The short answer
A babysitter cares for your kids as needed. A nanny works a regular, recurring schedule and often takes on more of the daily routine.
Both care for your kids. The difference is mostly about how often, how much of the day, and how much of your household routine they take on.
Side by side
| Babysitter | Nanny | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | As needed — date nights, after school, the odd weekend. | Regular and recurring, often most of the workweek. |
| Responsibilities | Keeping kids safe, fed, and happy for the hours they're there. | Often part of the daily routine: meals, naps, school runs, activities, sometimes the kids' laundry. |
| Relationship | Many families have a few sitters they call. | Usually one person, closely woven into the family's week. |
| Arrangement | Booked job by job. | Usually a standing agreement on hours, pay, and time off. |
In the U.S., families who pay a nanny may have household-employer tax obligations. A tax professional can tell you what applies to you.
Which one do you need?
If you need care a few times a month, or on no set schedule, a small roster of babysitters usually works best — ideally people your friends already trust.
If you need someone most weekdays, on the same schedule, you're likely looking for a nanny. Plenty of families have both: a nanny for the week and a sitter or two for evenings.
How REC'D BY helps
Where REC'D BY fits
Families use REC'D BY to find sitters through friends and to book recurring care — every weekday or every Tuesday after school. Nannies and sitters use the free Work Hub for their hours, schedule, and earnings.
On the clock
2:14:36
The Brooks family · started 5:30 PM
This week
Earned · Sept
$1,284.50
Expenses
$46.20
- 1Tap Start when you arrive A live clock you can glance at.
- 2Outside families welcome Jobs booked by text live here too.
- 3Your month at a glance Earned and spent, as you go.
Find care through people you trust
See the sitters your friends recommend — free to join.
Get REC'D BY