The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Nanny Without an Agency | AP Nannies

When families consider hiring a nanny, it’s tempting to think that skipping an agency will save money. At first glance, going solo may seem straightforward—you post an ad, schedule interviews, and choose someone who feels like a good fit. But what many families discover is that the real cost of hiring independently goes far beyond what’s on the surface.

From the countless hours of screening candidates to the risk of mismatches and the stress of turnover, the hidden costs can quickly outweigh any savings. That’s where A Plus Nannies (AP Nannies) comes in. With our proven process, flat placement fee, and unique guarantee, we save you time, stress, and money while helping you build a long-term, positive relationship with your nanny.

1. The Time You Don’t Get Back

The first hidden cost of hiring without an agency is your time.

When you manage the hiring process yourself, you’ll likely spend dozens of hours on tasks such as:

• Writing and posting job ads on multiple sites
• Sorting through hundreds of resumes
• Scheduling and conducting phone screenings and interviews
• Calling references and verifying experience
• Running background checks
• Negotiating terms and creating agreements

According to recent data, the average hiring process in the U.S. takes 23.8 days from job posting to hire. While that’s a general workforce average, it highlights how lengthy hiring can be without professional support. For families balancing careers, home responsibilities, and children’s needs, this extra workload can feel overwhelming.

AP Nannies eliminates these steps for you. Because we already maintain a pool of thoroughly screened, highly qualified candidates, we can match families with the right nanny faster—saving you both time and frustration.

2. The Cost of a “Bad Fit”

Hiring the wrong nanny is one of the most expensive mistakes families can make. When expectations aren’t aligned, communication breaks down, or the nanny simply isn’t a good match for your household, you’re left starting over from scratch.

Not only does this mean going through the entire search process again, but it can also disrupt your child’s care, create unnecessary stress, and delay your return to work or your family’s routine.

At AP Nannies, we reduce this risk with our 90-day free replacement guarantee. If your initial match doesn’t work out during this period, we’ll provide a replacement at no additional cost. After 90 days, we offer a prorated replacement option up until the one-year mark, so you’re never left unprotected.

This policy ensures peace of mind and protects your investment—something you simply won’t get when hiring independently.

3. Long-Term Retention Matters

Hiring a nanny isn’t just about finding care for today—it’s about creating stability for your children and your household. Frequent turnover disrupts children’s sense of security and forces families into a cycle of rehiring that is both costly and stressful.

This is where industry expertise matters. At AP Nannies, we don’t just match you with available candidates—we advise families on the best ways to keep nannies long term. Our guidance includes:

• Setting clear expectations from the start
• Offering competitive and fair hourly rates
• Establishing healthy communication practices
• Creating a welcoming environment that supports both the nanny and the family
• Building realistic schedules that respect the nanny’s professional boundaries

Families often underestimate how important these elements are for retention. By offering insights from years of experience, we help families create conditions that encourage nannies to stay and thrive—leading to stronger relationships and better care for children.

4. Fair Rates Without Bias

One of the biggest challenges for families is understanding what constitutes a fair hourly rate for nannies. Online job boards often give wide ranges, and families may not know whether they’re offering too little (and losing good candidates) or paying far above market value.

Here’s where our flat placement fee model makes a difference. Unlike agencies that charge a percentage of the nanny’s salary, AP Nannies charges a flat fee. This means we have no incentive to encourage you to offer higher wages just to increase our commission.

Instead, we provide honest, unbiased advice based on local market rates and the level of care you need. Families get peace of mind knowing that the recommendations we make are in their best interest—and designed to help them attract and retain quality nannies, not inflate agency revenue.

According to UrbanSitter’s 2025 Cost Guide, the national average for a nanny is $23.61 per hour, or nearly $49,000 per year. But local conditions vary widely. Our role is to help you understand the going rates in your area, so you can make informed decisions without second-guessing.

5. Peace of Mind You Can’t Put a Price On

Perhaps the biggest hidden cost of hiring without an agency is the stress factor. Families who handle the process on their own often worry:

• Did I run a thorough enough background check?
• Did I miss any red flags in the interview?
• Am I paying fairly?

• What happens if things don’t work out?

With AP Nannies, you don’t carry that burden alone. We bring expertise, structure, and support to every step of the process. From the initial consultation to placement and beyond, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and supported in your decision.

The True Value of Working with AP Nannies

When you add up the hidden costs—lost time, the risk of bad fits, the challenges of retention, and the uncertainty around pay—it becomes clear that working with a professional agency isn’t an extra expense. It’s an investment in peace of mind, stability, and long-term success.

At AP Nannies, we offer families:

• A streamlined hiring process that saves weeks of effort
• A 90-day free replacement guarantee plus prorated coverage for up to one year
• Honest, unbiased guidance thanks to our flat placement fee model
• Industry expertise that helps families keep their nanny long term
• Personalized support so you’re never navigating the process alone

When it comes to finding the right caregiver for your family, hidden costs can be costly mistakes. By partnering with AP Nannies, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve made the smartest, most reliable choice for your family.