Nanny Background Checks: What to Know
So you’ve found someone who seems perfect. The vibe is great. Your kid took to them instantly. They answered your interview questions with ease and grace.
But now the real question hits:
Can I actually trust them?
Because let’s be honest—choosing a nanny means handing someone the keys to your home, your routines, your parenting values, and your child. That’s not a light decision. It’s deeply personal and emotionally charged.
And that’s why a background check isn’t just a formality. It’s peace of mind. It’s protection. And it’s an essential part of any quality nanny service.
Let’s walk through what a nanny background check really includes, what red flags to look for, and how Hunny Nanny makes sure you’re never left wondering, “Did I miss something?”
Why Background Checks Matter
It’s tempting to skip this step when the candidate feels like a dream. But even the most charming, polished, kid-loving candidate can have red flags buried under the surface.
A thorough background check helps:
Verify identity
Confirm criminal history (or lack thereof)
Ensure safe driving if transportation is involved
Identify any past incidents involving children, theft, or violence
Protect your family legally and emotionally
This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about proactive safety—and protecting your peace.
What’s Included in a High-Quality Nanny Background Check
Not all background checks are created equal. At Hunny Nanny, our 11-point screening process includes multiple checks designed to catch what quick DIY searches won’t.
Here’s what we look at in detail:
🔎 1. National Criminal Database Search
Covers federal crimes and checks for convictions across all 50 states. Not just where they’ve lived—but everywhere.
✅ Looks for:
Theft
Assault
Domestic violence
Drug charges
Sex offenses
Child abuse
Weapons charges
🚗 2. Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
If your nanny will be transporting your child—even just to the park—this is non-negotiable.
✅ Looks for:
DUIs
Suspended licenses
Excessive speeding
Accidents or reckless driving
Insurance lapses
👉 Learn more about why driving safety matters
🛂 3. Social Security Trace & Identity Verification
This checks for aliases, name inconsistencies, or fraudulent documentation. It also confirms where they’ve lived—helping us know where to pull county-specific records.
🗂 4. County-Level Criminal Record Search
This is key. Many crimes (especially misdemeanors) are only recorded at the county level. We run searches in all known locations where a nanny has lived in the past 7–10 years.
🔍 5. Sex Offender Registry Check (National & State)
This check is absolutely essential. It flags anyone with a record—no matter how long ago or where it occurred.
📱 6. Social Media Screening
Let’s be real—this often tells us more than a resume ever could. We scan for:
Unprofessional or concerning behavior
Drug/alcohol abuse
Racist or discriminatory content
Public posts contradicting what they’ve told us
It’s not about judgment—it’s about alignment with your values.
💬 7. Reference Verification
We don’t just collect references. We call them—and we ask tough questions.
“Would you hire her again?”
“Was she reliable?”
“How did she handle conflict?”
“Any concerns about safety, communication, or boundaries?”
👉 Check out our guide to interpreting nanny references
🩺 8. Optional Drug Testing
For families who want the extra layer of peace, we offer optional 10-panel lab-based drug testing. It screens for:
Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Benzodiazepines
Methamphetamines
And more
This isn’t about assuming the worst—it’s about confirming the best.
🧠 9. Emotional Intelligence + Judgment Screening
Not your typical “background check,” but still part of the safety net. In our agency interviews, we assess:
How they handle stress
Whether they take accountability
If they communicate clearly
How they reflect on past jobs
We believe safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
What a Background Check Won’t Tell You
Even the best report won’t show:
How your child will feel around them
Whether they’ll be flexible when your baby skips a nap
If they’ll clean the bottles without being asked
Whether they’ll follow your gentle parenting style
That’s why we always recommend a paid trial week and hands-on support during onboarding.
👉 Here’s how to run a great nanny trial
Common Red Flags (and What to Do About Them)
Not all issues mean automatic disqualification. But it’s important to pause and investigate further.
🚩 Red Flag #1: Omission of previous jobs
→ Ask why. Was it a short-term role? Were there unresolved issues?
🚩 Red Flag #2: Dismissive of past conflict
→ If they blame every family or seem evasive, this is worth exploring. Emotional maturity is key.
🚩 Red Flag #3: Driving citations or accidents
→ May still be a great fit—just not for a driving role. Get curious, not fearful.
🚩 Red Flag #4: Vague answers about previous families
→ Could point to professionalism gaps or interpersonal challenges. Ask deeper questions.
Why DIY Background Checks Fall Short
Running a quick online search or relying on Care.com’s built-in tools? You might miss:
County-level misdemeanors
Aliases or name changes
Inconsistencies between background check and personal story
Gaps in work history that weren’t flagged
Plus, unless you know what you're looking for, it's easy to misinterpret results—or miss red flags entirely.
The Hunny Nanny Difference
When you hire a nanny through us, we handle the entire vetting process—so you don’t have to chase down reports, guess what a violation means, or wonder what got left out.
We:
Flag and explain anything that needs follow-up
Only present candidates who pass our vetting
Keep your family’s needs at the center of the search
Provide ongoing support, even after placement
Because this isn’t just a job. This is your family—and your peace of mind is our top priority.
What to Do If You’ve Already Hired Without a Check
First: it’s okay. So many families have found someone through word-of-mouth or a Facebook group, then come to us months later feeling unsure.
You can still run:
A background check (we offer standalone screening)
Reference calls (ask if we can support)
A re-interview to fill in the gaps
Sometimes you find a gem. But if your gut’s telling you to double-check—listen to it.
Summary: What You Should Expect from a Nanny Background Check
✔️ National + local criminal checks
✔️ Sex offender search
✔️ MVR (driving) report
✔️ Social Security + identity verification
✔️ Social media scan
✔️ Optional drug screening
✔️ Verified references
✔️ Emotional intelligence screening
A great nanny service should provide all of this—before a candidate steps foot in your home.
Ready to Hire With Confidence?
If you’re a parent in Ohio searching for a trusted Cincinnati nanny service, let Hunny Nanny help you take the guesswork out of the process.
We handle the hard parts—so you can focus on finding someone who feels like family.
