child care Archives

Introducing the UrbanSitter AI Assistant

New feature

Just tell us what you need.

The AI Assistant takes it from there.

AI Assistant

Hi! What kind of child care are you looking for?

I need someone to pick up my kids from school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Got it. We'll find trusted nannies to handle your after school routine.

Type or say your care need

The UrbanSitter AI Assistant is a new way to start your child care search. Just describe what your family needs, and the AI Assistant builds a search around your answers. Type it or say it out loud. We’ll take it from there.

Talk it out or type it

Describe your family's schedule, your kids' ages, and what you're looking for. However you say it, the AI Assistant helps organize the details.

Find child care faster

The AI Assistant organizes your needs and gets your search started quickly, so you can spend less time setting things up and more time finding the right babysitter or nanny.

You're in control

The AI Assistant helps get your search started. From there, you decide who to message, interview, and hire.

How does the UrbanSitter AI Assistant work?

1

Tell us about the child care you need. After school pickups? A full-time nanny? A sitter for Friday nights? Just tell us in your own words.
2

Answer a couple of quick questions. The AI Assistant asks a few simple follow-up questions to better understand what your family needs.
3

We pull it all together. Your answers are organized into a detailed search, making it easier to find babysitters and nannies who fit your family's needs.
4

You're ready to go. Browse babysitters and nannies who match what you're looking for, then book when you find the right fit.

See it in action

‹

AI Assistant

Hi! What kind of child care are you looking for?

I need someone to pick up both kids from school on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:30, drop Aiden at soccer, take Sofia to ballet from 3:30 to 4:30, then circle back to pick up Aiden and help with homework til I'm home. They'll need their own car.

Got it. What date do you need them to start?

August 17th.

Perfect. We'll find trusted nannies to handle your after school routine.

Type or say your care need

Prefer to talk instead of type?

Go for it. Type your child care needs or say them out loud. Use whichever feels easiest.

Backed by families in your community

Once your search is ready, you can connect with babysitters and nannies trusted by families in your community. You'll see recommendations from people connected to you, including neighbors, friends, coworkers, and parents from your kids' school.

✔ Background checked babysitters and nannies
✔ Reviews from local families
✔ Book and pay directly in the app
✔ Full-time, part-time, ongoing, or last-minute child care

We know how complicated it can be to get started, especially when you're not sure you'll find someone who really fits your family's needs. That's why we built the AI Assistant. To make one more part of parenting feel a little easier.

The AI Assistant is in beta. This is the first of several things we’re building to make finding child care easier, and we’d love your feedback as it grows. Tell us what you think at [email protected].

Common questions about the AI Assistant

What is the UrbanSitter AI Assistant?

The UrbanSitter AI Assistant is a conversational tool that lets parents describe their child care needs in their own words and builds a customized search for babysitters and nannies based on what they say.

How does it work?

You describe what your family needs. The AI Assistant asks a few follow-up questions about your schedule, your kids’ ages, and your location, then builds a search around your answers.

Can I talk to it instead of typing?

Yes. You can type your care needs or say them out loud, whichever is easier.

Do I need an UrbanSitter account to use it?

Yes. The AI Assistant is offered when you sign up for a free UrbanSitter account.

Does the AI Assistant pick a babysitter for me?

No. The AI Assistant sets up your search. You decide who to message, interview, book, and hire.

Is the AI Assistant in the UrbanSitter app?

Not yet. It works on the UrbanSitter website, including mobile web.

5 Tips for Saving Money on Infant Care Near Me

As a parent, finding affordable and reliable infant care near you is crucial. Infant care can be one of the biggest expenses for new parents with the median year cost of center-based infant care in the US being $28,767 in 2023 according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Fortunately, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are five tips for saving money on infant care near you:

Tip 1: Consider in-home infant care

One way to save money is to consider in-home care instead of a day care, where a caregiver comes to your home to care for your child. In-home infant care may be more economical than daycare center infant care, especially if you have more than one child who requires care. You’ll only be paying for one caregiver’s time rather than multiple daycare center staff.

Another advantage of in-home childcare services is that they can be more personalized to your child’s needs. Your caregiver can tailor their care to your child’s specific routines and preferences, which can help your child feel more comfortable and secure. Additionally, in-home care can help reduce your child’s exposure to illnesses and infections that can spread more easily in group care settings.

With resources like UrbanSitter, you can find experienced and reliable in-home infant care providers in your area. Plus, you can easily book and pay for care right through the app.

Tried, true and trusted infant care

Find affordable care for newborns and infants with UrbanSitter.

Learn more

Tip 2: Research and compare infant day care providers

Another way to save money is to research and compare infant care providers in your area. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Then, research providers online and compare their costs and services.

Be sure to look for providers that are licensed and accredited by reputable organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Licensing requirements vary by state. Generally, licensed providers meet certain standards for health and safety, while accredited providers have voluntarily undergone a rigorous review process to ensure they meet high standards for quality care. Finally, consider the location of the provider. Finding one that is close to your home or work can help you save money on gas and transportation costs.

Tip 3: Utilize tax credits, state child care assistance and flexible spending accounts

Many working parents are eligible for tax credits and flexible spending accounts for child care expenses. Additionally, certain states offer childcare voucher programs and other assistance. These resources can help you save money on infant care.

In 2023, the Child and Dependent Care Credit allows parents to claim up to $3,000 in child care expenses for one child or up to $6,000 for two or more children. The amount of the credit varies based on your income level and the number of children in your household. For more information about this credit, visit the IRS website. Select states also offer an additional dependent care tax credit to help parents with the cost of child care.

Another way to save money on infant care is through Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA). A DCFSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible child care expenses, including infant care. In 2023, the maximum annual contribution limit is $5,000 per household or $2,500 if married, filing separately. Talk to your employer’s human resources department to find out if your company offers a DCFSA. You should always consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available tax benefits and following IRS guidelines.

Tip 4: Negotiate prices

Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with infant care providers. Many providers are willing to work with parents to find a price that works for both parties. When negotiating prices, keep in mind that the cost of infant care can vary widely depending on your location and the specific provider you’re working with.

To negotiate effectively, start by researching the going rates for infant care in your area. This will give you an idea of what to expect and can help you make a reasonable offer. Additionally, consider offering to pay for a longer period of time upfront, such as six months or a year, in exchange for a discounted rate. You could also ask if they offer any discounts for referrals or for siblings enrolled in their program. Just remember, while it’s important to save money on infant care, it’s equally important to choose a provider that offers high-quality care for your child.

Tip 5: Create a budget

Creating a budget for infant care expenses is an essential step in saving money on child care. To get started, calculate your total monthly expenses. This includes any costs associated with in-home care or daycare center fees, as well as any additional expenses such as transportation, meals, and supplies.

Once you have a clear picture of your expenses, look for ways to cut costs. For example, you may be able to save money by packing your child’s lunch instead of buying it from the provider or by finding a more affordable provider in your area.

To make creating a budget easier, you can use a budget template specifically designed for a family. This resource from Nerd Wallet is a free budget worksheet for parents that helps you estimate all of your expenses. So you know exactly how much you can afford to spend on infant care.

In conclusion, finding affordable infant care can be challenging. However, by considering in-home care, researching and comparing providers, utilizing tax credits and flexible spending accounts, negotiating prices, and creating a budget, you can save money on infant care near you. Don’t forget to check out UrbanSitter for trusted in-home providers in your area.