Find Trusted Nannies & Babysitters in Toronto

One-on-One Care & Emotional Security

A private nanny can respond to your child’s needs the moment they arise – whether it’s a skipped nap, teething discomfort, or a tough day at school. Instead of managing a large group of children, the caregiver focuses on your child or small sibling group, helping them feel seen, heard, and safe.

This deep, ongoing relationship is especially important for infants and toddlers, who rely on stable attachments to grow confident and emotionally resilient.

Flexible Hours That Match Your Workday

Many Toronto parents work irregular hours, commute long distances, or manage shift-based schedules. Daycare centers operate with strict opening and closing times, while a nanny can arrive early, stay late during busy periods, or slightly adjust their schedule if you get stuck in traffic or have an evening meeting.

This flexibility dramatically reduces daily stress: you’re no longer racing across the city to pick up your child before closing time or paying late fees every time a subway or GO train is delayed.

Home Environment & Fewer Illnesses

Children cared for at home have fewer close contacts compared to group daycare, which may reduce exposure to seasonal viruses. Nannies can also follow your preferences around nutrition, screen time, and hygiene, preparing familiar meals and keeping routines consistent.

For babies under two, or children with allergies or chronic health conditions, this extra layer of control and attention can make daily life easier and more predictable.

One Solution for the Whole Family

If you have more than one child, especially at different ages, managing multiple drop-offs and pick-ups at different locations is exhausting. A nanny can care for a baby, preschooler, and school-age child in the same home, coordinating naps, meals, and activities.

Instead of driving around the city, you can focus on work, knowing that siblings are together, building shared routines and sibling memories.

Full-Time Nanny

A full-time nanny typically works 35–50 hours per week and becomes a stable daily presence for your child. This is ideal for infants, toddlers, or children not enrolled in daycare or school.

Full-time duties may include bottle feeding, solids introduction, diaper changes, potty training, nap routines, early learning activities, park visits, and light meal preparation for the child.

Part-Time Nanny or Babysitter

A part-time nanny can cover specific days or hours – for example, three days a week, mornings only, or weekday evenings. This works well for parents working hybrid schedules, freelancers, or families who already have daycare but need extra help.

Responsibilities usually focus on playing with the child, helping with after-school snacks, and supporting bedtime routines.

Live-In Nanny or Caregiver

A live-in caregiver lives in your home, usually with a private bedroom and sometimes separate bathroom. This arrangement offers greater flexibility for early mornings or late evenings and can be especially helpful for parents who travel or work irregular shifts.

Families should provide clear house rules, privacy boundaries, and written expectations to keep the relationship respectful and sustainable.

Nanny Share

In a nanny share, two families hire one nanny and split the cost. Children get social interaction while parents reduce their weekly childcare expense compared to hiring solo.

Nanny shares work best when families live near each other, have similar parenting philosophies, and can agree on schedules and house rules in writing.

Night Nanny / Newborn Care

A night nanny or newborn specialist supports parents overnight, handling feedings, burping, diaper changes, and soothing, so you can rest. Some also provide guidance on healthy sleep habits and routines.

Many families hire night support in the first few months after birth, during growth spurts, or when returning to work while the baby is still waking frequently.

After-School Nanny

An after-school nanny typically starts in the mid-afternoon, picking children up from school, preparing snacks, helping with homework, and managing the evening routine until parents are home.

This is a popular choice in downtown Toronto, where many parents finish work later than school dismissal time.

Nanny-Housekeeper Hybrid

In a combined role, the caregiver provides childcare and also helps with light housekeeping such as laundry, tidying play areas, loading the dishwasher, and occasional meal prep.

It’s important to be realistic about how much housework one person can do while still providing high-quality childcare – the focus should always remain on the child’s needs.

Childcare Style & Behavior

• “Tell me about your childcare experience and which ages you’ve worked with most.”
• “How do you handle tantrums or big emotions? Can you share a real example?”
• “What kinds of activities do you plan for a rainy day vs an outside day?”
• “How do you encourage independence while keeping children safe?”

Safety & Responsibility

• “Are you certified in infant and child CPR/First Aid? When was your last renewal?”
• “Describe a time you had to respond to a safety or medical situation with a child.”
• “Are you comfortable with food allergies or special dietary needs?”
• “Do you drive, and how do you handle winter driving or TTC delays?”

Routines & Household Fit

• “What does a typical day with a toddler look like in your care?”
• “Are you comfortable helping with children’s laundry and light tidying related to the kids?”
• “How do you feel about screen time, and what limits do you normally follow?”
• “What are your expectations about holidays, overtime, and schedule changes?”

Communication & Expectations

• “How do you prefer to communicate with parents during the day (texts, notes, apps)?”
• “Have you ever left a job early? What happened?”
• “What makes a nanny–family relationship successful in your opinion?”
• “Do you have questions for us about our parenting style or expectations?”

Identity & Background

• Request government-issued photo ID and confirm the name.
• Ask for a current address and emergency contacts.
• Obtain a police background check and, where applicable, a vulnerable sector screening for work with children.
• Renew background checks on a regular schedule (for example every 12–24 months).

References & Trial Days

• Call at least two previous employers and ask about reliability, communication, and behavior with children.
• Ask how long they worked together and why the relationship ended.
• Arrange a paid trial day to see how the nanny interacts with your child and manages real-life situations.
• Trust your instincts – if something feels off, continue your search.

Outdoor Adventures

• High Park – playgrounds, zoo, nature trails.
• Toronto Islands – beaches, biking, picnics.
• Riverdale Farm – farm animals & green space.
• Sunnybrook Park – stroller-friendly paths.
• Edwards Gardens – quiet garden walks & photos.

Indoor Learning & Play

• Ontario Science Centre – interactive exhibits for all ages.
• Royal Ontario Museum – discovery zones for children.
• Ripley’s Aquarium – aquatic life and sensory-rich experiences.
• Toronto Public Libraries – story time, craft workshops, books.
• Indoor playgrounds – great for winter and rainy days.

Winter-Friendly Ideas

• Outdoor skating at city rinks.
• At-home baking, crafts, and science experiments.
• Reading challenges and themed “library days.”
• Building indoor obstacle courses and sensory bins.