When it comes to childcare, you have several options. You can place your kids in after-school programs or let them stay with friends or family members. Another popular option is to hire a nanny. This person will babysit your kids while you are at work and may even perform light cleaning duties so you don’t have to do it when you get home. Although this option may be expensive, it is often preferable because it provides your kids with stability. However, it is also important to choose the right person since you will need to trust the nanny you hire. Here are three ways you can find a good nanny.

Use a Hiring Service

There are many services available that match you with good candidates for your nannying position. Many of these platforms allow you to input your preferences and match you with candidates that meet your criteria. As a bonus, all candidates on these platforms have already undergone extensive vetting and comprehensive background checks so you know they are trustworthy.

Ask for Recommendations

If you have friends that use nannies or have employed them in the past, you should start asking for references. Your friends may know of a good nanny looking for work. They may even know of a nanny they have worked with in the past so they can give you a personal recommendation. While most nannies can provide you with references when they interview for the position, you may be more comfortable hiring someone with a personal connection to someone you know.

Hire Someone You Know

You may not be comfortable allowing a stranger into your home to care for your children. While you may not know any nannies, you may know of people who would be great babysitters and are looking for work. You may have some friends who are stay-at-home moms and are willing to bring your kids into their homes every day. If you’re searching for childcare during the summer, you may know of some college students who are out of school and would love to make some extra money. If you look hard enough, you can probably find someone you already know who would take great care of your kids.

There are several ways to find a nanny. While you still need to make sure your chosen candidate is on board with your job expectations and gets along well with your kids, you can probably find the perfect person for the job in one of these three ways.