Confinement Nanny Interview Questions
Finding the right confinement nanny starts with setting realistic expectations — you are looking for the right fit, not a perfect one. A stranger moving into your home around the clock to care for a hormonally recovering new mom and a precious newborn will inevitably have rough edges. Clarify your non-negotiables first, then begin the search.
In North America most confinement nanny interviews happen over the phone or video. The interview matters — you will spend 26+ days together. Below are the core questions worth asking.
Schedule & Fees
Most nannies quote based on a 26-day package (e.g. $6,000 / 26 days). Days beyond that are prorated (~$230 / day). Price alone is not the whole picture:
- Clarify availability around your due date: if you deliver early, can she start early? If you go past your due date, does her start date shift? How are standby days billed?
- What is included in the package? Many nannies offer one free lactation session; additional sessions cost extra — ask how much.
- If she is traveling from out of town, round-trip travel is typically the employer's responsibility. Agree on transportation in advance.
Duties (Meals · Postpartum Care · Baby Care)
- What does her daily schedule look like? How many meals per day? Industry standard is three meals plus two snacks.
- What cuisines does she cook? Regional taste preferences vary — find someone whose cooking suits you.
- When does she rest, and for how long? She needs rest too.
- Does she handle cleaning? Nannies typically wash bottles and baby laundry.
Newborn & Postpartum Care Competency
These are fundamental questions for anyone claiming years of experience:
- How do you handle newborn jaundice?
- What is the difference between eczema and heat rash, and how do you treat each? What about diaper rash?
- How do you care for a newborn's umbilical cord?
- When a baby cries, how do you assess what is wrong? (A nanny who feeds on every cry without checking for gas, wet diaper, or tiredness first is a red flag.)
- What are the signs and management of infant colic vs. acid reflux?
- What do you do if the baby falls asleep while nursing?
- How do you handle spit-up?
- How do you help with milk let-down, supply, and blocked ducts?
- How do you care for a C-section incision? An episiotomy?
Other Topics
- Payment terms: deposit amount, when is final payment due, is a tip expected?
- Camera policy: about half of families use home cameras — discuss and agree upfront.
- Health documentation: professional nannies typically have annual checkups and vaccinations. Asking for a health certificate is entirely reasonable.
Read other families' experiences online, and always check references and reviews before committing.
Wishing every new mom a comfortable, well-supported postpartum month!