Where to find a babysitter

Where to look

Friends and family

The best first ask. They know you, and they know who's been great with their kids.

Other parents

School pickup, neighbors, the playground regulars — most parents are happy to share a sitter they love.

Your kids' world

Classroom aides, coaches, camp counselors, and older students your family already knows.

Local groups

Neighborhood and parent groups, community boards, and places of worship.

Colleges and programs

Education, nursing, and child-development students near campus often sit.

Apps and sites

From big marketplaces to networks built on recommendations. Kinds of babysitting apps

From the first ask to the first booking

1. 1

   Know what you need

   Days and times, your kids' ages, pets, driving, and a rough rate. Our guide to how much to pay a babysitter can help.

2. 2

   Ask widely, and early

   Tell a few people at once. The best sitters book up, so start a week or two before you need someone.

3. 3

   Talk to a few sitters

   A short call or coffee tells you a lot. Here are the questions to ask a babysitter.

4. 4

   Check what matters to you

   References, training, and your own gut. More in how to find a babysitter you trust.

5. 5

   Try a short first job

   An afternoon while you're home, or a shorter evening out, lets everyone settle in.

6. 6

   Build a bench

   Two or three sitters you trust means one cancellation isn't a crisis.

Questions