Infant vs Toddler Nannies in Atlanta: Experience, Pay & Expectations

When Atlanta families start looking for a nanny, one of the first questions we hear is:

“Do we need an infant nanny — or does a toddler nanny make more sense?”

While the answer depends on your child’s age, the expectations, experience level, and pay for these roles can be very different. Understanding those differences upfront helps families make better long-term hiring decisions — and avoid mismatches that lead to turnover.

Here’s how infant and toddler nanny roles differ in Atlanta, and what experienced families consider before hiring.

What Makes an Infant Nanny Different?

An infant nanny typically works with babies from newborn to around 12–18 months. In Atlanta, families hiring infant nannies are often looking for someone with very specific experience.

Infant Nanny Experience Expectations

Families usually prefer candidates who:

• Have professional newborn or infant experience
• Understand feeding schedules, sleep routines, and developmental milestones
• Are confident with soothing, transitions, and growth changes
• Have safety-first instincts at all times

Some families also look for experience with:

• Sleep shaping
• Bottle transitions
• Tummy time and early motor development
• Multiples or NICU experience (when applicable)

Infant care is detail-heavy and physically demanding, which is why experience matters so much.

What About Toddler Nannies?

A toddler nanny typically works with children ages 1–4, where the focus shifts from basic care to structure, engagement, and emotional development.

Toddler Nanny Experience Expectations

Families hiring toddler nannies often prioritize:

• Experience managing routines and transitions
• Active engagement (play, outings, learning activities)
• Comfort setting boundaries and reinforcing expectations
• Strong communication with parents

Toddler nannies are often more hands-on with:

• Play-based learning
• Outdoor activities
• Social and emotional development
• Helping toddlers gain independence

Infant vs Toddler Nanny Pay in Atlanta

Pay varies based on experience, schedule, and responsibilities, but in Atlanta:

• Infant nannies often command higher rates due to specialized experience and higher safety demands
• Toddler nannies may have slightly more flexibility in rates depending on activity level, number of children, and household responsibilities

Families should also factor in:

• Guaranteed hours
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• Long-term retention incentives

Planning compensation correctly from the beginning is one of the biggest factors in keeping a nanny long term.

Which Is Right for Your Family?

Here’s what experienced Atlanta families consider before deciding:

• Your child’s current age and upcoming transitions
• Whether you want the same nanny long-term through multiple stages
• Your expectations around structure vs flexibility
• Your comfort level managing infant-specific needs

Many families choose a nanny who has both infant and toddler experience, especially if they plan to grow their family or want continuity of care.

How Georgia’s Dream Nannies Helps Families Get This Right

One of the biggest mistakes families make is hiring based only on availability — not alignment.

At Georgia’s Dream Nannies, we:

• Help families clarify what level of experience they truly need
• Recruit and screen candidates based on child age and family goals
• Interview, background check, reference check, and social-screen every candidate
• Present only candidates who truly match your home and expectations

Our goal is to help you hire once — and hire well.

👉 Learn how our placement process works:
https://www.gadreamnannies.com/families-how-it-works/

👉 Explore our Atlanta nanny services:
https://www.gadreamnannies.com/families-find-a-nanny-housekeeper-or-household-manager/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an infant nanny and a toddler nanny?

An infant nanny specializes in newborn and baby care, focusing on feeding, sleep routines, and safety. A toddler nanny focuses more on play, learning, routines, and emotional development for children ages 1–4.

Do infant nannies cost more than toddler nannies in Atlanta?

Yes, infant nannies in Atlanta often earn higher rates due to specialized experience, safety responsibilities, and demand.

Can one nanny care for both infants and toddlers?

Yes. Many experienced career nannies have experience with both age groups, making them ideal for families seeking long-term continuity.

When should Atlanta families start looking for an infant nanny?

Families should begin searching 1–2 months in advance, especially for full-time infant care.

Why use a nanny agency instead of hiring on my own?

A professional agency handles recruiting, vetting, background checks, and matching — saving families time and reducing risk.