Finding the right babysitter can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for someone you can truly trust. Fortunately, many apps and websites have stepped in to help parents find quality sitters with ease, offering convenience, safety features, and a range of options to meet different family needs. Here’s a breakdown of the best babysitter apps and websites to hire a babysitter, including their advantages, costs, availability, and unique features.
Why Use a Babysitter App or Website?
Hiring a babysitter through an app or website gives you more than just names and numbers. These platforms often include background checks, sitter profiles with ratings and reviews, and convenient payment options. Many also have minimum quality standards, making it easier to find sitters who meet your family’s needs without having to start from scratch.
Each app or website has its own strengths, so let’s look at the best options out there, starting with SitterTree.
1. SitterTree
Available in: 47 states
Cost: There’s no subscription fee; parents pay for the sitter's time and any associated platform fees.
Benefits: Quality standards, easy in-app payments, high-quality sitters.
SitterTree stands out as one of the most reliable babysitter apps, designed to prioritize quality and ease for parents. They implement a minimum quality rating, ensuring only sitters with positive feedback and a proven track record remain on the platform. With SitterTree, you can find sitters with specialized experience, read reviews from other families, and pay directly through the app, which simplifies the entire process.
One of the big benefits of using SitterTree is the app's careful vetting process. Each sitter undergoes a background check and other screening measures to ensure reliability and safety. Additionally, the app is easy to use, and sitters often bring a professional approach that reassures families.
Best for: Parents looking for reliable, high-quality sitters in the U.S. who want a trustworthy, convenient platform for booking and payment.
2. Care.com
Available in: Globally
Cost: Monthly subscription fee (varies by plan)
Benefits: Extensive availability, large selection of sitters and caregivers.
Care.com is one of the largest and most widely known platforms for finding sitters, nannies, tutors, and other household help. It’s available globally, making it a good choice for families anywhere in the world. Care.com offers options for both short-term and long-term care, and families can view extensive profiles that include reviews, credentials, and background check options.
Care.com does require a paid subscription, which can be a consideration for families, but it offers a wide range of sitters and a platform that’s been in the industry for years.
Best for: Families who want a broad selection of caregivers and are willing to pay for a subscription to access a range of services globally.
3. Sittercity
Available in: United States
Cost: Monthly subscription fee (typically lower than Care.com)
Benefits: Detailed sitter profiles, affordability.
SitterCity is a platform for finding babysitters, nannies, and other caregivers. Families can browse profiles that include details such as experience, certifications, reviews, and availability. The platform also offers filtering options to help families narrow down candidates based on their specific needs, such as CPR certification or experience with special needs.
SitterCity’s payments are handled directly between families and sitters, giving users flexibility in how they manage transactions. However, this may require a bit more coordination compared to platforms with built-in payment systems.
Best for: Parents looking for affordable access to a large pool of sitters within the U.S., especially those who prefer a job posting option.
4. Bambino
Available in: U.S. (limited locations)
Cost: Payment per booking; fees vary by sitter experience level (Junior, Standard, Advanced, Elite)
Benefits: Neighborhood-based, focus on local recommendations.
Bambino takes a unique approach to babysitting by allowing younger sitters (as young as 14) on the platform. It’s often used by families who need occasional care and prefer sitters who may be familiar within the community. Bambino focuses on creating neighborhood connections and shows you sitters that are recommended by other parents nearby.
One thing to consider with Bambino is that sitters on the younger end might not have the same level of experience or professionalism as older sitters on other platforms. However, it’s great for families who need a last-minute sitter or prefer a younger, more flexible caregiver.
Best for: Families looking for neighborhood-based babysitting with flexible age requirements, especially for occasional or last-minute care.
5. UrbanSitter
Available in: Major cities in the U.S.
Cost: Monthly or annual subscription fee
Benefits: Fast bookings, peer-reviewed sitters.
UrbanSitter is popular in urban areas and allows parents to book sitters quickly, often with availability for same-day bookings. It’s particularly useful for busy parents who may need a sitter on short notice. UrbanSitter uses peer reviews to highlight trustworthy sitters, and you can pay directly through the app.
Because UrbanSitter is available only in major U.S. cities, it may not be ideal for families in more rural or suburban areas. However, in locations where it’s active, UrbanSitter is known for its responsive sitters and efficient booking process.
Best for: Parents in urban areas who want a reliable, fast solution for finding trusted sitters on short notice.
6. Nanny Agencies
Available in: Various locations
Cost: High (often includes agency fees and sitter pay)
Benefits: Extremely thorough vetting, experienced caregivers.
Though not an app, nanny agencies are another reliable option to consider, especially if you’re looking for long-term or full-time care. Agencies typically provide extremely thorough vetting, including background checks, reference checks, and extensive interviews. While agencies are more costly, they offer peace of mind and tend to attract professional, experienced nannies.
If you have very specific requirements or need a caregiver for a long-term position, a nanny agency might be worth the extra cost. Nanny agencies often come with guarantees or replacement options if a caregiver isn’t the right fit.
Best for: Families seeking full-time or long-term care with high levels of screening and experience, willing to pay a premium.
7. Facebook and Community Groups
Available in: Globally
Cost: Free
Benefits: No fees, local sitters, flexibility.
Some families use Facebook groups or local community boards to find babysitters. This approach is free and often includes sitters who live nearby. However, Facebook doesn’t offer background checks or any screening, so parents have to rely on their own vetting process. Facebook-based sitters may also be more likely to cancel or be less reliable, as they aren’t bound by the terms and conditions of a professional platform.
If you choose to hire a sitter through Facebook, be sure to conduct thorough interviews, check references, and consider a background check for extra peace of mind.
Best for: Families looking for a no-cost option with local flexibility but willing to take on the full vetting responsibility.
Choosing the Best Babysitter App or Website to Hire a Babysitter
When it comes to finding the right babysitter for your family, apps and websites offer a range of options to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a platform with stringent vetting processes like SitterTree, or prefer the flexibility of local Facebook groups, each option has its advantages. Think about the level of reliability, convenience, and professionalism you need, and don’t hesitate to use multiple sources to find a sitter who feels like the perfect match.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your family’s values, budget, and safety standards. Happy hiring, and may you find the ideal caregiver for your family!
Looking for your next sitter?
On SitterTree, you can easily find trusted babysitters in your community. You can get $20 off your first sitter at the link below.