Which Nanny Is Right for You: Live-In or Live-Out?
We’re excited to feature a blog post from one of our amazing community members, Merrilan Kougias of Choose The Right Nanny. In this thoughtful guide, Merrilan helps families navigate one of the most important decisions in childcare: choosing between a live-in or live-out nanny.
With warmth and clarity, she breaks down the benefits and considerations of each option, empowering parents to make an informed decision that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and daily rhythm.
To learn more about Merrilan’s work and her family-centered approach, visit ctrnanny.com.
You can read the full blog post here.
Finding the right nanny is a deeply personal journey. Whether you're welcoming your first caregiver or expanding your support system, one key decision many families face is: Should we choose a live-in or a live-out nanny?
At Choose The Right Nanny, we understand this decision involves more than just logistics—it's about what feels right for your home, your children, and your peace of mind. Let’s take a moment to walk through the key differences together.
What Is a Live-In Nanny?
A live-in nanny lives in your home and becomes an extended part of your household. While they still have scheduled working hours, their physical presence allows for greater flexibility, especially in busy or unpredictable households.
Why families choose a live-in nanny:
Greater flexibility with early mornings, late nights, or last-minute changes
A deeper emotional bond often forms between the nanny and children
Useful for families who travel or work non-traditional hours
Added convenience and fewer daily commutes
Considerations:
Requires a private space in your home to include a fully furnished room, closet, dresser, and preferably a private bathroom.
Boundaries should be thoughtfully discussed and maintained. Parents and children should respect the nanny’s private time when they are off duty. The privacy of the nanny’s space is required.
The nanny’s pay should not be negatively affected by the fact that they are live-in. The vast majority of live-ins do so for the convenience of the family. Keep in mind that a live-in nanny gives up much of their personal space, time, the ability to have family or friends over, and they may feel somewhat isolated.
Most live-in nannies will come from outside of your area; therefore, transportation expenses may also apply.
Many live-in nannies will not bring their own car. Families may wish to consider having a car specifically for the nanny’s use both during work and personal time.
What Is a Live-Out Nanny?
A live-out nanny commutes to your home each day and works within a set schedule. This option is often ideal for families who prefer more personal space or have consistent childcare needs.
Why families choose a live-out nanny:
Clear separation of work and personal life
Suitable for families with limited home space
Suitable for families who are more private
Familiar structure—similar to a traditional job setup
Considerations:
Less flexibility outside scheduled hours
Commute and transportation logistics may occasionally affect availability
Which Nanny Style Best Fits Your Family?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just what works best for your unique needs.
To help you decide, consider:
Do you have the space and comfort for someone to live in your home?
Are your family’s needs more structured or more spontaneous?
Do you value round-the-clock flexibility or clear personal boundaries?
What feels most nurturing for your children’s routines?
Both live-in and live-out nannies can provide loving, reliable care. The key is choosing what supports your family’s rhythm, values, and goals.
| Category | Live-In Nanny | Live-Out Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Lives in your home; requires private space (room/bath). | Commutes daily; no need to provide housing. |
| Privacy | Less privacy for both family and nanny. | Clear boundaries; your home is private during off-hours. |
| Flexibility | Greater flexibility for late nights/emergencies. | Limited to scheduled hours unless arranged in advance. |
| Cost | May cost more upfront because of room and board. | Pays their own living costs; hourly rate may be higher. |
| Boundaries | May feel like part of the family—but harder to separate roles. | Easier to maintain professional relationships. |
| Space Requirements | Requires additional living space. | No impact on home layout. |
| Availability | Often more available for weekend/overnight care. | May be unavailable outside set hours. |
| Experience | Often younger or from out of town; may need adjustment time. | Often local and familiar with community resources. |
| Household Integration | Highly integrated into family life. | More independent, focused on set duties. |
Let’s Work Together to Find the Right Fit
Still unsure which nanny arrangement is right for your family? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. At Choose The Right Nanny, we’re here to listen, guide, and match you with care that fits your lifestyle and values.
Schedule a friendly consultation today:
https://calendly.com/ctrnanny/onboarding-client-call
Explore more about our services and how we can support your family:
www.ctrnanny.com
Whether you choose live-in or live-out care, what matters most is creating a safe, nurturing environment where your family can thrive. Let’s work together to find the perfect match!
We’re here when you’re ready.