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Differences Between a Nanny and Babysitter
![Babysitter reading to child on the couch.]()
Date Published: July 31, 2024
Very often, the terms babysitter and nanny are used interchangeably. This is a common misunderstanding, especially because the responsibilities of a babysitter and nanny overlap significantly. Here are several ways a nanny differs from a babysitter.
What is A Babysitter?
Babysitters can have long tenures with families like nannies, but babysitters typically do not live-in with families. Sitters are more so an external service with a person hired to come in the living space with shorter working hours.
A babysitter, also known as a sitter, is hired by a parent, grandparent, or guardian to care for a child temporarily. They may look after children of all ages and are usually paid per hour. Their work schedule can be consistent — whether part-time or full-time — or vary as needed.
What is a Nanny?
A nanny is an experienced professional who provides ongoing childcare, while a babysitter usually provides short-term or casual care for children.
Nannies are professional child caretakers with extensive experience in meeting the needs of children and families on a long-term or ongoing basis. Nannies can care for children for long hours or live -in with families for 24/7 days a week care. Also, Au Pairs are like nannies, providing childcare and light housework. They usually live with the family for a few months up to a year while nannies are usually with the same families for a longer term.
Red Cross Training Services Recommended for Nannies and Au Pairs
Preparing for an emergency is one of the best investments you can make as a nanny or au pair. Investing in a first aid and CPR training course means you have the knowledge and skills to react should you be in an unfortunate circumstance.
If you’re considering Red Cross Training first aid and CPR courses, here are some of the most popular for nannies and au pairs.
- Advanced Childcare Training (Online Course): Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly care for children and infants in and outside the home. This course includes training in leadership, child behavior and discipline, professionalism, safety, and essential childcare (like bottle feeding and holding.)
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL (Blended Learning): Recognize and care for various first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. This blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session.
- Adult, Child, and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED (Online Course): Learn a variety of first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and babies. If immediate certification is needed, we recommend enrolling in either an instructor-led training or blended learning course.
- Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED (Online Course): Identify how to handle first aid emergencies like choking, bleeding, overdose, and shock, as well as CPR/AED for children and babies.
For online courses without a required in-person skills session, you must enroll in an instructor-led skill session (at an additional cost) within 90 days of completing the online course in order to receive a valid 2-year Red Cross digital certificate that is OSHA compliant and meets other workplace and regulatory requirements.
What to Read Next
Learn how to become a nanny or au pair as well as the Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses to help you prepare for an emergency.Launch your babysitting career or boost your babysitter resume skills with these 15 things to consider.Understand the responsibilities of a babysitter will help you get started in your babysitting career.Take a Course and Refresh Your Babysitting Skills
About Red Cross Training Services
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.
