Sittercity vs Babysitter's Registry

Item: Sittercity vs Babysitter's Registry
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, February 19th

2025 Babysitter Agency Reviews

Sittercity

Can hire both babysitters and nannies
Covers 95% of US neighborhoods
Babysitters are identity-authenticated and screened on offender databases
Full background checks available for a fee
Can browse babysitter profiles with a free account
Premium plan required to message and book sitters
Premium prices range from $15 to $39/month, depending on subscription length
Activity-based babysitters available
"A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

For over 20 years, Sittercity has provided caregiving support for children, seniors, individuals with special needs, and even pets. While they provide various resources, their core service revolves around childcare. They cover 95% of US neighborhoods and offer both babysitters and nannies, all of whom undergo identity verification, with a la carte background checks available for a fee. Prices for their Premium membership range from $15 to $39 per month, depending on your subscription choice. Sittercity has a solid reputation with an "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB and over 40,000 five-star reviews. Between that and Sittercity's unique activity-based caregiver options, it's easy to see why this is the #1 option among babysitting agencies.

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Babysitter's Registry

Refers clients to babysitters from other platforms
Can offer care beyond babysitting (pet-sitting, tutoring, and more)
Free to sign up as a client

Babysitter's Registry supposedly makes it easy for families to find babysitters by offering their services alongside Care and Sittercity, all in one place. However, it's a bit puzzling because you won't find any info about the company's history or pricing on their website. When you're trying to find babysitter options here, things get a bit tangled as you often end up getting redirected to other babysitting agencies. Plus, Babysitter's Registry has issues with its own service, making it impossible to connect with the babysitters they list. Save yourself some time and look at the higher-ranking babysitting agencies on our list, because Babysitter's Registry is a total fail.

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Where is the Best Place to Find a Babysitter for Your Children?

Finding a trustworthy babysitter can be a daunting task, especially if you're a parent with a busy schedule, or you're in a new town where you don't know who to ask for a recommendation. Fortunately, the digital age has made it easier than ever to connect with reliable caregivers through babysitting agency websites.

Online babysitter platforms offer a range of features and benefits that can simplify your search for the perfect babysitter. These websites provide a convenient way to find childcare services at your fingertips. You can browse profiles and contact potential babysitters from the comfort of your home. This eliminates the need for time-consuming interviews, begging for referrals in community Facebook groups, or searching through classified ads, making the process far more efficient.

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Babysitter Agency FAQ

What is a babysitter?

A babysitter takes care of your child (or children) while you're away - at work, on a date, at the gym, or for any other reason. Babysitters can be male or female, old or young, but some states have statutes regulating the age that minors can be left in charge (usually anywhere from age 12-16).

How are babysitters different from mother's helpers, nannies or au pairs?

A mother's helper is usually there to help with the kids while at least one parent is still present: maybe taking care of lunch and activities while Mom works from home, or doing the laundry while Dad gets the kids to bed. Nannies work on a more fixed schedule, either part-time or full-time, and there are usually employment/tax considerations to keep in mind. Au pairs come from other countries and live with the family, watching the kids and tending to other household responsibilities in exchange for room/board and sometimes a monetary stipend. Compared with those three situations, babysitting is much less formal and more of an as-needed childcare arrangement.

How can I determine if a babysitter is trustworthy?

Word of mouth is the most common way to vet a new babysitter. It's great to have someone that's already taken good care of your friends' children with no problems! The downside is that these sitters will be in high demand, and you might not be able to get them on your desired schedule. You can also ask for references or run a background check, if you're considering a babysitter that isn't known to you personally.

How can I find a babysitter near me?

When you're new to an area or don't have any available sitter referrals from friends, you could put the word out in local groups on social media. Unfortunately, that could attract less-than-reputable individuals! Instead, consider using a babysitter referral service: these platforms allow prospective sitters to create a profile, complete with client reviews and information about their background and any certifications they have (like infant/child CPR). Some referral services make it possible to get a background check, though the sitter may have to opt in before you can access the results.

Is it expensive to use a babysitter referral service?

You can expect to pay a membership fee in the neighborhood of $20/month to access most babysitter referral services. That gives you unlimited access to the database and to making connections with the sitters you find. Some platforms give you limited free access to get started, or a trial period to see if there are enough potential babysitters in your area to make it worth the membership fees.

What's a typical hourly rate for a babysitter?

That varies widely by geographic location, the number of children you have (and their ages), the expertise level of the sitter, and what you expect your sitter to provide. You can ask other parents in your area what the going rate is: underpay your sitter and they're not likely to come back! In the past, the reported average hourly rate for babysitters in the US ranged from $15-$20, but in less urban areas it tended to be closer to $10/hour.

Can I ask my babysitter to do light housework or other tasks?

Yes. You can make whatever arrangements you like with your babysitter. It's not uncommon to ask a sitter to fix a light meal, take care of the dishes after the kids are in bed, or tidy up the playroom while the children are watching a movie. Just remember that their primary focus should be on keeping your little ones safe, not housekeeping.

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Additionally, babysitting agency websites prioritize safety and reliability. They often vet their babysitters through background checks and interviews, giving you access to trusted caregivers. This extra layer of security can bring peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children are in the hands of experienced and thoroughly screened individuals.

Moreover, these websites provide a wide selection of potential babysitters. You'll have access to a diverse pool of caregivers, allowing you to find someone who matches your family's specific needs and preferences. Whether you require a babysitter for a one-time event or regular childcare, agency websites can accommodate your unique requirements. This flexibility is particularly valuable for parents with varying schedules and childcare needs.

When choosing a babysitting agency, it's not always easy to know which ones will best suit your situation. Here are some key comparison points that can help you narrow it down:

Availability. First, you'll need to verify that the website operates in your area and can connect you with babysitters in your locality. Then, check if the platform offers babysitters who are available when you need them, whether it's for date nights, weekends, or weekdays. Finally, some websites may offer additional services, such as tutors or pet-sitters, so choose one that aligns with your family's unique needs.
Reputation. Look for websites with a strong reputation for connecting families with reliable babysitters. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents. And, of course, look at the ratings and feedback on each individual sitter, regardless of the babysitting agency you're using. The best babysitting agencies conduct thorough background checks on babysitters to guarantee the safety of your children.
Fees. Compare the fee structures of different platforms. Some charge you a membership or sitting fee, while others take a percentage of the babysitter's earnings.
Scheduling and communication. Evaluate the platform's scheduling tools and messaging systems to determine how easy it is to coordinate with babysitters.
Customer support. Consider the level of customer support provided. Responsive support can be invaluable when you have questions or encounter issues. If your babysitter doesn't show up (or worse, you have a bad experience), you want to know that the agency will have your back.

To help you find the perfect babysitter for your kids, Top Consumer Reviews has checked out and ranked various babysitting agencies. We hope this info boosts your confidence as you search for someone to look after your little ones when you're not around!