Although both can support families with children, an au pair and a nanny fulfil very different roles. In fact, many of the day-to-day tasks they perform may look similar, but the purpose of the arrangement, the legal framework and the nature of the relationship with the family are fundamentally different. 

Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the option that best suits your family’s needs, expectations and lifestyle.

Table of Contents

1. What is an au pair? 
2. What is a nanny? 
3. Au Pair vs Nanny: The Main Differences 
4. What Tasks May Overlap? 
5. When Should You Choose an Au Pair?
6. When Should You Choose a Nanny?
7. Which Option Is Right for Your Family?
8. Frequently Asked Questions 
9. Conclusion 

What is an Au Pair? 

An au pair is a young person from abroad who temporarily joins a host family as part of a cultural exchange programme. 

The term au pair originates from the French expression meaning “on equal terms.” It reflects the essence of the programme: a young person from abroad temporarily joins a host family not as an employee, but as a participant in a cultural exchange experience based on mutual respect and reciprocity. 

An au pair lives with the host family and receives room, board and pocket money. In return, the au pair provides support with certain child-related responsibilities within the legal framework of the Belgian au pair programme. 

Importantly, an au pair does not have a formal employment relationship with the host family. The Belgian au pair programme is based on cultural exchange rather than employment. 

In Belgium, an au pair may provide support within the family for a maximum of 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. The programme is therefore not intended to replace professional childcare arrangements.

An au pair:

• lives with the host family; 
• participates in a cultural exchange programme; 
• receives room, board and pocket money; 
• provides support with certain child-related responsibilities within programme regulations; 
• may assist for a maximum of 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week in Belgium; 
• discovers a new culture and language; 
• becomes part of everyday family life for a defined period.

For many families, hosting an au pair is about much more than receiving practical support. It is an opportunity to bring another culture into the home, broaden children’s horizons and create meaningful international connections. 

What is a Nanny? 

A nanny is a professional childcare provider whose primary role is to care for children. 

Unlike an au pair, a nanny is employed to provide childcare services and does not participate in a cultural exchange programme. A nanny generally works according to agreed schedules and receives a salary under an employment arrangement. 

Many nannies consciously choose childcare as their profession and often have relevant qualifications, specialised training or extensive experience working with children. 

A nanny may provide: 

• childcare and supervision; 
• support with morning and evening routines; 
• school drop-offs and pick-ups; 
• assistance with homework; 
• preparation of meals for the children; 
• accompaniment to extracurricular activities; 
• specialised care for babies and young children; 
• child-related household responsibilities. 

For many families, a nanny becomes a trusted professional who offers continuity, expertise and dedicated childcare support.

Au Pair vs Nanny: The Main Differences 

While both an au pair and a nanny can support families with children, their role within the household is fundamentally different.

What Tasks May Overlap?

One of the reasons people often confuse au pairs and nannies is because some of their day-to-day responsibilities may appear similar. 

Both an au pair and a nanny may help with: 

When Should You Choose an Au Pair? 

An au pair may be a wonderful fit for your family if you:

• are open to cultural exchange; 
• would like your children to be exposed to another language and culture; 
• have enough space to accommodate a young person in your home, including a private bedroom; 
• enjoy sharing your daily family life with someone from abroad; 
• value flexibility within the legal framework of the au pair programme; 
• are looking for support that combines cultural exchange with practical family life; 
• would like to welcome a temporary member into your family rather than hire an employee.  

Many host families describe the au pair experience as enriching not only for the parents, but also for the children, who often develop close bonds with their au pair. 

When Should You Choose a Nanny? 

A nanny may be the right choice if you: 

• need professional childcare as your primary objective;
• require extensive childcare support;
• prefer a traditional employer-employee relationship; 
• need specialised childcare experience; 
• do not wish to host someone in your home; 
• are looking for a childcare professional whose career is centred around caring for children. 

For families whose primary focus is professional childcare rather than cultural exchange, a nanny can offer dedicated expertise, continuity and peace of mind. 

Which Option Is Right for Your Family? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your family’s needs, expectations and lifestyle. 

An au pair may be the ideal option if you are looking for a cultural exchange experience and would enjoy welcoming a young person from abroad into your family life. 

A nanny may be more suitable if your priority is professional childcare and you are looking for a formal employment arrangement. 

Neither option is inherently better than the other. Rather, they serve different purposes and meet different family needs. 

Before making a decision, it is important to consider what kind of support you require and what role you would like this person to play within your family.