Jamie RamsayWhen I had my first baby, I decided to be a hands-on mom. I left my work and focused on attending to my kid’s needs.
While I don’t regret doing that, I realized that I’ve missed spending special occasions outside like birthdays, anniversaries, and even random date nights! When I had my second kid, that’s when I knew I had to seek the help of the best nannies in Vancouver!
So if you need an extra set of hands to care for your child, here’s your chance to check out the best ones we’ve tried in the city.
How much do nannies cost in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, nanny services start around $15 to $25 per hour. Meanwhile, rates may be higher for live-in nannies or those with specialized skills.
How we chose:
1. Nannies on Call
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.2/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Background Screening | 4.5/5 |
| Training | 4/5 |
| Compatibility | 4.5/5 |
| Personality match | 4.5/5 |
| Childcare Philosophy | 4.5/5 |
| Availability | 4/5 |
| Flexible schedule | 4/5 |
| Good response rate | 4/5 |
If you’re searching for nannies with more than 10 years of experience, then Nannies on Call would be the best match for you.
We loved how this agency ensures that each candidate will be comprehensively screened. We’re quite impressed that this agency even takes a significant amount of time to do an intensive background check.
What sets this company apart is that they don’t utilize online interviews. This allows them to observe and know the candidate even better fully.
Additionally, we appreciated that they have a successful matching process, ensuring that their nannies and clients are compatible regarding expectations, personality, and childcare.
Meanwhile, we loved that they offer various placement options such as full-time, part-time, and even on-call services. So if you need someone to look after your kids for the weekend, or maybe just for a date night, then you can trust Nannies on Call for it!
Moreover, we appreciated that the nannies would keep you in the loop while you’re away. So whether you have surveillance cameras around your home, you can still expect the nannies to provide you with real-time updates.
And should you need further assistance, you can conveniently reach out to their dedicated client service team, any time of the day!
Rigorous hiring process
“I’ve experienced both sides of this service, first as a nanny from 2008-2011 and now as a parent using their services. I have had nothing but positive experiences working for them and now employing their occasional nannies. It’s always hard to leave your little ones with someone else, but knowing how rigorous they are with their hiring process gives you a lot of peace of mind. We’ve had six different nannies over the last year and they were all wonderful. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for high quality occasional childcare.”
Melanie Karin Brown, Google Review
Great sitter selection
“I’ve used this company for almost 6 years. I love the variety of Nannies. You can favourite ones you work with and they can become a dependable part of your family. What a great service ! Some feedback – have nanny photos with their profiles so it’s more personal.”
Alexandra M, Google Review
2. West Coast Sitters
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Background Screening | 4.9/5 |
| Training | 4.8/5 |
| Compatibility | 4.8/5 |
| Personality match | 4.8/5 |
| Childcare Philosophy | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 4.3/5 |
| Flexible schedule | 4.3/5 |
| Good response rate | 4.3/5 |
What we loved about West Coast Sitters is that they take their time selecting candidates with impressive childcare skills.
Aside from the initial interview, we loved that the selection process is quite lengthy because of the multiple reference checks and succeeding personal interviews they conduct.
Another thing that we love about this agency is that they conduct compatibility tests for the nannies and clients. This will allow them to match you with the best nanny candidate for you.
In fact, because of these personality assessments, loyal patrons have been raving about keeping a great working relationship with their nannies.
It’s worth noting, however, that because of the meticulous screening process, you will have to be more patient as the agency finds the perfect nanny for you.
If you’re in a hurry, or if you prefer emergency on-call nanny services, they may not be the perfect option for you.
On a lighter note, aside from the initial experience of the nannies, we loved that this agency lets them attend different training such as emergency preparedness and child development, ensuring that the nannies continuously hone their skills.
While we think that the hourly rates of their nannies are competitive, we’re not comfortable that there are additional costs such as placement fees and search fees that are non-refundable should we not proceed with their service.
Conducts and completes all reference checks
“Super happy with our experience of hiring a nanny through West Coast Sitters. Mahsa took all the work off my plate: finding excellent candidates, setting up interviews and trials, completing all reference checks. I didn’t have time or expertise to sift through hundreds of nanny postings online and Mahsa made the process so simple. We LOVE our nanny and I would recommend this service to anyone who is nervous about the hiring process!”
Stephanie Mills, Google Review
Impressive communication skills
“West Coaster Sitters were fantastic! We were traveling from Seattle for Memorial Day weekend with our 4 month old and our friends and their 2 kids. We had sitters for two nights, and we had such a great experience. Mahsa in the office was great to work with and get things lined up. Our sitters were Wilma and Nancy and they were friendly, communicative, reliable and the kids loved them. They helped us relax and enjoy the weekend! Highly recommend.”
Sydney McIntyre, Google Review
3. Able Nannies & Caregivers
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Background screening | 5/5 |
| Training | 5/5 |
| Compatibility | 4.8/5 |
| Personality match | 4.8/5 |
| Childcare philosophy | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 4.5/5 |
| Flexible schedule | 4.5/5 |
| Good response rate | 4.5/5 |
Since 1983, Able Nannies and Caregivers have been providing full-time, live-in, and live-out nanny placements across Vancouver.
Aside from nannies, we love that you can also tap them if you need caregivers, perfect for households that need assistance and care for both children and the elderly.
What sets this agency apart is that they can also provide specialized services that will allow them to care for children with special needs, making them a reliable choice for more challenging scenarios.
We also appreciate that this agency will let you connect with the candidate and see if he or she will be a right fit for you.
While they conduct personal assessments with the candidates, we appreciate that they will also take their time to visit your home so they can conduct an in-person interview.
We’re also impressed that the agency connects with various training facilities, providing their pool of nannies and caregivers with continuous developmental opportunities that will surely improve the quality of their work and care.
However, we find their rates to be leaning towards the more premium side. So if you’re working on a tight budget, you may have to consider the other providers around the city.
Smooth process
“To Able nannies & Caregivers .I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all the help you provided in securing my Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Your expertise and guidance throughout the entire process made a huge difference, and I truly appreciate your dedication to ensuring everything went smoothly. I couldn’t have navigated this process without your support, and I’m grateful for all the time and effort you put into helping me achieve a positive result. Thanks again for everything. I’m looking forward to the next steps and will certainly reach out if I need further assistance in the future.”
Princess Aleth Respes, Google Review
Quick revert
“I have worked closely with Marjorie at Able Nannies & Caregivers over the past few years securing caregiver support for my aging parents. She is the best! Always quick to respond, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I would highly suggest utilizing her services.”
Ryan Aubry, Google Review
4. Sunhouse Babysitting Agency
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Background Screening | 4.6/5 |
| Training | 4.8/5 |
| Compatibility | 4.8/5 |
| Personality match | 4.8/5 |
| Childcare Philosophy | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 4/5 |
| Flexible schedule | 4/5 |
| Good response rate | 4/5 |
For those of you who prefer booking nanny or babysitting services online then Sunhouse Babysitting is the one for you. Yes, you can just request or book online, and you’ll instantly receive a confirmation along with the details of your assigned nanny.
We loved that they will only charge you with the agency booking fee. You can just pay your nanny directly as soon as he or she completes the shift.
We also loved that their system will provide you with real-time updates, keeping you in the loop about your child’s activities and wellbeing wherever you are.
Speaking of fees, we find their rates to be competitive. Even their hourly rates are affordable, making them a great choice for households that frequently need childcare assistance.
When it comes to the company’s vetting process, we love that they also include psychological assessments and skill evaluations. They also follow a baseline, so you can rest assured that whoever’s given is highly qualified.
We just have our reservations when it comes to hiring nannies that have limited experience. If you don’t mind hiring babysitters or nannies with just two years of childcare experience, then you can give Sunhouse Babysitting a shot.
Adjusts to client’s schedules
“Nicole and team are UNREAL! Thoughtful, understanding, excellent at trouble shooting with my family and our often impossible schedules. Nicole’s calm confidence is just the medicine for busy parents looking for the right caregiving fit. We are so grateful for the many ways in which Sunhouse has gone the extra mile for our family and found the right caregivers for our little one. Our experience with Sunhouse feels more like a personal relationship, uniquely fit to us. That’s a far cry from other nanny services which feel more like click and collect. We’re really grateful for this team!”
Kate Craven, Google Review
Excellent matching skills
“I cannot recommend Sunhouse Babysitting Agency enough. Nicole and April really put my mind at ease with taking the stress out of finding reliable childcare, by connecting me with the best nanny based on my requirements. The sitters and nannies go through rigorous screening so I knew we were in good hands. The Agency is truly committed to hiring the best, and providing an outstanding service for their clients. I am so glad I found Sunhouse Babysitting Agency.”
Freya O’Brien, Google Review
5. Cuddles & Care
Consumer Rating: A
| Google reviews score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Background Screening | 4.6/5 |
| Training | 4.8/5 |
| Compatibility | 4.8/5 |
| Personality match | 4.8/5 |
| Childcare Philosophy | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 4.5/5 |
| Flexible schedule | 4.5/5 |
| Good response rate | 4.5/5 |
If you’re looking for a nanny that has expertise in handling newborn babies then you should highly consider Cuddles & Care.
We love that you can choose from their day and night nanny support, allowing you to choose the most convenient one for you—or do both, should you wish!
In both types of nanny services, we love that you’ll be receiving assistance from post-partum doulas, and internationally trained nurses or midwives, perfect for working moms, or even new moms!
It’s also great that these nannies keep a record about the baby’s feeding time, diaper changes, including sleep hours, providing continuity and alignment in between shifts.
Meanwhile, we appreciated how well they assist breastfeeding moms especially while pumping milk. They will also organize your milk storage, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
What’s great about them is that they even considered building a package for families with twins or triplets, allowing you to save a few bucks rather than hiring one nanny for each baby.
It’s worth noting, however, that Cuddles & Care’s rates are on the premium side because of the intricate care they exert to newborn babies. They also hire those with healthcare backgrounds, entailing higher costs for the company.
Nannies have vast experience
“We started working with Jessica weeks after our twins were born. They are now three months old and are truly the happiest babies. So much of this is due to Jessica and her guidance. She has so much experience and knowledge, it’s like having a coach to guide you through any challenges or questions you may have. The best part….. she comes and lets you sleep all night:)) Absolutely dreamy. Full disclosure. I was very apprehensive when Jessica was staying for the first night but after just 30 minutes of meeting her I felt so at ease. She is truly a gem 💎”
Egbert Langstraat, Google Review
Evident care and attention
“We were so grateful to have Jessica’s expertise and support during our new navigation of parenthood with twins! Her two colleagues were also amazing and gave great care and attention. We cannot recommend Cuddles and Care enough – was an invaluable experience for us.”
Heather Paul, Google Review
