The countless transformations that accompany contemporary times may require certain adjustments in the family environment, especially when there are young children. Given this context, the nanny can establish herself as a character who shares care with the family, not only with regard to survival, but as a participant in the child development process. Although her work is of fundamental importance, little is researched and reflected on her life context, her professional choice and how she carries out child care practices. The thesis, therefore, aims to identify, in light of a sociocultural perspective, child care practices and beliefs, as well as nannies perception of maternal practices, in two distinct cultural contexts, Brazil and Portugal. The research had 34 participants, 16 Brazilian respondents and 18 Portuguese respondents. To carry out this work, a semi-structured survey was used, consisting of 9 questions, with the last question presenting figures representing the five parental care systems. The results were analyzed qualitatively, using the IraMuteQ software and Bardin s content analysis. In Brazil, care practices were associated with affective content, while in Portugal, the focus was on cognitive development. Regarding child care beliefs, both Brazilian and Portuguese nannies referred to some lessons that were passed on to them in childhood and which, today, they try to pass on to the children under their responsibility. With regard to the perception of maternal practices, Brazilian nannies understood that they sought to establish affective interactions, leisure activities and care related to basic needs. Portuguese nannies believed that maternal practices dealt with care focused on nutrition, exploration of the environment and the need to create a bond between mother/child. The research contributed to understanding the role of the nanny in relation to child care practices, as well as the influence of the sociocultural context, in the exercise of these practices and their relationship with the child.