Finding a babysitter with Babysits
From the moment I had Lewis, I was very lucky to have my parents nearby who were more than wiling to drop everything should I need a babysitter. Now, with four children, they are still round here on a daily basis should I need them, and if Gaz and I have a rare night out they are more than happy to come and babysit. That said, now they are retired they are often away on holiday, gallivanting across Europe, lapping up the sunshine and, in all honesty, who can blame them? I love seeing them enjoy their retirement having worked so hard all these years but, on a selfish level, I do miss having a babysitter on hand if an emergency arises or we have a special occasion we don’t want to miss.
I asked a group of parent bloggers who they rely on to to babysit their children and how they cope if they don’t have family close by?
I have only used grandparents to babysit my daughters because I wouldn’t know where to find someone I could trust with my children and house. – Kate
We tend to have one night out whenever family stay. Occasionally we have used the nursery staff but in all honesty, we don’t go out much and that’s because I don’t feel comfortable leaving them with just anyone. Also, our giant dog can be intimidating for people. – Louise
We don’t have a babysitter within 140 miles but whenever my parents visit they always have the boys so we can go to the cinema or something. Honestly, I’m terrified of someone I don’t know looking after my children – I wish I was more relaxed and could use a babysitting service, date nights occasionally would be amazing! – Sara-Jayne
I don’t have any family around to help out – and I am too anxious and neurotic to leave my kids with a babysitter. So we haven’t been out in almost three years! – Kate
We only ever leave Willow with my mum. I’m not sure she would settle for anyone else and I would spend the whole time worrying if she was with someone else. Not that we go out on our own much these days! – Kat
We used to have the grandparents when they were smaller or a friend who worked at the preschool the children attended. Now our eldest is 19 and next one is 17, we leave them to look after the smaller ones. Nobody was ever keen to babysit all seven!! – Mandi
I think the interesting thing, and a worry which all parents share, is the fear of letting a stranger into your home to look after your children. In this day and age we are all very switched on when it comes to the safety of our children, and rightly so, but there are sites out there which allow parents to make well informed choices about their babysitter. If you feel uneasy about a potential babysitter, you can apply for a DBS here.
Recently I was introduced to Babysits, a public community marketplace where you can find a babysitter by mobile app. Babysits is not a childcare agency, their goal is to connect users so that the supply and demand for childcare can be matched most efficiently. This means that users are responsible for contacting and selecting the services of other users that match their needs. They make this possible for you by offering a messaging service on their platform, so that you can directly contact users to quickly make a great selection.
I signed up for the Premium account where you can filter your search for a babysitter by age, experience, gender, language, availability, whether they have children of their own, drive, smoke, can babysit at your house or their own, and if they come with full references. Once you’ve narrowed down your search you can access their profile, see a photo of the babysitter, and learn more about them as a person and their experience in childcare.
At the same time you can advertise for a babysitter yourself, listing the hours required, whether you’re looking for permanent or temporary childcare, list the number of children you have and their ages, including any special needs they may have, and even if you have any pets. That way babysitters can contact you, all via the app, and you can take it further as and when you feel you have enough information about your chosen babysitter.
I love that absolutely no personal information is passed on at any point via the site until you are happy to proceed. Your address, phone number and contact email is completely private and you could even arrange to meet the babysitter before hand, in a public place, to discuss your child minding needs.
I personally would require any babysitter for my children to be CRB checked and come with references, although every parent has different requirements. I recently posted on the site looking for a babysitter in our area and received several messages, one of which came from a local child minder who, after speaking with, I will absolutely be using in the future when our parents are away and we need emergency child care.
Babysits is completely free to use but you can update to a premium account which costs £9.95 a month. With that you can plan babysitting appointments, contact babysitters and child minders and can cancel that subscription at any time.
If you’re looking for a reliable babysitter in London be sure to check out www.mykiddysitter.co.uk
** This is a collaborative post **
We need a new baby sitter so badly so off to check this out – it sounds great! x
Its worth looking at Talya! x
Wish this was around when we were looking. We had to look on local facebook groups and then do our own digging in regards to references / DBS checks!
Its a great idea and so helpful for those needing babysitters. xx
I have heard of this app or something similar, such a great idea for those without family around to help out with babysitting. I have always used my parents or inlaws, and even my eldest has stayed for a weekend just so he can babysit my daughter. I really don’t think I could trust a babysitter I did not know, but if I had no support then maybe I would feel differentlyx
Yes I think when you’re desperate you need to be sure you have sitters you can trust. xx
We’ve never had a babysitter. We like doing things and taking our daughter wherever we go. I think I’d be a bit nervous to use an app for babysitters? But then again, that’s just me being paranoid. I do envy others though who have family nearby whom they can rely on to babysit. x
Yes it’s hard for a lot of people and some do need sitters in their life. xx
I offer babysitting services in my city through a different app/website. I’m definitely going to check this out. I always think it’s great when a babysitting finder really goes the extra mile to show that the people you’re potentially going to have look after your child are properly vetted and safe
I agree, it gives you some peace of mind when you’re looking for a sitter! xx
This sounds like an absolutely great idea for parents. I have to admit I wouldn’t know where to start looking for a babysitter so having things like this around always offer people a helping hand.
Yes Im the same, it’s a great starting point! xx
This is a great service. I’m a mum to be and soon will be thinking about babysitter and all this doubts will also be my doubts. I like that the service includes CRB check references which is really important for parents reassurance.
Its so important to feel comfortable with a babysitter isn’t it? I really worry about leaving my children with anyone! xx
This sounds like a great service and would be perfect for families that don’t have relatives nearby x
Yes it’s a fab idea isn’t it! xx
What a fab service. Will check it out.
It’s definitely worth checking out! xx
What a superb idea! I’ll be honest, we have never used a babysitter! We just don’t ever go anywhere without them, haha! x
I think that’s great for a lot of families but some do miss time out together. We rarely do anything without the kids to be honest! xx
We have n family close by so never go out unless like you, family visited , oh the good old days lol x
Ahh it’s hard isn’t it? Going out is over rated anyway….*sigh* xx
Im not sure I could have someone I didn’t know babysit. My daughter is really shy and so I know she wouldnt be to happy to wake up to a stranger.
but what a great idea for people who do want a baby sitter.
Yes I think it all depends on the child and the parent, but for some people they have no other option. xx
This sounds like a great solution for parents who are looking for babysitters that they could trust. An app like this can definitely be a game changer.
Yes it’s a great idea you can build up the trust. xx
Babysits sounds like a great source of help for those wanting someone to help them babysit their kids especially when you don’t have any family living close by and need a break.
Yes it must be so hard without family to help out! xx
this sounds like such a great resource — especially if you don’t know anyone already in your area. I think it would still make me nervous, but it’s good to know things like this exist!
Yes I think we are all super cautious when it comes to our children but this is the first step in getting to know a babysitter and hopefully building up the trust to take that step. xx
This sounds like a very useful website for people who don’t have an extended family. I like the references system as it creates trust between the parents and the babysitter before they even meet.
Yes I love that part, and if you’re not sure about someone you don’t have to worry about having exchanged contact details. xx
I use to babysit and I would hear how hard it is to find the perfect baysitter. I love how there is an account to help you out!
Yes it’s so hard to find a babysitter, I love that this really cuts out some of the stress! xx
That sounds interesting and really helpful for parents on shifts or off hours
It’s a great idea! xx
We have only ever used grandparents too. Apart from once when we had one of the girls from Kipper’s nursery look after them. Other than that I struggle to trust anyone. I dont even like leaving him in creches! So this would be great for us too. I will have to look into it. We could really do with spending more time together as a couple and this could be the answer x
Yes I think it’s hard for parents without family to babysit, you do still need that time together as a couple! xx
In this day and age you can never bee too careful but CRB check can help ease some parents worries. Babysits sounds like a lovely app to use
I agree you really have to do your research! xx
Only really my mum and mother in law!
Family@mo
This sounds like a great idea for those that need it. I am lucky that I have teens that babysit for me and my friends often nab them too
Haha I tell Lewis he will soon be old enough to babysit these three! He’s not keen! xx
I don’t have children but I imagine Babysits is an amazing app for those last minute babysitters that parents need.
Yes I think it’s always useful to have an app these days! xx
I could do with a good baby sitter. Will check it out.
Grandparents
My parents help baby sit my son. 🙂
Yes, I think when you’re desperate you need to be sure you have sitters you can trust.