What is the difference between a Nanny and an au pair?

An au pair is treated as a member of the family, not an employee like a Nanny, and comes from a foreign country as a part of a cultural exchange program administered by the U.S. Department of State working with approved agencies placing candidates under a so-called “J-1” visa. Au pairs have limited duties that encompass care of children but most may not perform household tasks like laundry or managing the household in the parents' absence. Unlike Nannies, au pairs are limited to a 45-hour work week and are limited to a one to two-year stay in the United States. Also, while Nannies vary in age, au pairs must be aged 18 to 26 years old. There are additional requirements imposed by the terms of the au pair’s visa, including that the au pair has been hired through a special agency approved by the U.S. Department of State.