Is UrbanSitter Reliable? Here’s The Scoop

is urbansitter reliable

When it comes to choosing the best care option, whether for your child or any other type of care, trust and reliability are non-negotiable. At UrbanSitter, we’ve put our emphasis on making reliability our hallmark. You might be wondering, ‘Is UrbanSitter reliable?’ In this article, we’ll dive into why UrbanSitter is the name you can confidently count on for all your care needs.

Reliability by the Numbers

Reliability is at the core of what we do at UrbanSitter. We have the numbers to back it up:

  • Available in more than 60 cities: Coverage where you live and travel.
  • Over 1 million providers: Browse a diverse community of caregivers across the U.S., speaking more than 25 languages.
  • Backup in 2 minutes or less: Average response to a last-minute job in most areas.
  • 4.8 Stars on the App Store: Over 13,000 families and caregivers have shared their reviews.
  • Support 7 Days a Week: Our award-winning member services team is here to guarantee the very best in trust and safety.

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Setting a new bar for privacy and security

  • Safe Messaging: The contact information on your profile is only shared with another member once the booking is confirmed.
  • Member Authenticity: All families go through an authentication process before they can book caregivers.
  • Payment Protection: UrbanSitter works with industry leaders to ensure your information is stored safely and payments are processed securely.
  • Industry-Respected Trust and Safety Partners: UrbanSitter partners with several different Trust and Safety companies in the above initiatives, including Checkr and Stripe.

Your trusted community hub

  • Top picks from your community: Get trusted recommendations from families in your area based on who’s popular in your neighborhood, kid’s school, and thousands of other community groups.
  • Working smarter for you: We work smarter for you. Our 40-factor algorithm is the key to quickly pinpointing the best caregiver matches and fast-tracking your search. Say goodbye to months of uncertainty and hello to reliable hiring in days.
  • No commitments: Search and post jobs without paying a cent. Browse through caregiver profiles and only add on a membership if you find someone great.

Reliability policy

Our commitment to reliability extends to every aspect of the booking process, and we have a clear Reliability Policy in place to ensure the integrity and quality of our platform. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Cancellations: Life is unpredictable, and we understand that sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. In case of emergencies, we urge both families and caregivers to officially cancel bookings through UrbanSitter as soon as possible. This minimizes inconvenience to the other party and allows for alternative arrangements.
  • No-Shows: Failing to show up for a booked appointment, especially without communication, creates a negative experience for the other party. To address this, we encourage prompt reporting of no-show incidents. You can report these issues by contacting UrbanSitter Support at [email protected] or by flagging the member’s profile. 

When cancellations or no-shows happen, our friendly member services team dives in. Using all available information, they thoroughly review the situation to understand how it might have affected our members’ experiences and the overall platform’s integrity.

Taking the Leap

At UrbanSitter, trust and reliability are the cornerstones of our services. Join us today and experience the difference of trustworthy, dependable care. Your journey to reliable care starts here!

Additional resources:

No Commitments, Just Reliability

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“UrbanSitter is my go-to for quality sitters! I can book weeks ahead of time or easily find a same day sitter when in a bind. I even hired a part-time nanny during a day care transition. Customer service is helpful and the baby sitters respond in a timely manner.”
urbansitter testimonial
Laura F.
mom of two
Rated 5 out of 5

Does UrbanSitter Cost Money? What you need to know

is urbansitter reliable

If you’ve ever pondered questions like “Does UrbanSitter cost money?” or “Is UrbanSitter free?” you’ve come to the right spot. Whether you’re a parent seeking dependable care or a caregiver exploring opportunities, UrbanSitter is here to provide clarity on the price, value, and membership model.

Membership options for families and care-seekers:

It is absolutely free to join UrbanSitter, post jobs, browse caregivers in your area, and read through caregiver profiles. 

Once you’re ready to book, UrbanSitter offers flexible membership options to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a babysitter, nanny, or other household help, we’ve got you covered. 

  1. Monthly Plan: This plan automatically renews on a monthly basis from your original billing date.
  2. Quarterly Plan: Enjoy the flexibility of this plan, which renews every three months from your original billing date.
  3. Annual Plan: Our annual plan offers you peace of mind by renewing on an annual basis from your original billing date.

And the best part? You have control at your fingertips. You can view your next billing date, cancel, or switch to a different membership plan anytime you like, all from your Settings page. UrbanSitter puts you in the driver’s seat of your childcare journey.

How it works for caregivers:

It is absolutely free to join UrbanSitter and view the Job Board to see opportunities in your area before becoming a paid member.

Becoming an approved caregiver on UrbanSitter is a straightforward process designed to ensure safety and trust within our community. Unlock unlimited access to job opportunities in just a few simple steps:

  1. Create a profile: Tell us about your caregiving experience, set your schedule, add rates, and where you’re willing to work.
  2. Add a membership: Get an entire year of access to amazing job opportunities and a background check on your profile for less than the cost of one fancy latte a month.
  3. Complete your background check: Once you’ve purchased your annual membership, it’s essential to complete your background check through our trusted provider, Checkr. Once cleared, your profile displays a background check badge for one year.
  4. Apply for babysitting jobs: Browse the job board to apply for positions, then accept jobs with a tap. Our babysitting app helps you job hunt on the go.

Just a quick heads-up: the annual membership fee is non-refundable. You can keep tabs on your membership status and find your next billing date in the account settings. We’ll also shoot you a reminder about your upcoming membership renewal 30 days beforehand. No surprises here!

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Membership perks for families:

  • Access to Vetted Caregivers: When you become an UrbanSitter member, you gain access to a network of highly vetted and trusted caregivers. Our rigorous screening process ensures you find the best sitters and nannies for your loved ones.
  • Safety and Reliability: We prioritize safety above all else. UrbanSitter provides features like reviews, background checks, and references to ensure that you can hire with confidence.
  • Convenience and Flexibility: Finding childcare is a breeze with UrbanSitter. You can browse caregiver profiles, read reviews, and book appointments at your convenience, all through our user-friendly platform.
  • Savings and Exclusive Offers: As a member, you can access special discounts and promotions. UrbanSitter aims to provide exceptional value to our loyal customers.
  • Community and Support: Our community is not just about caregivers and care seekers; it’s a place to share experiences and advice and find a support system when you need it most.

Membership perks for caregivers:

  • Unlimited access: Caregivers can utilize booking, messaging, and payment tools to efficiently find, schedule, and get paid for their care jobs.
  • Top sitters earn $1,000/week: Work as often as you want: Full-time, part-time, or occasional babysitting jobs. You set your own schedule and rates for your babysitting work.
  • Keep 100% of your pay: While other babysitting agencies or sites might skim your paycheck, UrbanSitter never takes a cut of your pay. You keep 100% of your earnings.
  • The best babysitting jobs: From after-school babysitting jobs to full-time nannying, the perfect job is waiting for you. Make a profile to start browsing job descriptions today!
  • Safety is our priority: Every parent must verify their identity before booking a babysitting job on UrbanSitter. Rest assured, our Member Services Team is here for you 7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does UrbanSitter cost? UrbanSitter’s cost depends on your chosen membership plan. We offer monthly, quarterly, and annual options to cater to various budgets.
  2. Is UrbanSitter free for sitters? It is free to browse the Job Board, but to apply for a job, you must buy a membership and become an approved caregiver with a complete profile and cleared background check. 
  3. How does UrbanSitter make money? UrbanSitter charges a membership fee for access to our services, which include background checks, trust and safety features, customer support, booking and payment tools, and the convenience of a reliable platform for families and caregivers alike.

Is UrbanSitter worth it?

In a world where peace of mind and quality care are top priorities, UrbanSitter is your trusted resource. So, get started today and be part of a community that values trust, safety, and convenience.

Additional resources:

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Why you should trust UrbanSitter (Is it legit?)

is urbansitter legit

At UrbanSitter, we’re all about trust, safety, and simplicity. We offer reliable solutions for all your child care and household needs in one place, while providing opportunities to earn income doing what you love. Wondering, ‘Is UrbanSitter legit?’ We’ll show you why we’re the trusted choice you’ve been looking for.

Trust and safety is our top priority:

  • Accessible Member Support: We’re here for you 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • Background Checks: Every sitter, nanny, and care provider is background-checked, and the UrbanSitter team manually reviews every caregiver profile to meet our standards.
  • Privacy and security: UrbanSitter provides safe messaging, identity verification, and payment protection for all members.
  • Caregiver Insights: Get the full picture with insights on each caregiver’s performance, including booking history, repeat families, and response time.
  • Candid Reviews: Read through valuable, verified reviews and recommendations from families and caregivers.

Tried, true and trusted

UrbanSitter sets the standard for care.

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Confidence in every profile: Our commitment to your security

Every caregiver profile is thoroughly reviewed by our trained team of Trust and Safety specialists, not just a computer.

  • Annual Background Checks:  A background check badge on their profile indicates that the nanny, sitter, or caregiver has cleared the following in the last 13 months: Sex Offender Search, Global Watchlist Search, County Criminal Search, and National Criminal Search.
  • Responds Quickly to New Families: Caregivers with this badge typically respond in 24 hours or less to new families.
  • Reliability: Caregivers with this badge maintain a 90% or better completion rate on all bookings.

Elevating standards: privacy and security

We’ve set the bar high when it comes to safeguarding your information and ensuring your peace of mind.

  • Safe Messaging: The contact information on your profile is only shared with another member once the booking is confirmed.
  • Member Authenticity: All families go through an authentication process before they can book caregivers.
  • Payment Protection: UrbanSitter works with industry leaders to ensure your information is stored safely and payments are processed securely.
  • Industry-Respected Trust and Safety Partners: UrbanSitter partners with several different Trust and Safety companies in the above initiatives, including Checkr and Stripe.

Meet our supportive member services team

  • 7 Days a Week: Our award-winning member services team is here 7 days a week to guarantee the very best in trust and safety.
  • Upgraded Background Checks: You can request an upgraded background check or a driving record check package for a caregiver. Email us for options and pricing.
  • Booking Support: We provide support for payment, reliability, and member concerns for every booking scheduled through UrbanSitter.

We’re on a mission to solve care challenges one family at a time. It’s time to meet your neighborhood’s favorite babysitters, nannies, and caregivers, a.k.a your all-around lifesavers. You want to be sure that the service you opt for is not only reliable but also genuinely committed to your family’s safety and well-being.

Additional Resources:

Related: UrbanSitter Reviews from families, sitters and caregivers

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★★★★★ 5/5

Care.com vs. Sittercity vs. UrbanSitter: A Comprehensive Guide

care.com vs sittercity vs urbansitter

Finding the right caregiver for your family is no small feat. You want a service that’s not only reliable but also aligns with your unique needs. We’re here to help you decide between Care.com vs. Sittercity vs. UrbanSitter with a detailed comparison of the services. Let’s dive in!

Care.com vs. Sittercity vs. UrbanSitter

FeatureCare.comSittercityUrbanSitter
Review SystemUser Ratings & ReviewsUser Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings & Reviews

Plus, see favorite caregivers of your friends, parents at school, and neighbors.

Types of CareChild care, senior, pet, household, and tutorsChild care, senior, pet, and tutorsChild care, senior, pet, household, and tutors
Background Checks

Caregivers are required to complete and pass a background check (CareCheck).

Upgraded background checks are available for purchase.

Not required.

Optional for families to purchase for a caregiver.

Caregivers are required to pass an annual background through trust and safety leader, Checkr.

Upgraded background checks are available for purchase.

Price of ServiceFree basic access. Membership purchase is required to access premium features.Free basic access. Membership purchase is required to access premium features.Free basic access. Membership purchase is required to access premium features.
Booking & PaymentsFamily must message caregivers to schedule booking and coordinate payment details.Book online. Family responsible for coordinating payment with caregiver.Convenient online booking and payment through UrbanSitter’s app or site. Option to pay cash.
Response TimeVariesVariesAvg. Response < 2 mins for last-minute requests in most cities
SupportCustomer Support AvailableCustomer Support AvailableAward-Winning Member Services Team
Profile EndorsementsNo specific endorsement system.No specific endorsement system.Profile endorsements from friends and community members

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Why UrbanSitter stands out:

  • Community Connections: UrbanSitter values trust and community. Our platform lets you see who your friends, fellow parents from school, local parenting groups, community members, and even your neighbors have booked before. These personal connections add trust and familiarity to your search, making it easier to find the perfect caregiver for your family.
  • Detailed Profile Statistics: We believe in transparency, so our caregivers’ profiles come with essential statistics you’ll want to know. You can access information like the number of repeat families they’ve worked with and the total number of bookings they’ve completed. Plus, you’ll have insight into their average response time, which is especially handy when you’re in a time crunch.
  • Mandatory Background Checks: Safety is our priority. Every caregiver must pass a background check annually to work on UrbanSitter. Sittercity does not even have a mandatory background check for its caregivers. UrbanSitter goes above and beyond to ensure you connect with trusted caregivers.
  • Last-Minute Bookings: Life can get chaotic, and sometimes you need a caregiver right away. UrbanSitter excels in this area. In most cities, our average response time for a last-minute request is less than two minutes. We’re there when you need us most, ensuring you have the flexibility and support you deserve.
  • Effortless Booking and Payments
    UrbanSitter helps reduce the work that comes after finding the right caregiver. Instead of coordinating schedules and payment details over messages, families can book care for specific dates and times and pay with a tap, making it easier to manage care without extra follow-up.
  • Award-Winning Member Services Team: We take pride in our member services team, available 7 days a week. If you ever have questions concerns, or need assistance, our team is here to help. Our dedication to exceptional customer service is another way we put our families first.
  • Profile Videos: Getting to know your caregiver’s personality is crucial, especially when booking at the last minute. That’s why we offer profile videos from our caregivers. These videos give you a glimpse into their personality and help you make a more informed decision when selecting the perfect caregiver for your family.

Your friendly neighborhood choice

But let’s not just take our word for it; let’s hear what others are saying about UrbanSitter:

iParentingLife raves about UrbanSitter: “The sitters that you will find in your personal search results are as close as you can get to word-of-mouth recommendations from parents who are or may be connected to you socially within your neighborhood. You will also get full access to feedback from these parents, which we think is really very helpful when making your decision”.

We’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to safety, transparency, and community connections.

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In conclusion, UrbanSitter is here to make your caregiver search easy, trustworthy, and enjoyable. When comparing care.com vs. Sittercity vs. UrbanSitter, remember we’re not just a service; we’re your neighbors, friends, and community members who understand the importance of family. Your neighborhood has your back when finding the perfect caregiver for your family. Sign up today and discover the care you need.

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Babysitter Gift Ideas, Nanny Bonus & More: UrbanSitter’s Guide to Holiday Gifting

Holiday Babysitter gifts, nanny gifts, nanny bonus

Putting together your holiday gift list? Chances are babysitter gifts, nanny gifts and nanny bonus are high up on the list. Around the holidays there are a lot of questions around this, such as “what is a thoughtful gift for my nanny/sitter?” “What handmade gift can my child can give the nanny?” “What does a nanny or sitter actually want as a holiday gift?” “What’s an appropriate nanny bonus or holiday babysitter tip?”

The holidays are the perfect time to show a bit of extra gratitude for all your caregiver does for your family with a thoughtful gift. We have plenty of gift guides (and pinterest board) to help point you in the right direction for a perfect babysitter gift. Plus, UrbanSitter creates a yearly guide on holiday tipping & bonuses.

Gift Guides for the Holidays

We have your gift guides covered from holiday gifts kids can give, handmade gifts from kids, to gifts for the babysitter, nanny gifts and even the ultimate mommy gift guide.

Top Nanny Gifts for the Holidays:

  • 91% of parents surveyed gift their nanny a Christmas bonus or gift.
  • Gifts include gift cards to a favorite retailer or restaurant, spa items or a gift card for spa services, scarves, other handmade items, a framed photo of the kids, candles, gourmet foods such as baked goods or chocolates and fine teas. In addition, kids oftentimes make a gift for the nanny.

Popular Babysitter Gift Ideas for Christmas:

  • Top babysitter Christmas gift ideas include a gift card to Starbucks or iTunes, handmade gift from kids, or baked goods. Other gifts are time off, food, jewelry, tickets, and of course, cash!

Babysitter & Nanny Holiday Gift Guides

Holiday Handmade Gifts from Kids

Other Gift Guides

Need more ideas? Visit our Gifts for Sitters and Nannies Pinterest Board.

Holiday Tipping & Nanny Bonus

Now that we’ve covered gift ideas for babysitters, let’s dive into the nanny bonus! Each year we survey parents to get the scoop on holiday tipping and bonuses. Year after year, the top nanny bonus given by at least 50% of parents is a nanny bonus that equals one week of pay. Most sitters also expect a tip or bonus over the holidays. In addition to tipping or a bonus, parents oftentimes give their nanny or sitter a gift. Keep in mind, 82% of sitters & nannies would prefer cash over a gift as their bonus/tip.

Check out our most recent Holiday Tipping Guide, which includes nanny bonuses and babysitter holiday tip suggestions.

Show Your Appreciation: Babysitter Gift, Thank You Note & Bonus

Giving a small gift, thank you note, and an appropriate cash bonus or tip based on how often and how long a caregiver has worked for you is one fabulous way to show your appreciation. You can even have the kids participate (if age appropriate) and create a handmade gift for the nanny or write a little note.

Ultimately, any sentiment that shows you truly appreciate the work your nanny or sitter does year round to take care of your kids, keep them safe and bring them joy can go a long way in continuing to build a wonderful relationship and make the caregiver feel valued.

The holiday times are the perfect time to book a sitter for a night out to enjoy a holiday party or shop without the kids!

5 Hints to Securing a Babysitter This Holiday

do you tip a babysitter

You cut your own tree this year and the stockings are already hung by the chimney with care — what’s next on your holiday list? Booking a babysitter for your many, many, many holiday parties. Don’t fret! Start with these 5 Helpful Hints for Securing a Babysitter This Holiday Season:

1. Don’t procrastinate. Book early…or right now! December is a busy month for parents and sitters alike, so send your requests now and make it clear that these dates are important to you and that’s why you’re asking so early.

2. Pay a little extra. Increase your sitter’s hourly rate by a dollar or two to entice her/him to agree to those busy weekend dates. And, try booking multiple dates with the same sitter, so she/he feels assured you’re providing a steady December paycheck.

3. Go for the Early Bird. College-aged sitters love booking early jobs, because that means they can hit the town afterward with their friends. Why not start your Saturday night date at 4 or 5 pm, so you’ll be home by 9 pm?

4. Opt for a weekday. If you have the luxury of choosing the day of the week of your event, opt for a weekday or Sunday. There is far less competition for sitters on the “off” nights, so you’ll have your pick!

5. Stay at home (well not exactly). Picture hosting a fabulous holiday party at your home. Get a sitter to watch the kids and keep them occupied while you entertain. You don’t have to hire the most experienced (read: expensive) sitter for this, since you’ll be there in case of an emergency. Always remember to explain your plan to the sitter when you book them, so there are no big surprises.

UrbanSitter has all your holiday sitter needs covered. Book early and you’ll have one less “to do” on your list!

Back to School: The Nanny Conundrum

how much to pay a house sitter

whitney_tang_nanny_magContributed by guest author Whitney Tang, Executive Editor of Nanny Magazine

It’s September, which means hordes of children have headed off to school, many for the first time. As you gear up for that first day of meeting the teachers and kissing your munchkin goodbye, a momentary thought might pass through your mind: What in the world will your nanny do for these three or so odd hours every day? Not paying her is out of the question. You need your nanny to be on call for all those sick days, snow days, and, heaven forbid, any emergencies. But should you really be paying her to sit around your house all morning with nothing to do? Here are some things you might want to consider to maximize your nanny’s time on the clock.

Keep Her Busy

Depending on where school is located, your nanny might not have the flexibility to go all the way back home during school hours. This is a great opportunity to ask her to pick up your child’s much-needed rain boots or craft supplies. Keep in mind that just because your child isn’t in the house doesn’t mean it’s your nanny’s downtime. School hours are the perfect time for your nanny to get caught up on your kids’ laundry and other child-related chores around the house, such as meal prep. Do you already have this covered? Let your nanny invest some time in her own professional development. Register her for an online course to enrich her childcare skills or hook her up with some great nanny-related reading to help her sharpen her skills and get new ideas to better take care of your children. The ways to make the time while your child is in class count toward your nanny’s paycheck are endless.

But Don’t Keep Her Too Busy

Keep in mind that your nanny’s top priority is your child. Even with some “free” time, you can rest assured that she is most likely planning the next great museum outing or tomorrow’s very messy (but educational!) science experiment. Good nannies rarely stop brainstorming new activities, planning new adventures, or educating themselves on caring for your child. Let your nanny use this open time to rest, think, and plot. Even the best minds need a few minutes away from the constant commotion to come up with truly great ideas.

Encourage Conversations

Do you really need eggs for tonight’s dinner but don’t have time to pick them up after work? Don’t be afraid to ask your nanny for some help. But also don’t be upset if she has something else planned. She might be busy picking up craft supplies for the afternoon’s art project or returning the nearly late library book just in time. In order to prevent yourself from becoming annoyed and your nanny from feeling pressured, be sure to open up various communication outlets. As long as a conversation is always going, each party will have better expectations for the school days ahead.

It’s Simple

Your nanny has more scheduling flexibility to take care of errands and chores when her charges are not in her direct care. Make the most of the time but don’t underestimate her. Just because your kids aren’t with her doesn’t mean she isn’t busy with their care. How do you keep your nanny busy when your kids are away at school?

If you’re looking for an after school nanny, review these tips for finding the right one for your family!

Whitney Tang, Executive Editor of Nanny Magazine is a freelance writer, a graphic design artist, and most importantly, a nanny! But the best part of her day involves a lot less typing and a lot more mess making, with glitter and flour being the usual suspects!

Find trusted nannies near you at UrbanSitter.com.

2021 New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates & Tips

New Year's Eve Babysitter Tip, New Year's Eve Sitter Rates

Countdown to the New Year! Certainly, after the last couple of years, parents are ready to celebrate the new year in a big way! Or just get together with a few friends to toast to a wonderful new year. If you’re going out, what’s that going to cost you? What are the New Year’s Eve babysitting rates this year? Do sitters expect a NYE babysitting tip too?

We asked hundreds of sitters across the United States to see if they plan to work on New Year’s Eve, if they’ve already booked a job, what their New Year’s Eve sitter rate will be, do they expect NYE perks and more…

The Highlights of New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

  • The majority of sitters, 76%, either have a job or are hoping to book at NYE babysitting job.
  • Sitters plan to ask for a premium this year, with 80% charging 1.5 to more than 2x their normal hourly babysitting rate. In addition, 57% expect a NYE babysitting tip on top of their hourly rate – making going out on NYE a pricey occasion.
  • 24% of New Year’s Eve babysitters do expect transportation to/from the babysitting job, whereas the majority, 76%, do not.
  • Dinner is split about evenly, with 45% expecting dinner and 55% not expecting it.

Covid’s Impact on NYE Babysitting

  • When asked if the sitter would work for a family that doesn’t plan to get vaccinated, 42% said they would not work with an unvaccinated family, whereas 37% yes they would, and 21% were on the fence.
NYE babysitting rates

Key Reasons a Sitter would not Decline a New Year’s Eve Babysitting Job

  • More money, higher hourly wage, tips
  • Working for a family they enjoy
  • Close to home
  • Feeling appreciated for giving up their New Year’s Eve so the parents can go out
  • Being valued
  • Extra incentives, such as transportation, extra pay and dinner
  • No extra perks needed – they simply love being a babysitter, regardless of it being a holiday

UrbanSitter Guides to New Year’s Eve Babystting Rates – Past Editions

2019 New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2018 Holiday Tipping New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2017 Holiday Tipping Guide New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2016 Holiday Tipping Gifting New Year’s Eve Babysitter & Nanny Bonuses

2015 4th Annual Holiday Gifting & Tipping Survey on Babysitter and Nanny Bonuses

2014 3rd Annual Holiday Gifting Survey on Babysitter Gifts and Nanny Bonuses

2013 2nd Annual Holiday Gifting Survey on Babysitter Gifts and Nanny Bonuses

Looking for babysitter gift ideas for the holidays? Check out our Ultimate Babysitter Gift Guide & Nanny Bonus

Book your NYE sitter now and enjoy a night out without the kids!  

Your Guide to College Nannies and Sitters

babysitting calculator rate

Curious if college nannies and sitters are the solution to your endless list of child care needs: holiday breaks, after-school care, morning car rides, and a regular Friday date night? There are a plethora of options for child care, so let’s break down the why, where, and how of hiring a college nanny or tutor, so you can decide if they are the right option for you:

Why College Nannies and Sitters?

  • Child care experience. College nannies have usually had experience babysitting for family and friends or as summer camp counselors and neighborhood babysitters. They may even have had CPR training, especially if they worked as a junior lifeguard. Many jobs available to younger individuals over the summer (i.e., camp counselor, lifeguard), allow them to acquire skills vital to babysitting.
  • Similar holiday schedules. Many kids have weeks off for Thanksgiving and Christmas when many parents still need to work. A plus for hiring college students is that they usually have the same dates off from school, allowing them the flexibility and availability to watch your kids during busy holiday periods.
  • Exploring interests. College sitters have energy and are closer in age to your kid while still possessing more maturity and cognitive thinking than a high school student. If you are lucky, you can find a student with similar passions to your kid, like ballet or painting. Not only that, but their academic studies can help them teach your child about new subjects– suddenly, your kid wants to study stars like their babysitter, who is taking an astronomy course.
  • Tutoring. If you’re looking for a tutor for your child, a college tutor will have already taken the course and still be fresh on the subject. Often, you can find a college student majoring in a similar subject to what you need to be taught to your child so the tutor will have a more in-depth understanding.
  • Flexibility. College nanny schedules can be much more flexible than other sitters. Many college students have either morning or evening classes and days where they may have no classes. This is the perfect time to accommodate helping your family.
  • Convenience. Depending on where the college is located, the nanny may be located close to your home, making transportation easy. Or if they have a car, that works out as they will be able just as easily to commute to your home and might be able to pick up your kids like an after-school sitter.
  • Affordable rates. College nannies tend to charge more competitive rates than other childcare providers, which can be helpful as care for your child can be costly. Can you believe the average cost of a babysitter in New York is $23.40/hour?! It’s crazy these days.
  • Built-in backup sitters. College sitters often have a great backup option if scheduling conflicts arise. Given how much time they spend with other college students, it’s easy for them to coordinate a trustworthy sitter-friend to cover for them. This is perfect because it means you won’t need to cancel those movie plans because your college sitter got the flu!

How to Find College Nannies and Tutors?

The next step is finding a trustworthy, interesting college nanny or tutor that fits your criteria to welcome them into your home. 

  • Take a look at UrbanSitter’s college nannies and sitters assorted by college name so you can find one in your area.
  • Check local college job boards for that college to post your own notice or find requests for childcare opportunities. 
  • Join local Facebook or Google groups affiliated with that college as well, where sitters may post looking for babysitting or tutoring opportunities. 
  • Not only that, but you can post a job on UrbanSitter or browse through UrbanSitter sitters, refining for the ones attending colleges near you. 

How to Seal the Deal

Thankfully you are at the final step. You have done your research, and college nannies and tutors are perfect for your family. How do you get them to take a job with your family?

  • Offer a fare rate equivalent to the average rate in your area, which you can access the data for on this UrbanSitter page for 2022 here. You must make sure you establish a relationship built on respect and understanding, which starts with salary. You want to make sure you let your sitter or tutor know you value their work. 
  • Offer help with transportation at night if your sitter or tutor doesn’t have a car so they feel safe staying late when you have a night out with your partner.
  • Offer flexible hours and work together on the schedule, so everyone feels comfortable about the hours and workload.
  • Allow the college sitter to do homework when the kids go to bed. Remember, they are still students and are juggling a lot with school, so understanding is always appreciated.
  • For tutoring, offering a virtual option over Zoom might seem more convenient for college students so they don’t have to spend time commuting. 

Now you’ve done it! You’re a pro at finding college nannies and sitters. No more researching a trillion different babysitter and tutoring sites. You are now ready to have a college sitter or tutor to support your family–the perfect one who fits all your criteria. Huzzah! Enjoy your stress-free childcare situation with your college nanny or sitter, and finally, try that new Italian restaurant with your partner! 

Sign up for a free account to find college nannies and sitters on UrbanSitter today.