Are you relocating to Switzerland and considering hiring a nanny? Nannies are childcare professionals hired by families to come to their home and care for their children. They can be employed part-time or full-time and may or may not live with your family.

This article explains families relocating to Switzerland what to consider when hiring a nanny. We also list some of the benefits for families with two working parents, or for parents who work irregular hours. We hope this article is helpful to you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Are you relocating to Basel, Zürich, or Geneva, in Switzerland, and looking for childcare?

Childcare fees in Switzerland are high – is hiring a nanny an option?

For families with more than one child, childcare fees in Switzerland, especially in Zürich, can be quite steep and add up quickly. Hiring a nanny may be a more cost-effective option, especially when considering the expenses associated with more than one child attending daycare / Kita.

Beyond cost considerations, a nanny can be a great solution for parents who work irregular hours or late nights. Some professions require flexibility that may not align with standard daycare / Kita operating hours. In such cases, having a nanny who can accommodate unpredictable schedules can be extremely helpful, providing peace of mind for parents with demanding careers.

Hiring a nanny in Switzerland

Nannies in Switzerland are generally live-out nannies. Their duties depend on the age of the children and can include day-to-day care, dropping off and picking up children from school, accompanying children on extracurricular activities, going on outings, helping with homework, and preparing meals. Most nannies also perform some light housework such as grocery shopping, cooking, and tidying up rooms.

When hiring a nanny through a credible recruitment agency in Switzerland, you will find that most women have a pedagogical education, hold first aid certificates, speak at least one foreign language, and bring several years of experience looking after children and managing household duties.

Most nannies are open to take on a wide range of responsibilities and play an important role in the day-to-day lives of the family. Daily or weekly working hours depend on your family’s specific needs and schedule.

In Switzerland, the non-profit organization “Swiss Nanny” offers regular training for nannies and helps create a strong community. They connect nannies as well as raise awareness in the nanny field by informing families and nannies of their legal obligations.

You can find more information on their website here.

A nanny provides personalized care and attention that is unmatched in a daycare center / Kita.

Finding a nanny in Switzerland, Basel, Zürich, and Geneva & Vaud

Advantages of hiring a nanny in Switzerland

A nanny can help parents balance having a family and career, giving you more flexibility in managing professional commitments without worrying about fixed daycare drop-off or pickup schedules. Nannies give you the flexibility to attend late meetings or work overtime without the constant need to check the time or make last-minute arrangements with your partner.

Knowing your child is in the care of someone you trust can significantly reduce stress in your daily family life. The biggest advantage of employing a nanny, in our view, is that nannies offer consistent and personalized childcare in your own home, where your children feel comfortable and safe.

Other benefits of having a nanny in Switzerland:

• Nannies can accommodate irregular schedules. They are often flexible, providing childcare beyond standard daycare operating hours and for longer than a standard eight-hour workday.
  
  
• A nanny is a consistent caregiver who is able to tailor to the specific needs and interests of your children. Unlike Kitas, which tend to have a high staff turnover, nannies become part of your family and offer consistent, reliable care.
  
  
• Nannies can take on household duties such a grocery shopping and cooking, which can reduce stress for families with two working parents.
  
  
• Nannies may introduce a second or third language to your children.
  
  
• You do not have to find an alternative childcare solution when your child is ill.
  
  

Is your family relocating to Switzerland and considering hiring a nanny?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Summit Education for any other questions you have about hiring a nanny in Switzerland.

We are here to support families.

Is your family relocating to Basel?

Summit Family is the only free magazine offering:

• A complete overview of all private and international schools in the region
• Contributions from the City of Basel, Basel Zoo, Museum Tinguely, and many more
• An overview of sports, leisure, and cultural activities for families
  
  

Created for families relocating to Basel — and international families already living here — this magazine is a great resource for families with school-aged children.

You can read it online for free here: summit-education.ch/magazine/

Related: Daycare / Kita in Switzerland – minimum attendance and opening hours