Sometimes the care provided by daycare centres, kindergartens and schools is not enough to meet a family’s personal needs, especially when working hours, shift work or other commitments mean early mornings, evenings or weekends also need covering.
The solution: private, flexible care, for example through a nanny. An au pair can also be a good option, since a certain flexibility is guaranteed there too. Still, a nanny and an au pair are not directly interchangeable.
Nanny versus au pair: what are the differences?
With a nanny, the family usually enters into a longer-term contract; she is an employee and registered accordingly (more on the to-dos here). An au pair contract is only concluded for a fixed period, and an au pair receives no salary, only pocket money plus board and lodging. There is also an age limit for au pairs (usually no older than 30); there is no such limit for a nanny.
Similar tasks, different starting point
The basic tasks are similar: looking after the children, plus light household tasks for au pairs. A nanny gets more deeply involved in upbringing and can manage the full range of daily household tasks. An au pair’s working hours are limited (max 30 hours a week in Germany), and the host family must allow time for a language course.
What are the pros and cons?
Both models allow flexible, private childcare, and a close relationship builds with the caregiver. Cost is a factor: an au pair is cheaper since no real salary is paid, but is used less intensively, and needs their own room in the household. An au pair visa can take a while to arrange, especially for non-EU countries.
Anyone who values an educational background, or needs very flexible hours (e.g. night care), is better served by a nanny. The topic of additional household tasks is also worth considering (see our article on the family manager role).
Private childcare: flexible and professional
Whichever type of care you choose, it should fit your family. That is why we only place carefully selected nannies who are a true match for you. (Is a nanny right for our family?)
Still have questions? We would love to hear from you by phone, message or email!
