Hiring help at home is personal. You’re not just looking for support — you’re opening your door to someone who’ll be part of your child’s day-to-day life, your routines, your private space. And in Europe, where expectations around household help vary from one city to another, the lines between “babysitter,” “nanny,” and “housekeeper” often get blurred.
We’ve worked with families all across Europe — from Paris to Berlin, Amsterdam to Milan — and the same confusion comes up again and again:
Should we hire a nanny or a babysitter?
Do we need help with childcare or someone who also cleans?
Is it okay to expect both?
If you’re unsure which role fits your needs — and especially if you’re considering hiring a Filipino nanny or Filipino babysitter — this post will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.
Let’s break it down — clearly, practically, and from the real-life side of things.
Babysitter vs. Nanny vs. Housekeeper — What Each One Really Does
Let’s get something straight: all three roles can be incredibly valuable. But they’re not the same — and if you hire one expecting the job of another, that’s where problems start.
What does a Nanny do?
A nanny is a dedicated childcare provider. It’s a hands-on, daily support role. Whether full-time or part-time, a nanny is there to manage your child’s needs — emotionally, physically, and developmentally.
A Filipino nanny, for example, often becomes a steady part of the child’s life. She handles daily routines, helps with school readiness, creates play-based learning, supports emotional growth, and communicates with parents regularly.
Key responsibilities of a nanny:
- Daily care routines: meals, naps, hygiene
- School drop-off/pick-up
- Structured play and learning
- Behavior tracking and communication
- Consistency and long-term engagement
What a nanny is not: a cleaner, a cook, or an occasional babysitter. The role is focused, steady, and centered on your child’s well-being.
What does a Babysitter do?
A babysitter is someone you call when you need coverage for a few hours. This could be a night out, a weekend event, or just a few afternoons a week.
Filipino babysitters — many of whom we’ve placed in homes across Europe — are known for being warm, patient, and proactive. Even in short sessions, they make children feel seen, safe, and heard. But the job is still short-term by nature.
Babysitter duties typically include:
- Playing and supervising
- Preparing snacks or reheating meals
- Bedtime routines
- Basic hygiene (diaper changes, handwashing, etc.)
- Immediate safety and comfort
They’re not responsible for long-term developmental planning or managing household tasks.
What does a Housekeeper do?
A housekeeper is there to maintain the home — not to care for the kids. Their work focuses on cleanliness, order, and sometimes grocery-related tasks.
Typical responsibilities:
- Cleaning bathrooms, floors, and kitchen surfaces
- Laundry, ironing, and organizing
- Dishwashing and tidying
- Restocking supplies or groceries
- Occasionally prepping meals
A housekeeper may interact with your child, but unless clearly defined, they’re not the person responsible for their care.
Where Families Often Get It Wrong (And How to Get It Right)
The number one issue we see? Blending roles without setting boundaries.
We’ve had families tell us they’re hiring a “babysitter” — and then list duties that belong to a full-time nanny and a part-time cleaner. That’s not a babysitter. That’s two separate roles.
Blended roles can absolutely work, but they only succeed when:
- Expectations are written down and discussed in advance
- The caregiver agrees to the full scope of work
- Compensation reflects the blended role
- Hours and responsibilities are sustainable
At filipinonanny.agency, we help families get crystal clear on this before we introduce any caregiver — because if the role isn’t clear, even the most talented person will struggle.
Choosing Between a Babysitter, Nanny, or Housekeeper — What Does Your Family Actually Need?
This is the part where you stop thinking about labels and start looking at your real life.
Here are some scenarios:
→ You need someone from 8am to 6pm, five days a week.
You’re not looking for a babysitter. You need a full-time nanny.
Bonus if they can help with light laundry — but the core job is childcare.
→ You need someone two nights a week so you and your partner can breathe.
That’s a babysitter. Simple.
We’ll find you a Filipino babysitter who’s calm, warm, and reliable.
→ You’re drowning in housework and laundry, and the kids are at school most of the day.
You need a housekeeper.
They might be in the home with your child at times, but that’s not their job unless discussed clearly.
→ You want a live-in nanny who can help with both kids and general tidying.
That’s a hybrid role.
It can work — but you need structure, fairness, and clarity from day one. And we’ll help you build that.
Still unsure? We’ve walked dozens of families through this exact decision — and we’ll walk you through it too.
Why Filipino Nannies and Babysitters Are So Often the Right Fit
Whether you need a full-time nanny or someone to call once a week, Filipino caregivers offer something rare: steady presence and heart.
Filipino nannies are often:
- Naturally warm and gentle
- Highly adaptable to different cultures and routines
- Skilled in communication
- Loyal and consistent — many stay with families for years
- Focused on kindness, respect, and boundaries
Filipino babysitters bring that same care to short-term roles. Even if they’re only with your child for a few hours a week, they bring full attention and calm energy. And most of them treat the job with professionalism, not as a side gig.
That’s why families across Europe specifically ask for them. We’ve seen the bonds they form. And we’ve seen the relief on parents’ faces when they know someone capable is there.
Why Work With Us
At filipinonanny.agency, we don’t start with job titles — we start with your actual needs.
We’ve placed Filipino nannies, babysitters, and household helpers in homes from London to Lisbon, Brussels to Munich. And every placement started the same way: with a conversation.
We ask what your family looks like day-to-day. We ask what your child needs emotionally. We help you clarify whether you need daily childcare, flexible backup support, or someone to bring order to your home.
And then — only then — do we introduce you to a caregiver.
We vet. We guide. We follow up. We protect both sides.
Because placing someone in your home isn’t just about filling a schedule. It’s about building a relationship that lasts.
You Don’t Just Need “Help” — You Need the Right Kind of Help
Babysitter. Nanny. Housekeeper. These aren’t just words — they’re entirely different roles.
The more clearly you understand the difference, the better your experience will be — and the more likely your caregiver will thrive in your home.
So whether you’re looking for a part-time Filipino babysitter to cover evenings, a live-in Filipino nanny who becomes part of the family, or a housekeeper who gives you back your time — we’re here to help you figure it out.
Let’s get clear. Let’s get it right. And let’s find someone who brings peace, not confusion, into your daily life.
Start here: filipinonanny.agency
