HOW TO HIRE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a night nanny in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A night nanny in Ireland costs €120–€220 per night, typically around €160. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a night nanny in five steps
- Are you on the Tusla register of childminding services, and what is your number?A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — parental Assistance — night nannies can assist parents by providing advice and support on various childcare topics, from feeding schedules to developmental milestones.
- How does specific services provided change the price?A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does nanny's experience change the price?Reputation is the reason two quotes for one job differ so much. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does number of children requiring care change the price?The quantity is confirmed before the visit is booked. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Sleep Training Support — many night nannies offer sleep training techniques to help establish healthy sleep habits for children — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a night nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate — childminding registration
The childminding regulations apply only to a childminder caring for children in the CHILDMINDER'S OWN HOME.
Search the Tusla register of childminding services for the name or the registration number before you agree a price. tusla.ie →
Where the rules stand now
A childminder caring for 3 or fewer pre-school children, and 6 or fewer children in total, remains exempt for the transitional period. Registration becomes mandatory from September 2027. Registration is not yet mandatory for every childminder. Ask whether this childminder is registered, and if not, whether they fall inside the transitional exemption — both answers are legitimate in 2026.
Ask where they are in the process, and when they expect to be registered — the date is September 2027 either way. tusla.ie →
Garda vetting
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 The regulation requiring vetting of household members aged 16 and over commenced on 1 February 2025. Vetting is carried out through a relevant organisation, not by a parent directly. Ask to see the disclosure the childminder holds.
Ask to see the garda vetting letter itself, with its date on it — not a statement that one exists.
Insurance
Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it. You are booking an individual for a set number of hours, so ask whether the ID has been checked and what the rating is from people who booked the same way — there is no company behind them to carry either.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
VAT
No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. An individual working under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge VAT at all, and does not have a VAT number to give you.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — parental Assistance — night nannies can assist parents by providing advice and support on various childcare topics, from feeding schedules to developmental milestones.
A good answer: A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Reputation is the reason two quotes for one job differ so much. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The quantity is confirmed before the visit is booked. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Sleep Training Support — many night nannies offer sleep training techniques to help establish healthy sleep habits for children — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a night nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it — temporary Night Care — short-term overnight care for families needing immediate assistance, often during transitions.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the night nanny starts, and an itemised invoice after — special Needs Night Nanny — provides specialised care for children with additional needs during the night.
Booking by the hour
- The rate per hour, and whether it changes in the evening or at a weekend
- The minimum booking, and what happens if the job finishes early
- What they bring and what you supply
- Whether the ID has been checked, and the rating from people who booked the same way
- Insurance, where the work can damage something or somebody
- The hours and the list of what is to be done, agreed before the first one
Walk away if
- They are not on the Tusla register of childminding services, or the number does not resolve to the name on the quote
- They will not talk about it: specific services provided — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs
- They will not talk about it: nanny's experience — reputation is the reason two quotes for one job differ so much
- They will not talk about it: number of children requiring care — the quantity is confirmed before the visit is booked
- A price for the night nanny before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
What a night nanny costs: €120–€220 per night
The figures are for the job, per night, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Infant care specialist and Sleep consultant each carry their own band. Night Nanny price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Night nannys near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstSpecific services provided — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs — that is what the night nanny is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneNanny's experience — reputation is the reason two quotes for one job differ so much — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfNumber of children requiring care — the quantity is confirmed before the visit is booked — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherTravel distance — being far from the main towns narrows the choice and lifts the price — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the night nanny is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, discuss any specific dietary restrictions or allergies the children may have.
- Sleep Training Support
- Many night nannies offer sleep training techniques to help establish healthy sleep habits for children.
- Parental Assistance
- Night nannies can assist parents by providing advice and support on various childcare topics, from feeding schedules to developmental milestones.
- Infant Care Specialist
- Focuses on caring for newborns, including feeding, burping, and soothing to sleep.
- Sleep Consultant
- Provides guidance on establishing healthy sleep routines for children of various ages.
- Postpartum Support Nanny
- Offers support to new parents by caring for the baby overnight, allowing parents to recuperate.
- Special Needs Night Nanny
- Provides specialised care for children with additional needs during the night.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a night nanny: questions people ask
The cost of a night nanny can vary based on experience, location, and the specific services provided. Additional factors include the number of children and any special requirements, such as care for twins or children with special needs.
Night nanny services can range from a few hours to an entire night, depending on the family's needs. Some families opt for regular weekly bookings, while others may require occasional support.
While many night nannies are experienced childcare providers, not all are formally qualified. It’s important to check their credentials and previous experience, especially if your child has specific needs.
Many night nannies offer emergency or same-day availability, but this can depend on their schedule. It's advisable to reach out as early as possible to secure a booking.
Yes, many night nannies offer flexible arrangements and can be booked for multiple related jobs, such as daytime care or babysitting. Discussing your needs with the nanny can help tailor the services.
Night nannies generally focus on childcare and may not provide household duties like cleaning or cooking. It's essential to clarify expectations and discuss any additional tasks beforehand.
MORE GUIDES
More hiring guides in childcare & family
Night nannys near you
Sources — checked October 2026
- Tusla — childminding registration opened 30 September 2024
- Tusla — childminding services FAQs
- Department of Children — new regulations for childminding
- National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028
- Consumer Rights Act 2022
- Revenue — CHILDMINDING (Children and education) — Exempt
- Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
- Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only