Maid vs Cook vs Nanny: Which Home Help Do You Actually Need?
One of the most common questions we get from families is: "I need help at home, but I'm not sure what kind." Should you hire a part-time maid? A full-time cook? A nanny? Or maybe a live-in helper who does everything?
Let's break down each type so you can make the right choice.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Best For | Hours | Salary (Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Maid | Working couples, small apartments | 4-6 hrs/day | ₹8K – ₹12K/mo |
| Full-Time Maid | Large families, bigger homes | 8-12 hrs/day | ₹12K – ₹18K/mo |
| Specialized Cook | Health-conscious families | 3-5 hrs/day | ₹10K – ₹15K/mo |
| Nanny / Babysitter | Working parents with young kids | 8-12 hrs/day | ₹14K – ₹20K/mo |
| Elderly Caregiver | Families with aging parents | 12-24 hrs/day | ₹15K – ₹22K/mo |
| Live-In Helper | Joint families, NRI homes | 24/7 | ₹18K – ₹25K/mo |
1. Part-Time Maid
What they do: Cleaning, mopping, dishes, laundry, and light kitchen work.
Ideal for: Working professionals and couples who need daily upkeep but don't require full-day help. Most common in urban apartments.
Typical schedule: Morning (7-11 AM) or split shift (7-9 AM + 5-7 PM).
2. Specialized Cook
What they do: Meal planning, preparation, and kitchen management tailored to your dietary preferences.
Ideal for: Families who value nutrition, have dietary restrictions, or simply don't have time to cook. Especially popular with health-conscious professionals and families with specific cuisine needs (Jain, diabetic-friendly, etc.).
💡 Tip: When hiring a cook, always conduct a trial cooking session. Ask them to prepare 2-3 dishes from your regular menu to assess taste, hygiene, and speed.
3. Nanny / Babysitter
What they do: Childcare, feeding, bathing, school pickup/drop, play supervision, and developmental activities.
Ideal for: Dual-income families or single parents with children under 10. A good nanny becomes an extension of the family.
Critical requirement: Patience, first-aid knowledge, and genuine affection for children. Always prioritize personality over price.
4. Elderly Caregiver
What they do: Mobility assistance, medication reminders, meal prep, companionship, and emergency response.
Ideal for: NRI families with parents in India, or working professionals who can't be home during the day. Increasingly in demand across India.
5. Live-In Helper
What they do: Complete household management — cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, and general upkeep.
Ideal for: Large families, joint families, or homes with multiple needs. The all-in-one solution.
Note: Live-in helpers require accommodation (a separate room or at least a private sleeping area), meals, and one weekly day off.
How to Decide?
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
- What's my biggest pain point? Cleaning → Maid. Cooking → Cook. Kids → Nanny.
- How many hours of help do I need? Under 6 hours → Part-time. Over 8 → Full-time or live-in.
- What's my budget? Start with one role and expand as needed.
Not Sure? Let Us Help You Decide
Tell us your needs and we'll recommend the perfect Buddy for your household.
Book a Free Consultation