Family guide

Maid, nanny or babysitter: choosing the right role

Choose the role by the work your household needs, not the title alone. Maid enquiries usually focus on household tasks; nanny and babysitter enquiries focus on children. The individual duties, schedule and suitability must be discussed and agreed separately.

By
INAYA Domestic Workers Editorial Team
Published
Updated

Identify the main priority first

Write down whether your primary need is household support or looking after children. Then describe the tasks and times that matter most. If both are needed, discuss how responsibilities would be allocated rather than assuming one person can cover simultaneous priorities.

The descriptions below are common enquiry distinctions, not promised INAYA duties or qualifications. A maid may not be suitable for your childcare requirements, and a childcare role does not automatically include cleaning, cooking or every household task.

Questions that distinguish the three role enquiries
RoleEnquiry focusIndividual details to review
MaidHousehold support and cleaning prioritiesAgreed tasks, work area and relevant experience
NannyChildcare needs within the family’s routineChildren’s ages, routine, experience and agreed responsibilities
BabysitterChild supervision during requested periodsDates, duration, handover and relevant childcare experience

Review the individual profile, not a blanket claim

Explain the children’s ages and the routine you want to discuss. Ask about the proposed person’s experience with similar responsibilities and what information is available to assess it. Do not treat a general job title as evidence of training or a qualification.

Discuss communication, handover instructions and how questions would be raised with the family. Agree responsibilities in writing before confirming. If a need falls outside ordinary non-clinical household or childcare support, seek an appropriately qualified professional rather than assuming the domestic role covers it.

Confirm the arrangement and work schedule

Role and arrangement answer different questions. Nanny or babysitter describes the focus of the work, while live-in, live-out and a limited schedule concern residence or work period. Ask which arrangement is actually available; none establishes standard hours or a price automatically.

MOHRE’s employer guide and contract service provide background on employment arrangements and formal requirements. Confirm the applicable agreement for the proposed role, including duties, period and relevant terms. Do not substitute an informal task list for the required contract process.

Prepare a focused enquiry to INAYA

Share your emirate, preferred dates, main responsibilities and any experience preferences. INAYA receives UAE enquiries from its single Ajman office subject to service availability. Ask the team to confirm the proposed individual, duties, schedule and terms before making a decision.

Use the maid, nanny or babysitting service page for the appropriate enquiry. Call or WhatsApp to discuss availability and an appointment. The website form prepares information locally and does not transmit a request, confirm an appointment or guarantee a suitable profile.