My Big Buddy
London’s Original Male Nanny Agency
Why we are different
We offer 3 services
Whether you need a contracted manny, a regular buddy, a buddy for a specific period of time, or ad hoc casual bookings – we can help you. Other nanny agencies offer one service only – a contracted (employed by families), usually full time nanny, for which clients pay a percentage of the gross annual salary as the agency fee. This means finding part time support can be really difficult.
My Big Buddy has a unique difference – we offer the three services below which give families a choice of the service that suits their families requirements best. Our membership option offers great value and assists families when a full time manny is not needed or is too prohibitive a cost.
Casual Buddy Bookings
Either a one off booking or just sporadic here and there, buddies are happy to work a day or a week without any further commitment on either side. Get to know a couple of buddies who can provide fun and capable childcare when needed.
See below for more information.
Buddy Membership
For families wishing to have a part time ongoing buddy. We have three tiers of membership which allow you to have a buddy for a set number of bookings per week up to unlimited bookings- perfect for a regular buddy without the complications of employing a manny. A really useful perk and a cost effective way of nabbing a buddy.
Contracted Manny
The holy grail! A manny dedicated to your family, employed by you and supporting your family in the way you would like. An experienced male nanny, known as a manny, is worth their weight in gold!
See below for more information.
Casual Bookings
- In London or the rest of the UK or worldwide! We can provide vetted, reference and DBS checked reliable, capable and fun male childcarers – wherever and whenever.
- Casual bookings can be booked for a one off fee, with no more obligations. Buddies are paid an hourly rate agreed in advance. Bookings can be from 3 hours up to 2 months. They are for a set period of time and we always offer you the same buddy if they are available if you return for more bookings (which we are sure you will!).
- Holiday buddies – we often provide holiday buddies to families who would like a young fun guy to play with the children whilst you can relax a little more than usual! At home or abroad, holiday buddies are experts at keeping children entertained and having fun.
- Waiting to employ someone or just need a small block of childcare? – A buddy can provide that stopgap you need. Experienced childcare but for an agreed block of time.
- See our Services and Fees page for more information.
Contracted Manny
- If you require your children to be looked after for more than 25 hours a week then we would suggest employing a manny. A manny would be dedicated to your family, you can expect longevity from them supporting your family and mannies always have more experience working with and looking after children. Luckily London is more forward looking with male nannies and there are a precious selection of career mannies who are like gold dust!
- Mannies often have experience of babies and toddlers as well as older children and teenagers. They will have experience of providing regular and scheduled planned activities with the children in their care. Mannies can work alongside parents and carers to share your family goals and lifestyle in order to support, encourage and motivate your children how you wish them to be.
- Mannies must be employed by the family or family business. If you are inexperienced with this we can talk you through any complexities. We recommend you use the services of a nanny payroll company who handle all the pay slips, holiday pay etc for you. We can either provide you with a customised manny contract or work with you if you have your own you would like to use.
- Mannies are generally not like buddies – they do not have other serious work or career obligations to fulfil. They are generally happy to travel with the family, and can either live in or live out.
- See our Services and Fees page for more information.
My Big Buddy, London’s original male nanny agency, was founded in 2006 with the belief that some children thrive under the guidance of a “Buddy”—a confident, caring, and engaging male caregiver. While female nannies have long been the norm, families are increasingly drawn to the fresh dynamic that Buddies and Mannies and bring.
My Big Buddy is now one of London’s most in-demand childcare agencies. As an agency we continue to grow. Our staff have backgrounds in business, operations, teaching, childcare, education, HR and family support – they are committed to delivering exceptional service while nurturing a strong, trusted network of families and caregivers.
Families across the city and beyond are choosing the unique benefits of having a positive, energetic male role model in their children’s lives. Buddies often form strong mentorship bonds, provide structure through active play, and offer a balanced, hands-on approach to care—particularly impactful for children who benefit from male influence in their lives.