The305nanny

08/18/2026

A quiet 5 a.m. before the toddler wakes up.

As a nanny, so much of my day is spent caring for someone else—anticipating needs, managing emotions, keeping routines moving, and making sure the child in my care feels safe and supported.

Waking up early gives me time to pray, drink my coffee, gather my thoughts, and prepare myself mentally and spiritually before anyone needs anything from me.

It isn’t always easy getting up at 5 a.m., but I’ve learned that I need that quiet time. When I begin my day feeling grounded and connected to God, I’m able to show up with more patience, intention, and presence.

I spend my day pouring into someone else, so I make sure I pour into myself first.

What helps you feel grounded before your workday begins?

08/13/2026

We spend so much of our careers pouring into other people’s children, families, and homes. But we can’t forget to pour back into ourselves.

My top 5 ways I pour back into me:

1. Faith — staying connected to God and making time for prayer.
2. Rest — giving myself permission to slow down and recharge.
3. Community — spending time with people who fill my cup, too.
4. Movement — taking care of my body and getting out of my head.
5. A life outside of nannying — hobbies, experiences, travel, and things that are just for me.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t make you less dedicated to your career. It’s part of what allows you to keep showing up with patience, intention, and love.

What are your top 5?

08/08/2026

Here are the top three certifications we recommend for a new nanny starting their career.

Looking for more ways to strengthen your resume and continue growing professionally? Check out our post from last week where we shared additional certifications and training we recommend for nannies at every stage of their career.

Hope to see you at the next Nanny Hotline: Coast to Coast Live! Have a question you want us to answer? Submit it for an upcoming episode.

08/07/2026

Nannies should be interviewing families just as much as families are interviewing us.

And sometimes, it’s about much more than whether the job is a good fit. It’s about safety.

A nanny friend of mine recently had to leave a position because she found herself in a situation where she no longer felt safe. It was a reminder that while agencies can vet families, check references, and do their due diligence, they aren’t the ones walking into that family’s home every day. We are.

As professional nannies, we have to do our own due diligence too. Ask questions. Research who you’re considering working for. Pay attention to inconsistencies. Understand who lives in or regularly has access to the home. Trust your discernment when something doesn’t feel right.

An interview isn’t just a family deciding whether they trust you with their children. It’s also you deciding whether you trust them with your safety, your livelihood, and your career.

A great opportunity is never worth ignoring a red flag.

What are some things you look for when interviewing a potential family?

08/06/2026

A little peek into my off-shift style.

Being a nanny is a huge part of who I am, but there’s also a whole person outside of the role.

After long days of playrooms, snack prep, and toddler adventures, I love outfits that are comfortable, practical, and still feel like me.

Because caregivers deserve to have a life, style, and identity outside of work too.

08/04/2026

One of the questions we were asked during this month’s Nanny Hotline was:

“What professional certifications do you recommend for nannies?”

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best certifications are the ones that support your career goals, the ages you work with, and the niche you want to specialize in.

Here are some of our recommendations.

Must-Haves
• Passport (for travel positions)
• Driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s degree (highly preferred by many families)
• Adult, Child & Infant First Aid/CPR/AED
• Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers

Great Professional Development Opportunities
• Degree in Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Psychology
• Safe Sleep Ambassador
• International Nanny Association (INA) conferences, webinars, workshops, and credentials
• The305Nanny Professional Development Workshop
• Advanced & Foundational Newborn Care Specialist Training
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Advanced Childcare Training
• Water Safety CEU
• Baby-Led Weaning Certification
• Car Seat Safety Education (or CPST certification)
• Montessori Assistant Training
• RIE Foundations Training
• Pediatric Nutrition & Feeding Education
• Lactation Management Training
• Postpartum Doula Certification
• Childbirth Education Certification

Professional development is an investment in yourself. The goal isn’t to earn every certification available, but to intentionally build knowledge that makes you a stronger caregiver and better serves the families you work with.

What certification has been the most valuable in your career? Or what certification is next on your list? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.

08/03/2026