Finding the right nanny in Lagos can feel overwhelming. Between long work hours, unpredictable traffic, and the general busyness of city life, many parents rely on childcare support to keep their families running smoothly. But when it comes to hiring someone who will be closely involved in your child’s daily life, trust becomes the most important factor.
A nanny is more than just a helping hand she is a partner in raising your children, shaping routines, and ensuring safety when you’re not around.The challenge for many families is knowing where to start. Should you rely on word-of-mouth referrals? Try nanny agencies? Or simply hope for the best with recommendations from friends? While these options are common, they don’t always guarantee reliability.
The truth is, finding a nanny you can trust in Lagos requires a thoughtful process, and when done right, it can give you peace of mind. This guide breaks down the steps to take, highlighting practical ways to protect your family and ensure you hire someone who is both qualified and dependable.
The first step is to clearly understand your needs. Every family is different, so take time to outline what you’re really looking for. Do you need a live-in nanny because your schedule is unpredictable, or will a live-out arrangement work better? Should your nanny focus only on childcare, or do you expect additional support like cooking, cleaning, or school runs? Consider the age of your child too an infant may require someone with newborn experience, while older kids may need homework supervision.
By identifying these needs in advance, you’ll save yourself the frustration of hiring someone who isn’t the right fit.
Once you know what you need, the next challenge is where to look. In Lagos, many families turn to personal recommendations, but while referrals can help, they are not enough on their own. Safety should come first. Relying on unverified sources such as informal adverts, unregulated social media groups, or neighborhood word-of-mouth can leave you exposed to risks. Safer alternatives include reputable nanny agencies, trusted community networks, or vetted platforms that connect families with caregivers.
For example, services like ULO make it easier by linking families to nannies who have already gone through background checks and verification. By starting your search in a reliable space, you reduce half the risk from the beginning.
After finding possible candidates, shortlisting is your next step. Here, you’re looking beyond CVs to focus on experience, personality, and trustworthiness. A good nanny should have a consistent work history, strong references, and relevant skills. Pay attention to soft qualities like patience, communication, and empathy. These are not always visible on paper but are essential in childcare. Watch out for red flags such as vague employment histories, unwillingness to provide references, or reluctance to answer questions about past roles.
Taking time at this stage helps you filter out candidates who might not be reliable in the long run.The interview process is where you get to know a candidate better. Prepare practical questions that reveal how she thinks and reacts in real situations. For instance, ask how she would handle a toddler refusing to eat or what she would do in the case of a minor injury. Use scenario based questions that test her judgment and problem solving skills. While the answers are important, pay just as much attention to her tone, confidence, and warmth. If possible, arrange for a supervised interaction between your child and the nanny. Children often sense things adults miss, and their reaction can help guide your decision.
Even after an excellent interview, no decision is complete without proper background checks. In Lagos, this step is not optional, it’s essential. Confirming identity, verifying previous employers, and checking for security clearance where possible are all important ways to protect your family. While doing this yourself can be time consuming, one of the advantages of platforms like ULO is that background checks and identity verification are handled before you even meet the caregiver. Knowing that your shortlist is already vetted saves you significant stress.
Before making a final commitment, consider arranging a trial period. This gives both you and the nanny a chance to test the relationship in real conditions. A week or two of observation allows you to see how your child responds, how proactive the nanny is, and whether she respects your household rules. It also gives the nanny a chance to decide if she’s comfortable with your family’s lifestyle and expectations. A trial is a practical way to confirm that the arrangement will work long term. Once you are confident in your choice, set clear expectations from the start.
Misunderstandings often happen because nothing was written down. Draft a simple contract covering salary, working hours, responsibilities, and household rules. Include details about overtime, holidays, and discipline methods so everyone is on the same page. A written agreement not only protects your interests but also shows respect for the nanny as a professional.
Trust, however, doesn’t stop at hiring. It is something you build over time. Communication, respect, and appreciation go a long way in maintaining a good relationship. Check in regularly, give feedback, and acknowledge good work. When nannies feel respected and valued, they are more motivated to provide consistent and loving care. And in return, your children benefit from a stable and supportive environment.
Finally, consider using tools and support systems that make childcare management easier.
Some families keep daily nanny logs, use occasional check in calls, or even install nanny cams. The goal is not to spy but to add a layer of accountability and reassurance.
In the end, hiring a nanny you can trust in Lagos is not an impossible task. By carefully defining your needs, searching in safe places, shortlisting wisely, conducting thorough interviews, running background checks, arranging trial periods, and setting clear expectations, you set yourself up for success. It may feel like a long process, but it is worth every effort when the safety and wellbeing of your child are at stake. And if you want extra peace of mind, platforms that specialize in vetted caregivers are there to simplify the journey.
So, if you’re ready to find dependable childcare in Lagos, start with the steps in this guide and when you’re ready for a shortcut to peace of mind, consider exploring trusted services like ULO.
Because at the end of the day, nothing matters more than knowing your child is in safe and capable hands.