Hiring a Nanny or NCS? The Questions You NEED to Ask (Or Regret Later!)

So You’re Hiring Childcare... Buckle Up.

It starts out simple. “We just need a little help with the baby.”

Then reality hits. Your toddler has transformed your living room into an obstacle course of LEGOs and sticky fingerprints. Your newborn seems allergic to sleep. Your fridge contains exactly one half-eaten yogurt cup and an expired bottle of milk.

So, you make the call: We need a nanny. Or an NCS. Or a miracle.

But hiring the wrong person? That’s how you end up with someone who thinks “light housework” means watching crumbs accumulate on the counter or believes that “discipline” means letting your toddler reign as Supreme Dictator of the Household.

Hiring childcare help is serious business—so let’s make sure you ask the right questions before handing over the keys to your sanity.

Step 1: First, Do You Need a Nanny or an NCS?

Before you even schedule an interview, let’s get one thing straight:

NCS (Newborn Care Specialist) = Short-term lifesaver.

They specialize in newborn care, night shifts, feeding, sleep training, and keeping you sane during the first 12 week

Nanny = Long-term teammate.

They provide full-time childcare, manage daily routines, help with school drop-offs, handle toddler tantrums, and assi

with light housework for the long haul.

Still unsure?

Some parents start with an NCS for the first few months and transition to a nanny once their child is olde

Need a full breakdown? We covered it all in Blog 1: Nanny vs. NCS – Who’s Right for Your Baby?

Step 2: How to Conduct the Interview Like a Pro

Most parents mess this part up.

Don’t just sit there asking, “So... do you like kids?” (Of course, they’re going to say yes. What did you expect?)

Instead, treat this like a real job interview.

How to Set the Right Tone:

• Create a relaxed atmosphere – Offer coffee, make small talk, and observe how they interact with your child.

• Use scenario-based questions – Instead of yes/no questions, ask “What would you do if...”

• Watch for personality clues – Are they patient, responsible, and engaged? Or are they already scrolling through Instagram mid-interview?

Step 3: The MUST-ASK Questions for NCS vs. Nanny

If You’re Hiring an NCS (Newborn Care Specialist)

1. “What’s your experience with newborns?”

Good Answer: “I’ve worked with newborns for over five years, including preemies and colicky babies

Red Flag Answer: “I mean, I’ve held babies before.”

2. “How do you handle sleep training?”

Good Answer: “I use a mix of parent-approved methods, like gentle sleep coaching.”

Red Flag Answer: “Babies just figure it out eventually

3. “What’s your approach to feeding?”

Good Answer: “I support both breastfeeding and formula feeding, and I help parents establish routines.”

Red Flag Answer: “I only believe in rigid method.”

4. “How do you soothe a baby who won’t stop crying?”

Good Answer: “I try different techniques—swaddling, rocking, white noise—to find what works best for each baby."

Red Flag Answer: “I just let them cry it out.”

If You’re Hiring a Nanny

1. “How do you handle toddler meltdowns?”

Good Answer: “I stay calm, validate their feelings, and redirect their attention.”

Red Flag Answer: “I just ignore them until they stop.”

2. “How do you structure the day?”

Good Answer: “I follow the parents’ schedule while ensuring there’s a balance of play, meals, and learning activities.”

Red Flag Answer: “I just go with the flow"

3. “Would you be comfortable with light housework?”

Good Answer: “I can tidy up, do dishes, and prep simple meals related to childcare.”

Red Flag Answer: “I’m not a cleaner.”

4. “How would you handle an emergency?”

Good Answer: “I’m CPR certified and I’d immediately follow emergency protocols while contacting parents."

Red Flag Answer: “I’d Google what to do.”

Step 4: Red Flags That Scream “RUN”

1. Vague answers about experience (“I’ve worked with kids before” = “I babysat my cousin once.”)

2. Overly strict or overly passive discipline beliefs (Extremes are a no-go.)

3. Zero enthusiasm (If they look more excited about their coffee than your child, problem

4. Their phone is their main focus (If they can’t stop checking texts now, imagine when you're not around.)

Final Thought: Trust Your Gut

By now, you should have a clear idea of who’s a good fit. Trust your instinct

Not sure? Do a 1-week trial period. Nothing tells you more than real-life experience with your child.

💡 And if you still need help deciding, don’t forget to check out our guide to NCS vs. Nanny

ADDENDUM: Full Interview Question Bank

ADDENDUM: Full Interview Question Bank

Pro Tip: Don’t overwhelm yourself by asking all of these! Pick 5-7 key questions that matter most to YOU.

🍼 Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) Questions

1. 󾠮 How many newborns have you cared for?

2. 󾠯 Have you worked with preemies or twins?

3. 󾠰 How do you handle sleep training?

4. 󾠱 What’s your approach to bottle feeding vs. breastfeeding support?

5. 󾠲 How do you deal with colic and excessive crying?

6. 󾠳 What would you do if the baby is refusing to eat?

7. 󾠴 Are you familiar with safe sleep guidelines?

8. 󾠵 Do you track feedings and diaper changes?

9. 󾠶 How do you handle a parent’s specific newborn care request?

10. Have you worked with postpartum moms experiencing baby blues or PPD?

👶 Nanny Questions

1. 󾠮 What’s your experience with toddlers vs. older kids?

2. 󾠯 What kind of daily schedule do you create for children?

3. 󾠰 How do you approach discipline?

4. 󾠱 Can you handle sibling conflict?

5. 󾠲 What’s your philosophy on screen time?

6. 󾠳 How do you handle picky eaters?

7. 󾠴 Are you willing to assist with homework?

8. 󾠵 Are you comfortable with playdates and outdoor activities?

9. 󾠶 How do you handle transitions (e.g., potty training, starting preschool)?

10. Are you CPR/first aid certified?

💡 General Questions for Both NCS & Nannies

1. 󾠮 Why do you love working with children?

2. 󾠯 Can you provide references?

3. 󾠰 What are your strengths as a caregiver?

4. 󾠱 How do you communicate with parents about daily activities?

5. 󾠲 What would you do if a child refused to listen?

6. 󾠳 How do you handle emergency situations?

7. 󾠴 How do you help children develop independence?

8. 󾠵 What kind of activities do you enjoy doing with kids?

9. 󾠶 What’s your policy on discipline, time-outs, and positive reinforcement?

10. What are your expectations for this role?