Cathy MerrittDuring my first few years as a mother, I struggled with everything—keeping the house in tip-top shape, preparing meals for everyone, and other responsibilities.
Eventually, my siblings recommended that I tap the help of a nanny, and it was like a light bulb moment. I couldn’t believe I never thought of it before!
Now, I’ve tried several nannies from several nanny agencies, and I now have some go-tos. Here are the best ones I can recommend.
How much does hiring a nanny cost in Toronto?
The cost of hiring a nanny is usually around C$20 per hour, but sometimes, it can get as high as C$28, especially if you’re hiring from a prestigious nanny agency.
How We Chose the Best Nanny Agencies in Toronto
Nannies on Call
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Email: [email protected]
Nannies on Call is the nanny agency my sister vouches for, and after having finally tried it, I can see why this is her go-to agency.
What I love about Nannies on Call is that the nannies are meticulously pre-screened and vetted. So, even though their pool is slightly smaller than other agencies, you can rest assured that the nanny you’ll get is certified and experienced.
Another thing I like about this agency is that you have two service options. First is the in-home babysitting service, which is perfect if you just want an occasional nanny to look out for your child while you’re out somewhere.
But if you want something more permanent, then don’t worry because Nannies on Call has got you covered as well! You can choose if you want your nanny part-time, full-time, travelling, and other types of arrangements.
I personally haven’t tried the permanent service option, but my sister has, and she has nothing but good things to say about it. The nannies are always professional, and the children love them.
If you do want to give this service a try, keep in mind that it’s a subscription-based model. Some people might find this a deal-breaker because they prefer to pay a one-time fee. But if you’re in need of a nanny often, then this subscription is a worthy investment.
Customer Reviews
Reliable service
“Nannies on Call is a fabulous service for occasional/ad-hoc high-quality childcare. We’ve used it for 6+ months for our toddler and have had a great experience overall. The site makes finding, booking, confirming, and paying nannies easy, as well as saving and requesting favourites.”
-Allison MacLachlan, Google Review
Professional service
“Professional service with a good pool of Nannies. We have used the service for a year and it’s been very helpful. We use the intermittent service and have had many of the Nannies on the site. The more experienced, expensive Nannies are by far the best option. We have never had a bad nanny through the service- but we have had minimal issues that didn’t align with what we’d like and just don’t book those Nannies again. You can see the reviews and how often the nanny has been booked which is really helpful. We have built some lovely relationships with some of the Nannies and the service is professional and responsive. We would definitely recommend it.”
-Emily Nesvick, Google Review
The Summerhill Club
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +12262283614
Email: [email protected]
The Summerhill Club is the latest nanny agency I’ve tried, and I can’t believe I haven’t tried it sooner. This boutique agency has been around since 2012, and they offer all sorts of nanny services—from occasional nannies to full-time nannies! It’s also possible to book a nanny in a pinch!
What I like the most about this agency is that the booking process is quick and easy. I just have to send an email or call them directly, and we’ll immediately have a preliminary conversation where I get to share my specific needs and wants. After that, it doesn’t take long before my request is processed and a nanny is assigned to me.
The nannies from this agency that I’ve met are lovely as well. They’re smart, enthusiastic, and warm, and they treat my children like they’re best friends. They also help around the house, cleaning up the kids’ messes in the living room or washing the dishes in the kitchen, and I greatly appreciate it.
The rates here do tend to be on the pricier side though: the standard rate usually starts at C$33 per hour. It’s more expensive than the usual rates, but you do get great service, so personally, I don’t mind it too much.
Customer Reviews
Amazing staff
“I have had the absolute best experiences with Summerhill. From the admin staff to the sitters, everyone is amazing. Just this morning my youngest asked me when we could go out next because she was so excited to see her sitter again!”
-Melissa Millar, Google Review
Trustworthy nannies, seamless booking experience
“We had a wonderful experience with Summerhill Club! After hearing great things about Summerhill for many years we finally got to use this service. It was the first time ever that our son was looked after by someone who wasn’t family or a very close friend and he had an amazing time with his sitter while we were out for the afternoon! She made us feel so comfortable and relaxed and texted photos and updates while we were out. He was in great spirits when we came home. The whole booking process was so professional and easy. This is an exemplary service that we look forward to using again. Thank you!”
-Abby Blythe Luck, Google Review
The Nanny Solution
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16477760911
Email: [email protected]
The impressive thing about The Nanny Solution is that their screening process is extremely rigorous—only 10% of the initial applicants make it through the first round!
This is because the agency ensures that all the accepted nannies have the following requirements: a clear criminal record, first aid and CPR certifications, and verified references.
Because of this, it’s safe to expect high-quality service here. Personally, my experience with the nannies from this agency has been exceptional. They were always on time and professional throughout. They were patient too, which is important considering my kids are little energetic gremlins.
Another great thing about this agency is that they also offer a newborn care service. This service is perfect for new moms who feel like they’re out of their depth and need some guided help. I haven’t tried this yet, but a friend has, and she said that the newborn care specialist helped her manage the first few months after giving birth.
As amazing as this agency is, though, I’d like to caution you that the prices here are really expensive. Aside from the nanny fee, you’ll also have to pay a launch fee (to get the agency to start a nanny search for you) and agency fees.
Customer Reviews
Professional and competent nannies
“My experience with The Nanny Solution so far has been excellent! Thank you very much for helping me find temporary and long-term nanny positions with lovely families. I appreciate your professionalism and competence.”
-Mercedes Flores, Google Review
Simple and seamless process
“I have used The Nanny Solution/Nannies on Call for the past 6 years. I am consistently impressed by the quality of the candidates they present. They make the process quick, simple and seamless. They really listen to our needs and are very communicative. I don’t know what I would do without them!”
-Liz Stinson, Google Review
Diamond Personnel
Address: 1000 Sheppard Ave W, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14167308866
Diamond Personnel is best known for elder care and household staffing, but they also offer amazing nanny services.
The booking process here is hassle-free. During the initial interview, I just have to let them know what kind of nanny I’m looking for, what tasks I want them to focus on, and other essential details. The agency will then pick the right nanny that fits the bill, and so far, they’ve hit the mark.
I also like how the nannies are very flexible. I’ve had them take care of my preschool- and school-aged kids, and they know exactly how to deal with them. The nannies will also indulge in the kids’ requests—whether it’s playing games with them or reading them stories from a book.
And don’t worry about coming home to a dirty house! The nannies will also help in keeping the house clean. They’re so incredibly helpful!
The one and only thing I don’t like about this agency is that the initial consultation is quite pricey. And that doesn’t take into account the nanny fees, too. So, if you go with this agency, just know you’ll have to pay a lot.
Customer Reviews
Professional and communicative
“I couldn’t be happier with the support and guidance provided by Meghan and Shauna at Diamond Personnel. They truly went above and beyond to match me with my dream job, one that perfectly aligns with my skills and career goals. Throughout the process they were professional, communicative, and genuinely invested in my success. I highly recommend Diamond Personnel to anyone looking for a dedicated partner in their job search.”
-Stephanie Chatterly, Google Review
Easy and quick booking process
“We have been beyond pleased with our Diamond Personnel experience. We were searching for a driving nanny to join our household and hoped to find someone who could be a long-term fit with our family. Shauna made the hiring process seamless. She advocated for us and the needs of the potential nannies to ensure the fit would work for us all in the long-run. It was worth the investment to find the perfect person.”
-Sonya Weisberg, Google Review
