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Where can you find some good babysitters in Canberra? Photo: Tanaphong Toochinda.
Need a babysitter to mind your kids, but not sure where to start? Finding a reliable, trustworthy and experienced babysitter is key. But what if you can’t find a friend, family member or someone else you know to babysit?
Because you don’t trust just anyone with the wellbeing of your kids, head to a reputable babysitting service. This will give you confidence and peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a babysitter, and share resources on where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great babysitter?
Choosing the right babysitter can be stressful. help make your kids comfortable and take the stress away from what can already be an emotionally draining experience.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a babysitter.
- Responsible. Your child’s safety and wellbeing are important. That’s why you’ll want a babysitter who is responsible. That’s a babysitter committed to caring for the safety and happiness of your kids.
- Trustworthy. You must be able to trust your babysitter to take proper care of your precious kids.
- Reliable. Reliability is especially important if you’ve hired a babysitter. You’ll want them to be on time so your plans aren’t messed up.
- Fun. The best babysitters love kids of all ages and interests. You’ll want a babysitter keen to engage with the children. This will keep them happy. This includes a babysitter who can cope with kids who struggle or act out when parents leave home.
- Reasonably priced. Babysitting isn’t necessarily task, but that doesn’t mean it should cost an arm and a leg. The best babysitters charge a fair price.
The best places to find the best babysitters in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended places to find the best babysitters, according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each place needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Find a Babysitter
Find a Babysitter is a trusted Australian babysitting network. Read babysitter bios for the Canberra region online. A key benefit of Find a Babysitter is verification. The company aims to double-check all listed babysitters. This includes their Working With Children Check credentials, qualifications and identities. This secure system gives parents peace of mind. The bios also list what services babysitters offer. Parents can post a job and get applications from babysitters.
MyBabySitter
MyBabySitter is an online resource for parents looking for babysitters for their kids. Simply search on the site for “babysitters Canberra” and a list of bios, including age and rates, will pop up. Parents can search, chat and hire, all online. MyBabySitter is a secure, affordable way to find local babysitters, as well as nannies and au pairs.
Kiddo
Kiddo is a babysitting app for Canberra parents needing babysitting at home or while away. The app is safe, with babysitters verified before being listed. Read profiles and be confident that babysitters are experienced and reliable. The app and registering are free.
On Facebook, Katie Paterson wrote, “As a single working mum, it’s great to have an app that allows me to book last-minute sitters when needed and not have to panic about if they’re qualified or able to look after my kids.”
Babysitters Now
Babysitters Now is a free Australian babysitters’ directory combining good old-fashioned common sense with new technologies. The result is a quick, easy way to connect with reliable, friendly babysitters. Simply search area and browse the many listed. View name, age, location, reply rating, bio, availability, and rate. The Babysitters Now website also allows parents to check potential babysitters’ qualifications and references, to ensure they are exactly who they say they are.
If you’re looking for more information on activities for kids in Canberra, you might like our article on eight ways to entertain kids in Canberra without spending a cent. You might also get inspiration from our article on the best school holiday programs and activities in Canberra.
Your experience with babysitter resources in the Canberra region
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the babysitter resources listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do babysitters do?
The main focus for babysitters is taking care of children. This can be casual or part-time care. Babysitting is usually ad-hoc. It’s a service used by parents who need time for many reasons. That could be to get chores done, meet work commitments, attend a social event or just enjoy time out.
How much does a babysitter cost?
The hourly rates vary from babysitter to babysitter. Many factors are involved. These include where you’re located, the time and number of hours you need a babysitter and the number of children you have. Many babysitters charge between $25 and $35 an hour (some less, some more).
How do I pay a babysitter?
You can pay your babysitter cash or online. It’s best to ask what your babysitter prefers.
Do babysitters need qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required in Australia to become a babysitter. You can ask about experience, however. Some babysitters, for instance, have first aid qualifications.
Do babysitters need a Working With Children Check?
By law, babysitters need a current Working With Children Check.