Nanny or Nursery? An honest guide for Dubai parents thinking about childcare options

‍Dubai Mums, you’re not alone: deciding between a nanny or nursery for your little one

Choosing childcare can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in early parenthood—especially here in Dubai, where many families live far from extended relatives and are living a fast-paced lifestyle without traditional support systems or generous maternity leave. Whether you're returning to work, expecting another baby, or simply need a few hours to yourself, one question comes up time and again:

"Should I put my baby into nursery, or hire a nanny?"

At Lullabies, I support families through every aspect of early parenting (whilst making sure I stay in my own lane and signposting families to the right professionals)—and this question? It comes up a lot. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but by looking at the real pros and cons of both options, you can make a decision that feels right for your family.

Let’s talk nannies

In Dubai, having a live-in or part-time nanny is a common and often affordable option compared to many other parts of the world. A nanny can be like an extension of your family—providing one-on-one care and flexibility, in your own home.‍

Pros of Hiring a Nanny

• 1:1 attention: Your baby or toddler gets individualised care throughout the day, which can feel especially comforting during the early years.
• Care in your own home: No stressful morning drop-offs or pickups—your baby stays in their familiar environment.
• Flexible hours: You can often tailor nanny support to suit your schedule, including evenings or weekends if needed.
• Bonding over time: Many nannies stay with families for years and become deeply attached to the children they care for.

Considerations of Hiring a Nanny

• Socialisation may be limited: Unless you actively attend classes, playgroups or organise playdates, your child may have fewer chances to mix with peers.
• Varying qualifications: Not all nannies have early childhood training—especially in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or play-based learning approaches.
• Language & communication: If your nanny’s first language is not your own, it may impact early speech development or comprehension, especially in bilingual households.
• Requires management: You’ll be responsible for training, guiding, and sometimes visa or accommodation arrangements if your nanny is live-in.

Now, what about nursery?

Dubai is home to an amazing variety of nurseries, from Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches to specific language and play-based centres. It can be a brilliant option for babies from around 12 months, and for toddlers and pre-schoolers looking for more structured learning and peer play.

Pros of Nursery

• Social skills & peer learning: Your child will be surrounded by children their age, helping them learn sharing, turn-taking, and group dynamics.
• Qualified educators: Most nurseries are staffed with trained early years professionals, who follow a curriculum tailored to child development.
• Language development: Regular exposure to native English (or bilingual options) in a rich language environment can help support speech and communication milestones.
• Play-based learning: From water play to sensory bins and story time, nurseries offer carefully structured, stimulating activities you might not always manage at home, or your nanny may not know how to do.

Considerations of Nursery

• Less individual attention: Many nurseries have a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for infants and toddlers, meaning your child won’t get as much 1:1 focus as with a nanny.
• Fixed timings: Most nurseries operate during set hours, which may not suit every family’s schedule.
• More illness exposure: It's normal for little ones to pick up bugs as their immune systems develop—expect more colds, coughs, and nursery germs. For some parents this is a positive, as they feel it strengthens their child's immune system before starting school. For others, it's unavoidable anyway due to older siblings.
• Cost considerations: Depending on the nursery and location, fees can add up quickly—especially if you’re looking for full-day coverage.

So… Nanny or nursery in Dubai? What’s right for your family?

Sadly, there’s no perfect answer. Each child, each family, and each age of life is different. You might start with one path and then shift. That’s okay. To help you weigh up the decision:

Nanny vs nursery care ratio:1:1 personalised attention vs 1:3 or 1:4 caregiver-child ratio

‍Flexibility: Fully adaptable to your schedule vs set drop-off and pick-up times

‍Socialisation: Limited unless arranged vs daily peer interaction.

‍Learning style: Dependent on nanny's skills vs curriculum-based learning through play.

‍Environment: Home-based, familiar vs play-rich, stimulating setting.

‍Cost: Competitive, esp. for live-inVaries vs monthly fees.

‍Health exposure: Less contact with other children and germs vs higher exposure due to group settings.

‍Need guidance? Let’s chat.

At Lullabies, I offer baby care and first aid training for nannies, parenting workshops, and can refer you to those who are experts in choosing quality childcare. Whether you're leaning towards nursery or planning to welcome a nanny into your home, I'm here to help you do it in an informed, educated way. Whatever you decide.

@LullabiesDXB

Based in Dubai
Offering one-on-one consultations and tailored nanny education workshops
Supporting families from birth to toddlerhood

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