{"id":27139,"date":"2026-04-03T11:55:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/?p=27139"},"modified":"2026-04-03T12:20:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T16:20:17","slug":"after-hiring-a-nanny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/after-hiring-a-nanny\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Steps to Take After Hiring a Nanny"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"after-hiring-nanny\"

What should you do after hiring a nanny? Here are some essential steps that will help ensure a successful relationship with your caregiver.<\/p><\/div>\n

There is plenty of advice out there about how to hire a nanny<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But what do you do after you hire one? What\u2019s next?<\/p>\n

Here are some essential steps to ensure a successful, professional relationship with your caregiver.<\/p>\n

1. Write a nanny contract\/work agreement<\/h2>\n

A nanny contract or work agreement<\/a> lays the foundation for the working relationship between you and your employee. It details everything the position entails, including pay rate, schedule, benefits, job responsibilities, and more. Much of your nanny contract \u2013 like expectations and pay \u2013 can be pulled from your job description. Get tips on writing a nanny contract and download a free template<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Register as a household employer with the IRS and state<\/h2>\n

You are now an employer when you hire someone to work in your home. Your nanny is your employee. They can not be considered an independent contractor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First, obtain a federal employer identification number (FEIN) from the IRS<\/a>. You can do this online; it only takes a few minutes to answer some basic questions. You\u2019ll need an FEIN to pay your employee and when you file your taxes.<\/p>\n

You will also need your FEIN when you register with your state. Check your state labor agency<\/a> on how to get set up as an employer with your state. As part of this process, you will get a tax account for your unemployment insurance contributions. Lastly, you must file a new hire report with your state.<\/p>\n

3. Set up nanny payroll and taxes<\/h2>\n

As mentioned, a nanny is your employee and not an independent contractor<\/a>, so you must follow wage laws and withhold taxes from their pay. There are a few ways to go about this. You can try to do it yourself. At the end of this blog post, you can download The Complete Guide to Household Payroll, which provides instructions on managing payroll and taxes on your own. The IRS estimates that handling household payroll and taxes takes 60 hours a year. Some families rely on their accountants to handle their nanny\u2019s pay and taxes.<\/p>\n

And then there are firms like GTM Payroll that can\u00a0handle nanny taxes for you<\/a> and eliminate the time and hassle of doing it<\/span>\u00a0on your own. To learn more, call us at (800) 929-9213<\/a> for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation<\/a> with a household employment expert.<\/p>\n

4. Prepare your children for their new nanny<\/h2>\n

While you work on the administrative tasks of bringing on a nanny, you also want to prepare your children for their new caregiver.<\/p>\n

Ideally, your kids have met and spent time with your nanny during the hiring process. It is a great way to introduce your final candidates to your children and see how they interact and get along.<\/p>\n

Either way, it is vital that your kids are excited about having a nanny. Let them know how much fun it will be. Maybe even have them make a welcome card, artwork, homemade treat, or gift for your nanny\u2019s first day.<\/p>\n

Do not wait until the last minute to mention that they will have a nanny as a caregiver. Depending on your children’s ages, start preparing them several days to a couple of weeks in advance. Make having a nanny part of your everyday conversation. Talk about what you like about your caregiver or any special traits.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour nanny loves the park and hopes to take you there often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour nanny is a great singer. I bet they will sing your favorite songs with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Encourage your kids to ask questions. This helps build a sense of comfort before your nanny\u2019s first day.<\/p>\n

Your children could pick a new toy, game, or activity to play with their new nanny. This will give them something to look forward to and help create a bond between your child and nanny.<\/p>\n

5. Get ready for your nanny\u2019s first day<\/h2>\n

Be prepared to spend some time \u2013 or even the whole day \u2013 with your nanny on their first day.<\/p>\n

If you have the time, set up a training day (ideally a few days) before their first day to familiarize them with your home and schedule.<\/p>\n

This could be especially helpful if you have a baby. On the first day, have your nanny shadow you as you go through your baby\u2019s schedule of feeding, changing, playing, and napping.<\/p>\n

On day two, let them take the lead on caring for your baby with you next to them. Then, for the third day, let them tend to your baby while you do other things around the house (or maybe even work from home). Your nanny will be \u201con their own,\u201d but you will be nearby for any questions.<\/p>\n

If you only have older children, let them participate in the training. They can show their nanny around the house, introduce them to neighbors and friends, and discuss their favorite activities and food. This will help your kids feel more in control and better able to adapt to change.<\/p>\n

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you get ready for your nanny’s first day<\/a>, and some ideas on what to do during your nanny’s first days<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a reminder, any training time should be paid.<\/p>\n

6. Decide whether your nanny will drive a family car<\/h2>\n

If your nanny will drive your children places \u2013 for example, to the park, for sports practices or music lessons, or to appointments \u2013 will they drive their car or use a family car? There are considerations for both options. If your nanny is using their car, ensure it is safe, in good running condition, equipped with the right-sized car seats, and properly insured. If using your car, you will need to add them to your insurance policy.<\/p>\n

Here are some more tips when a nanny is driving your kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. Determine if you need workers\u2019 compensation<\/h2>\n

Not having required workers\u2019 compensation coverage<\/a> is probably a family’s most significant financial risk when hiring someone to work in their home. Fines for non-compliance can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. If your nanny gets hurt on the job, you are on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, and possibly a lawsuit. Make sure you get a policy if you need one. Even in states where it is not required, voluntary coverage is a smart idea.<\/p>\n

Workers\u2019 comp typically cannot be added to a homeowner\u2019s insurance policy (except in California and New Jersey). The GTM Insurance Agency, an affiliate of GTM Payroll Services, has licensed insurance brokers on staff who can obtain coverage for you and manage any audits and invoices.<\/p>\n

GTM can help<\/h2>\n

There is a lot that goes into having someone working in your home. Let us remove the worries and hassles of managing payroll and tax administration so you can focus on your children and your relationship with your nanny. For a complimentary, no-obligation consultation on how we can help, call (800) 929-9213<\/a> and talk with a household employment expert. Or schedule time with us at your convenience<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Download The Complete Guide to Household Payroll<\/h2>\n

Get our complimentary guide and learn everything you need to know about paying your employees legally and filing your taxes the right way.
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