Written by Fanny Di Domenicantonio, Director, Fox & Cubs Nanny & Private Staff Agency
Childcare during pregnancy London families are increasingly planning earlier than ever. At Fox & Cubs, one of the most common calls we receive comes from families who are twelve to sixteen weeks pregnant not panicking, not in a rush, simply wanting to understand what finding the right nanny actually involves. These are the families who feel most settled when the baby arrives. Not because they had everything figured out, but because they gave themselves time to get it right.
Why Childcare during pregnancy in London is worth thinking about early
Most families assume they have time. The baby is not here yet. The nursery is not finished. Childcare feels like a problem for later.
But finding the right nanny, maternity nurse, or household professional is not a quick process and it should not be. It involves understanding how your household works, what kind of support will genuinely fit your family, and then finding a professional whose values, experience, and personality are the right match. That takes time. And the families who begin that process during pregnancy arrive at it with options. The families who begin it at thirty-eight weeks arrive at it with pressure.
For London families thinking about childcare during pregnancy, London-based agencies like Fox & Cubs recommend starting the conversation in the second trimester. Not to rush a decision, but to begin a conversation that gives everyone the best possible foundation.
The good news is that thinking about childcare during pregnancy does not mean making a final decision. It means understanding what is available, what the process looks like, and what questions to ask so that when the time comes, the answer is already forming.
What the Fox & Cubs process actually looks like
When a family comes to us, we begin with a proper consultation. Not a form. A real conversation about how they live, what they need, what they have tried before, and what kind of person would truly fit into their home and their family dynamic.
From there, we identify candidates from our network of over 500 vetted professionals. We handle the shortlisting, the introductions, and the process right through to trial days, references, and contracts.
For a family looking for a live-in nanny in London, that process typically takes between four and eight weeks when there is time to do it properly. For families who come to us under pressure a maternity nurse finishing next week, a return-to-work date looming that timeline compresses. And the decisions made under pressure are rarely the ones families look back on with confidence.
Beginning the conversation during pregnancy means the right person can be in place from the moment they are needed whether that is a maternity nurse for the first weeks, a night nanny for those early months, or a long-term nanny who will grow with the family as the months and years unfold.
The support that surrounds a new baby
A new baby changes everything about how a household works. Sleep schedules, feeding routines, the mental load of daily logistics all of it shifts the moment a baby arrives. The families who navigate this most smoothly are the ones who thought about the whole picture, not just the birth itself.
That means thinking about who will be there in the first weeks, who will support the transition back to work, and who will provide the consistent, trusted care that allows both parents to function well. It also means thinking about the household more broadly whether a nanny housekeeper would bring the right combination of childcare and domestic support, or whether a dedicated housekeeper alongside a nanny is the better structure for your home.
These are not decisions that need to be made urgently. But they are decisions that benefit enormously from time and from a genuine conversation with an agency that will listen before it recommends.
The clinical and the practical: two conversations that belong together
Planning childcare is only one part of preparing for life after birth. The clinical support a woman receives during early pregnancy and beyond is equally foundational and something London families are increasingly approaching with the same level of intention.
We are proud to work alongside London Gynaecology a specialist private women’s health clinic whose team supports women through early pregnancy, fertility, pelvic floor health, and postnatal care. Their approach to personalised clinical care mirrors our own approach to childcare placement thorough, relationship-driven, and built around what each individual woman and family genuinely needs.
Read the London Gynaecology guide: The First 12 Weeks of Pregnancy: What Every Parent-to-Be Should Know
What to think about before contacting a nanny agency
Before reaching out to Fox & Cubs or any agency it is worth spending a little time thinking through the following:
What kind of childcare are you looking for live-in, live-out, a maternity nurse, or a combination? What hours and days will you need cover? What are the most important values and qualities you want in the person caring for your child? Are there any particular skills or languages that matter to your family? What does your home situation look like is there space for a live-in professional?
None of these questions need a final answer before you call us. But having thought about them makes the initial conversation more useful and the process faster and more focused for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start thinking about childcare during pregnancy?
The second trimester is the ideal time to begin. It gives you enough time to find the right person without pressure, and means a maternity nurse or nanny can be confirmed and ready well before the baby arrives. Many families come to us from around twelve to twenty weeks and find the process much calmer as a result.
Can Fox & Cubs help with both a maternity nurse and a longer-term nanny?
Yes. We support families through every stage from the first weeks with a maternity nurse or night nanny through to finding a long-term nanny or household professional as the family and child’s needs evolve. Many of our families come back to us for a second or third placement as their circumstances change.
How long does it take to find a nanny in London?
Typically four to eight weeks when there is time to do the process properly. For urgent placements we can move faster, but a considered search always produces the best result. Starting during pregnancy gives families the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between a maternity nurse and a nanny?
A maternity nurse specialises in newborn care and is usually in place for the first four to twelve weeks after birth supporting feeding, settling routines, and postnatal recovery. A nanny provides ongoing childcare as the child grows. Many families transition naturally from one to the other through Fox & Cubs.
Does Fox & Cubs only work with families in London?
No. We place professionals with families across London, Monaco, Switzerland, and internationally. We have significant experience with international and multilingual placements and families with multiple residences across Europe and beyond.
Conclusion
Early pregnancy is a time of scans, appointments, and adjusting to an entirely new reality. It is also quietly, in the background one of the best moments to begin thinking about the support your family will need when the baby arrives.
At Fox & Cubs, we are here to have that conversation whenever you are ready. There is no pressure, no obligation, and no rush just a genuinely useful discussion about what your family needs and how we can help you find it.
If you are expecting and would like to explore what childcare support might look like for your family, get in touch with the Fox & Cubs team today.
About Fox & Cubs
Fox & Cubs Nanny & Private Staff Agency supports families in London and internationally with carefully vetted childcare and household professionals. With a personalised approach and deep understanding of family life, the agency helps households find reliable long-term support. In 2026, Fox & Cubs was voted Best Nanny Agency in the UK at the UK Nanny Awards voted for by families, nannies, and childcare professionals.
Get in touch with the Fox & Cubs team today or connect with Fanny on LinkedIn.
About London Gynaecology
London Gynaecology is a specialist private women’s health clinic supporting women through early pregnancy, fertility, pelvic floor health, and postnatal care. Their team of experienced gynaecologists provides personalised, expert clinical care for women at every stage of life.
Visit London Gynaecology to find out more or book an appointment.
