SV054 - Full-Time Nanny/Mother's Helper - Chicago, IL

Overview

A family in Chicago is seeking a Full-Time Nanny/Mother's Helper to support their growing family and care for their infant daughter.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced career nanny who enjoys working alongside an engaged parent while also being confident and experienced in providing independent care when needed. Mom is home during the day and is looking for a trusted partner who can seamlessly step into childcare while also helping the household run smoothly through thoughtful, day-to-day support.

The family embraces a calm, nurturing approach to parenting centered around consistency, connection, and child-led development. They appreciate Montessori-inspired principles, favor open-ended play over electronic toys, and value caregivers who are intentional about supporting curiosity, independence, and early communication. An interest in baby sign language is highly encouraged, and the family asks that their nanny be willing to learn and consistently incorporate approximately ten foundational signs into daily routines.

The ideal candidate brings significant newborn and infant experience and understands the importance of maintaining predictable routines while remaining responsive to an infant's individual needs. They are grounded, engaging, proactive, and naturally collaborative, following the parents' lead while contributing ideas and experience when appropriate.

The schedule will generally be Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, guaranteeing 40 hours per week.

The family hopes to hire as soon as they find the right long-term fit.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, developmentally appropriate care for an infant.
• Partner closely with mom to maintain consistent routines for feeding, naps, play, and daily rhythms.
• Confidently provide independent care when parents are working, attending appointments, or otherwise unavailable.
• Support age-appropriate developmental activities rooted in responsive, engaging care.
• Accompany mom or dad to outings and activities with the baby, such as baby swim classes.
• Learn and incorporate basic baby sign language into daily interactions.
• Prepare bottles and support feeding routines, including washing and sanitizing bottles, pump parts, and other feeding supplies as needed.
• Prepare simple, healthy meals and purees as the child transitions to solids.
• Complete baby-related laundry and maintain organization and cleanliness of the nursery, toys, clothing, and supplies.
• Assist with light household support, including tidying common areas, unloading the dishwasher, and helping maintain the day's flow.
• Prepare simple whole-food meal components for the family, such as washed produce, roasted vegetables, proteins, and other basic meal prep.
• Walk the family dog as needed and assist with occasional neighborhood errands.
• Provide occasional overnight or travel support if mutually agreed upon.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of professional experience working with children and families in private homes, including significant newborn and infant experience.
• Strong understanding of infant development, feeding, sleep routines, and developmental milestones.
• Calm, grounded presence paired with an engaging, nurturing caregiving style.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with hands-on parents while also providing confident independent care.
• Familiarity with Montessori principles or a child-led philosophy is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn and utilize baby sign language.
• Highly organized, proactive, and attentive to detail.
• Excellent judgment, professionalism, and communication skills.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Infant CPR and First Aid certification.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Comfortable working in a home with a friendly dog.
• Comfortable preparing simple, whole-food meals and snacks.
• Able to safely lift and carry a growing infant, including up and down stairs, and respond quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.
• Able to provide outstanding professional references and successfully pass a background check.
• Willingness to travel or provide occasional overnight care is a plus, but not required.

Salary and Benefits

• $30–$40/hour, based on experience.
• Guaranteed 40 hours per week.
• Additional benefits to be discussed.
• Final benefits package and payroll structure will be established in accordance with applicable Chicago and Illinois employment requirements.