By Liza Maltz, NYC-based child care expert and doula.

Switching from a nanny to daycare is a big transition, and it’s natural to want it to go smoothly. A smoother switch usually comes down to a few things: thoughtful planning, clear communication with your child, and choosing a child care setting that feels right for your whole family.

For families whose nanny has become part of the household, this change can feel personal, not just logistical. As you weigh your options, it helps to see what a thoughtful setting can look like—take a look at Vivvi child care and early learning, or lean on a community like Have a Nanny, the group I built around helping parents work through changes like this one together.

Start with the simplest question: what does your family need right now?

Before you tour a single daycare, it helps to get clear on what’s driving the change and what matters most as you make it.

• Your timeline: Can you ease into this gradually, or do you need to make the switch quickly?
• Your child’s attachment: How close is your child to their current nanny, and will saying goodbye need extra care?
• Your nanny’s next step: Will they stay on part-time during the transition, or is this a clean break?
• Your daycare priorities: Have you thought about what matters most—location, cost, or schedule flexibility?

Common transition options for nanny families

Most families land on some combination of the options below, depending on timing and how attached their child is to the current routine.

1) Give yourself time (best for most families)

It’s tempting to make a quick change, but giving your child—and yourself—time to adjust can make the shift easier. Start by visiting a few daycare options and choosing a program where you feel good about the staff, the environment, and the schedule. A slower start now often means a calmer landing later.

2) Talk with your child about what’s changing (best for sensitive or attached children)

Children notice routine changes quickly. Explain what’s happening, and if your child has grown attached to their nanny, make space for a real goodbye. That small step can ease a lot of anxiety about starting something new—see getting ready for daycare for more on preparing your child.

3) Keep your nanny on, at least part-time (best for easing the handoff)

Many families keep their nanny involved during the transition, even just part-time. It reinforces that daycare is a positive step for everyone, and it gives your nanny a gentler way to step back from the role instead of an abrupt end.

4) Tour and vet your options (best for comparing programs side by side)

Ask for references and tour the facility before deciding. If the process feels like a lot, talk with other parents—many have made this same switch, and their experience can help you compare options with more confidence.

How to choose what’s right for your family

Once you’ve toured a few programs, these three factors usually make the decision easier:

• Location: How far is the daycare from home or work, and does the commute fit your daily routine?
• Cost: What can your family comfortably manage, now and as rates may change?
• Schedule flexibility: Do the program’s hours—including drop-off and pickup—line up with your work schedule?

A note on parting ways with your nanny

If you won’t need your nanny going forward, consider offering practical support like a recommendation or help with their job search. A parent-to-parent referral community like Have a Nanny can help connect them with other families, and if you look into nanny agencies for this, know that Vivvi doesn’t charge families to connect with them—payment and contracting happen directly with the agency. Your nanny has been part of your household, and a little support during this change goes a long way.

Where community fits into the nanny-to-daycare transition

Daycare can open the door to a new community for both you and your child. Your child gets to interact with other kids and build new skills, while you get to meet other families, get involved, and build a support network of your own—the same idea behind communities like Have a Nanny.

FAQs

How long should the switch from nanny to daycare take?
There’s no set timeline—give yourself and your child room to adjust. Visiting a few programs before deciding can make the whole process feel less rushed. Aim for a pace that feels workable, not perfect.

Should I keep my nanny on during the transition?
Many families do, often part-time, to ease the shift for everyone. It can reinforce that daycare is a positive step and give your nanny a gentler way to step back. If that’s not an option for your family, that’s okay too.

How do I help my child say goodbye to their nanny?
Talk openly about what’s changing, and make space for a real goodbye if they’ve grown attached. A little acknowledgment goes a long way toward easing anxiety about something new. Even a small, simple goodbye counts.

What should I prioritize when choosing a daycare?
Location, cost, and schedule flexibility tend to matter most. Touring in person and asking for references can help you feel confident in your choice. When in doubt, talk with other parents who’ve made the same switch.