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Sitter Review

Thursday, November 7th

2024 Babysitter Agency Reviews

Sitter Review 2 Star Rating

Sitter

2 Star Rating
  • Free for a Basic account (limited to three messages)
  • Premium membership costs $68/month
  • Discounted rates with 3- and 12-month subscriptions
  • Parent company CareGuide is "A-” rated by the BBB
  • In business since 2013

Sitter is one of two services on our list who are under the umbrella of CareGuide, a group of companies that offer connections to a wide range of services beyond just babysitters. Through the various CareGuide platforms, you can discover professionals in various fields, including chefs, roofers, tutors, senior care providers, and much more. The Sitter platform itself was one of the original services offered.

Some contact info required to start

Despite being an OG in the online babysitting referral industry, Sitter isn't our favorite option. We don't love that to even browse available sitters in our area, we had to give Sitter our contact information (email and phone). The only upside is that once you've done that, you can click "I'll do this later” to skip all of the checkboxes about what type of care you're seeking, children's age ranges, and so on (and, if you're like us, you're going to wonder if you should check "nanny” or "daycare” when searching for a babysitter... because neither one is exactly right).

You'll have to create a job listing before you can browse

Even so, the next page jumps you right into creating a job listing and signing up for a membership. Sitter's Premium plan charges $68 for one month, $135 for three months, and $270 for 12 months - but remember, all of that is before they even show you who might be available in your area. Pay attention, because your Sitter subscription will automatically renew until you cancel within your account. You can also opt for the Basic limited plan, which lets you send and receive up to three messages per conversation: just enough to make the initial contact, but probably not enough to determine if you want to hire that particular babysitter.

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No filters to make browsing easier

Fortunately, that Basic account is how you can (finally) start viewing babysitter profiles in your area. Sitter will handpick a few for you, or you can skip that step and browse freely on your own. That quickly gets overwhelming due to Sitter's lack of filters (or even the ability to reorder the list from closest to farthest away).

Good info on each babysitter

We were pleasantly surprised to find a decent amount of information once we clicked on a sitter's profile. It was no problem to find out how recently they had logged on to the site (though if we're being honest, we're not sure that so many babysitters are signing on as regularly as the site displays), what they charged as an hourly rate, and their introduction.

You're on your own, especially with background checks

Noticeably absent? Background checks (not offered) and reviews (which are offered, but none of the sitters we clicked on in a major metro area had any). You should understand that Sitter is a little bit Wild West. They put it this way: "As we are a self-serve service and not an agency, we do not pre-screen users who register”. If you want a background check or any other reassurance that your babysitter is trustworthy, you'll have to work that out on your own. Ditto that for payments: you'll work out with your babysitter how much you're paying and how, whether that's Venmo or cold hard cash.

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Zero support

All of that should mean it's not a surprise when we tell you not to expect any client support from Sitter. Yes, as a CareGuide company, they share an "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau, but that doesn't mean much if you need help - there's no phone number to reach out, only a Help Center with FAQs and a Toronto (Canada) mailing address.

You don't get what you pay for

Although we're glad to see babysitter profiles that look legit when we browse Sitter, that's just the bare minimum we need to see from a babysitting referral service. Without any kind of vetting for caregivers or families, no client support, and limited reviews on individual babysitters, Sitter is pretty bold in asking for a $68/month membership fee. You'll get more of what you're actually looking for - vetted, reliable babysitters through an agency that looks out for everyone's well-being - with the higher-ranking rival sites on our list.

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.

The Best Babysitter Agencies Compare Babysitter Agencies Compare Babysitter Agency Reviews What are the best Babysitter Agencies Best Babysitter Agency Reviews

Babysitter Agency FAQ

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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

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!

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