct cultural enrichment; completely focused on childcare. |
| Supervision and expertise | Basic childcare skills; no formal certification required. | Often qualified with pedagogical training and experience. |
Comparison: au pair vs nanny
Costs
Au pair: pocket money (€340 per month) + room and board; additional costs for insurance.
Nanny: market-conform salary (average €15-€20 per hour) + additional employer costs.
Tasks and responsibilities
Au pair: childcare and light household chores such as cleaning and cooking.
Nanny: focus on childcare; household chores usually not included.
Flexibility
Au pair: flexible schedule: maximum eight hours per day/thirty hours per week/minimum two days off.
Nanny: fixed working hours; less flexibility outside agreed hours.
Cultural enrichment
Au pair: introduces new customs, languages, and traditions into the family.
Nanny: no direct cultural enrichment; completely focused on childcare.
Supervision and expertise
Au pair: basic childcare skills; no formal certification required.
Nanny: often qualified with pedagogical training and experience.
Why an au pair might be the better choice
1. Affordable option for multiple children
2. Cultural enrichment
3. Flexible care
Within the legal framework (a maximum of eight hours per day, a maximum of thirty hours per week, and at least two full days off), you can create your own weekly schedule. An au pair can also perform tasks in the evenings.
4. Emotional bond
5. Help in the household
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An au pair lives with the family and provides childcare as well as help in the household, while a nanny is fully focused on professional childcare and often does not live with the family.
Yes, some nannies offer night care, but this must be discussed in advance and may incur additional costs.
Yes, nannies are generally more expensive because they receive a market-based salary and additional employer costs.
In addition to the salary, there are costs for social security contributions, vacation pay, and any mediation fees.
No, childcare allowance is only available for care registered with the LRKP, such as childminders.
Although nannies are often available full-time, they work according to a fixed schedule and are less flexible than au pairs.
A nanny offers more expertise and supervision, which can be beneficial for young children. An au pair, on the other hand, offers more cultural enrichment and is a more budget-friendly choice.
Au pairs are not required to have formal experience, but they must have basic childcare skills.
Household work is generally not part of a nanny’s duties unless specifically agreed upon.
A nanny with a pedagogical background can better assist with education, while an au pair often provides more general support.
If you need flexibility, cultural enrichment, and a lower cost structure, an au pair is better. If you have specific requirements for childcare expertise, then a nanny is the right choice.
Au pair, childcare, childminder or nanny
What is the best choice for your family?
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Au Pair International has been guiding host families for over 15 years. In a non-binding introduction call, we will inform you on how to make your period as a host family a success!