Though not a lot of parents opt for a nanny, psychologist Sonali Gupta says that getting a good nanny to look after your child is the best option if you are not at home.

But you have to be sure about who you are choose. She will be the closest substitute to a parent for your kid.

What to Look For?

It is very important that you do a background check before you hire a nanny. Sonali suggests getting a nanny that someone credible has suggested. "The element of risk is less here. However, if you are getting a completely new nanny, you have to be more cautious," she adds.

Set apart enough time to find a suitable nanny. If you advertise in the papers, you are going to get a lot of applicants. Carefully filter them out. For this, you have to make a list of the qualities you are looking for in a nanny - experience, marital status, relationship with children and religious background among others.

You will zero down to a couple of applicants. It would be a good idea to call them for a personal interview. As strange as it sounds, this would the best way to find out about your nanny, besides delving into her background.

So what should you ask her? Find out why she wants to work with young kids. It is also very important to know why she left her last job. Ask her to pull up a couple of references. Call up and ask them why she left the job and if they recommend her.

Ask her if she is married and has a child. "In some cases, the nannies ask if they can bring their child along, which means they can't devote all their attention to your child," says Sonali.

Also, find out where and what her husband is doing.

If you are hiring your nanny through a welfare agency, you can find out details about her from them.