How to hire a nanny or baby maid in India: what working parents actually need to know

For most working parents in Indian cities, the search starts with the same question: who do I even ask? There's no Gumtree here. Agency websites vary wildly. And the recommendations you get from neighbours often turn out to be for someone who's already taken, or who works with toddlers but has never handled an infant.

Terminology varies too — some families look for a nanny, others for a baby maid, an ayah, a 24-hour maid, or a full-time caretaker. The role is roughly the same; the label changes by city, family background, and what the person charges. This guide uses "nanny" for simplicity, but everything here applies whether you're searching for a baby ayah in Chennai, a live-in maid in Pune, or a part-time caretaker in Gurgaon.

Here's what actually works — where to look, how to interview, what to verify, and what the first few weeks should look like once someone is in your home.

Where to find a nanny or baby maid in India

Your building, your neighbourhood

The most reliable hires often come from within walking distance. Security guards, housekeeping staff, and building society members frequently know who is available and who has a good track record. Ask around — word travels fast in a housing society. The informal reference network here is often better than any agency.

Trusted domestic workers you already have

If you have a cook, a housekeeper, or a driver you trust, ask them. They often know people from their hometown or building who are looking for work and will feel personally accountable for the recommendation. This kind of social accountability matters more than a formal reference.

Nanny placement agencies

There are several in most metro cities — some are good, many are not. The main advantage of an agency is documentation and a replacement guarantee. If the nanny doesn't work out in the first month, a decent agency will find you someone else without charging you again. Ask specifically whether they do police verification before putting someone forward. Many say they do; not all actually do.

Online platforms

Platforms like Urban Company and UrbanSitter operate in some cities, as do nanny-specific apps. Profiles are not always verified. Treat them like a starting point — still interview, still check references, still do a trial period.

What to look for in a nanny for an infant

Caring for a baby under one year old is quite different from looking after a toddler. Not everyone who is good with children is good with infants specifically. When you're looking, prioritise:

• Prior experience with infants under 12 months — ask about specific ages they've worked with, not just "babies"
• Calm under pressure — ask what they do when a baby cries for a long stretch and nothing seems to help
• Basic hygiene and feeding awareness — do they know the difference between sterilising and rinsing? Do they know not to prop a bottle?
• Communication — can they explain what the baby did during the day in enough detail that you'd know if something felt off?

The interview: questions worth asking

Most interviews turn into awkward small talk. Push past that. A few questions that actually reveal something:

• "Tell me about the last baby you looked after — how old were they, what was the routine like?"
• "The baby is crying and you've tried feeding, changing, rocking — nothing is working. What do you do?"
• "The baby seems warmer than usual and is not feeding normally. What would you do, and when would you call us?"
• "Have you ever been in a situation where something went wrong with a child in your care? What happened?"

You're not trying to catch them out. You want to see how they think — whether they stay calm, whether they use judgment, whether they'd actually call you rather than just hoping for the best.

Verification: what to actually check

References are a start, but a phone call where you ask open questions tells you more than a written reference letter. Ask the previous employer: "Would you hire her again, and why?" The pause before the answer often says as much as the answer itself.

Police verification is worth doing, even if it takes time. Many states have online portals now. Some housing societies require it for all domestic staff. If yours does, use that as a natural opening — it doesn't have to feel accusatory.

Also ask to see an Aadhaar card and keep a copy. This is standard and most people expect it. If someone is reluctant, that's worth noting.

The trial period

Always do a paid trial — ideally a week, minimum three days. During this time, you or someone else should be present for at least part of each day, even just in another room. Watch for:

• Whether she talks to and engages with the baby, or just goes through the motions
• Whether she volunteers information about the baby's day or you have to ask
• How she handles the baby physically — is she confident and gentle, or hesitant and anxious?
• How she responds when you give a small correction or ask her to do something differently

Once they start: settling in and staying in the loop

The first few weeks are when most problems get established — or prevented. A few things help:

• Write down the routine clearly: nap times, feed amounts, which formula or which breast milk schedule, what to do if the baby won't settle
• Ask for a verbal update at the end of every day, not just a "everything was fine"
• Use an app like Cherish so the nanny can log feeds, naps, and diaper changes during the day — and you can see it in real time from work

Common mistakes to avoid

• Hiring in a rush. You feel desperate, so you say yes to the first person who seems okay. This is how most bad hires happen. Build a buffer — start looking before you actually need someone.
• Relying only on an agency's word. Agencies have an incentive to place candidates. Always call the references yourself.
• Not writing anything down. Verbal agreements get misremembered. Write down salary, working hours, leave policy, and what happens on public holidays. This avoids most disputes.
• Not checking in after the first week. Most problems surface in the first two weeks. Don't assume everything is fine because you haven't heard anything bad.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a good nanny in India?

Start with referrals from neighbours, building security staff, or trusted domestic workers you already have. Agency-placed nannies are more traceable but more expensive. Whichever route you take, always do a paid trial week before committing, and ask for references from at least one previous employer.

What should I ask a nanny during the interview?

Ask about their experience with infants specifically, how they handled a situation where a baby cried for a long time and nothing worked, and what they'd do if the baby fell or seemed unwell. How they answer matters as much as what they say — watch for calm, practical responses.

How much does a baby nanny cost in India?

In metro cities, a full-time nanny for an infant typically costs between ₹8,000 and ₹20,000 per month depending on experience, hours, and whether they live in or commute. Experienced infant-specialist nannies or those placed by agencies may charge more.

Should I use a nanny agency or hire directly?

Agencies offer background verification and replacement guarantees — worth something if you have no trusted referral network. Direct hires through word-of-mouth are often cheaper and come with genuine informal references. Either way, do your own verification.