“Babysit” (or babysitting) means short-term child care in a family’s home. Think date nights, after‑school homework help, Saturday afternoons, or “please save us, daycare is closed again.” You don’t have to be a full‑time nanny; you pick up jobs when you want and get paid to help kids eat, play, read, nap, and not lick the cat. In many places there’s no formal license required for occasional sitting, but families still love CPR/First Aid training and references. Babysitting is flexible, practical, and—when done right—a fun way to earn money while building a résumé full of real‑life skills.
If you want to get paid to babysit, welcome—you’ve found the right playroom. Babysitting is one of the simplest ways to make money, whether you’re a student, a teacher on break, or a human who knows the difference between a snack and a snacktastrophe. In this guide, I’ll show you how babysitting works, what to expect, where to find jobs, and how to earn money (without stepping on too many LEGO bricks). We’ll talk tools, safety, rates, and the best platforms for getting paid to watch adorable tiny negotiators.
How Get Paid to Babysit Works
Here’s the basic flow I recommend:
- Create a profile on one or two babysitting marketplaces (more below). Add a friendly photo, your availability, your hourly rate, and the ages you’re comfortable with.
- Get verified (ID check, background check if available/affordable). This boosts bookings.
- Apply to jobs that match your schedule—or accept requests that come to you.
- Confirm details (time, location, ages, allergies, bedtime, payment method). I like to send a clear, cheerful message: “Hi! I’ll arrive at 5:45, see you then. Any favorites or no‑go snacks?”
- Do the job: keep kids safe, fed, and entertained; write a short recap for parents.
- Get paid—via the app, cash, or instant payout depending on the platform. That’s getting paid to help a family and make money on your terms.
Features to look for on babysitting apps
- Cashless payments (no “Do you have change for a $100?” panic).
- Verified families & in‑app messaging to keep everything documented.
- Reviews/ratings so you can see who you’re working with.
- Background check options to help you stand out.
- Calendar tools so you can stack jobs and earn money consistently.
- Safety extras like identity checks, support lines, and clear policies.
Up to 10 Best platforms to get paid to babysit
(~100 words each so you can compare quickly)
1) Care.com
One of the biggest marketplaces for child care jobs—great for volume and variety. You create a profile, apply to nearby babysitting gigs, and message families directly. It’s easy to filter for location, hours, and special needs, and families often post their expected rate (the average posted rate shown on Care.com in October 2025 was $19.50/hour for babysitters, which helps you price smart). Care also offers HomePay resources if you and a family want help with taxes. Tip: set alerts for “date night” and “after‑school” to catch fast‑filling gigs. (Care.com)
2) Sittercity
A long‑running site with lots of parent posts across U.S. cities. Sitters can create profiles and apply to jobs for free, then optionally purchase a background check to stand out (some families will even offer to pay for it). The interface is simple: search, apply, message, interview, book. It’s especially good for steady after‑school work and weekend jobs if you’re building a recurring schedule to make money consistently. Pro move: tailor your application to each family’s post—mention their kids’ ages and any extra duties you can handle (carpools, homework, light meals). (Sittercity)
3) UrbanSitter
UrbanSitter leans into community trust and speed. You can set your own hourly rate, get discovered via your school/parent network, and book quickly for last‑minute needs. UrbanSitter says caregivers earn an average of about $125 + tips per job, and you can manage booking and payment all in one app, which keeps things tidy for getting paid to babysit. Their help center outlines how caregivers find and book jobs, with safety, booking, and payment tools built in. If you love on‑demand requests and clear in‑app pay, this is a strong pick. (UrbanSitter)
4) Bambino Sitters
Bambino’s twist is social recommendations. The app uses your location and community connections so families can find sitters recommended by friends and neighbors. You can find, book, and get paid directly in‑app, and the flow is straightforward: families post, you confirm, everyone rates afterward. If you’re new and trying to earn money fast, leaning on mutual connections can build trust quickly. Keep your profile friendly and specific (“great with toddlers; brings simple craft kits”). It’s ideal for hyperlocal sitting where word‑of‑mouth matters. (Bambino Sitters)
5) Sitly
Popular in many countries (with North American coverage too), Sitly lets families and babysitters connect directly for casual and ongoing care. You can browse nearby families, message, and agree on the details yourselves. Because it’s so community‑driven, it’s great if you prefer to negotiate rates and schedules one‑on‑one and build repeat clients to make money steadily. Use the platform’s search tools to filter by neighborhood and child age, then craft short, warm introductions when you reach out. (Sitly.com)
6) Bubble (UK)
If you’re in the UK, Bubble is a sleek app for booking evening, daytime, back‑up, and after‑school care. Sitters can set their own prices and availability, get cash‑free payments via the app, and benefit from insured sits and reviews. The sitter onboarding page is clear about flexibility and transparency, which helps you plan your week and get paid to babysit with fewer awkward money chats at the door. Students and part‑timers often love Bubble for quick, local jobs that slot around classes. (Bubble)
7) Helpr
Helpr focuses on backup and last‑minute care, often through employer benefits. As a sitter, you can join their provider network and receive notifications for urgent or short‑notice jobs—perfect if your schedule is flexible and you want fast ways to earn money. Helpr describes sitters as on‑call freelancers who get pinged with details (kids, times, pay), with average compensation listed around $27/hour on its provider page. It’s a niche, but a high‑impact one if you like swooping in to save the day. (Helpr)
8) Yoopies (Europe/UK and beyond)
Yoopies is a multi‑country care marketplace that connects families and caregivers for childcare, tutoring, cleaning, and more. You can create a sitter profile, manage schedules, and handle payments online where supported; it’s designed as a networking platform (not an employer), so you and the family set the terms. If you’re in Europe—or moving around Europe—and want to get paid to babysit on weekends or evenings, Yoopies helps you match locally and keep comms in‑app. Start on your country’s portal for the best results. (en.yoopies.de)
9) Kango
Transport + childcare combo. Kango provides kids’ rides and babysitting with extensive safety checks (background checks, fingerprinting, DMV checks). As a caregiver, you can register to be a driver, a sitter, or both, and Kango sends nearby requests—great if you like variety and want more ways to make money (school runs + short sits). It’s active in select markets, so check availability in your area. The school page highlights backing from a major transportation partner, which underlines the focus on safety. (kangoapp.co)
10) Jovie (formerly College Nannies + Sitters)
Prefer a team/agency feel? Jovie hires sitters (often as W‑2 employees through local franchises), offers training, and matches you with families. It can be a good route if you want a steadier pipeline and support from local staff. Pay varies by location, with many postings in the low‑20s per hour; some markets list $22–$24/hour for sitters. The MyJovie app helps manage schedules, and the blog shares practical tips to level up your babysitting game. If you like structure and backup, Jovie’s worth a look. (Jovie)
How much can you make? (Setting your rate without guessing)
Rates depend on your city, number of kids, duties (driving, homework help, bedtime), timing (late nights/holidays), and experience. UrbanSitter’s 2025 report puts typical U.S. sitter rates roughly in the $16–$28/hour range depending on location, with a national average near the mid‑20s. One snapshot: San Antonio averages about $16.85/hour while San Francisco sits around $28.37/hour for one child, showing how much geography matters. Use local data to set your baseline, then add premiums for extra kids, late nights, overnights, or short‑notice.
Rate‑setting formula I like:
Base city rate + $2–$4 per extra child + $3–$5 for late nights/holidays + $3–$6 for driving/homework = your hourly rate. Round to an easy number (parents love simple math).
Tips to get hired fast (and keep families coming back)
- Pick 2 platforms to start. Too many apps = scattered messages.
- Write a clear headline: “College sitter, CPR‑certified, after‑school pro.”
- Answer fast. Many jobs fill in minutes—turn on notifications.
- Show your plan. “If I were babysitting your toddler, I’d bring a storytime kit and a snack list.”
- Collect reviews from first clients; a few five‑stars make a big difference.
- Offer add‑ons (homework help, pet‑friendly, light meal prep) to earn money more often.
- Keep a mini‑recap after each sit (“Ate spaghetti, read Dragons Love Tacos, asleep by 8:15”). Parents adore this.
Money note: read fee and cancellation policies on any platform. For example, Care.com agreed to an FTC settlement in 2024 that, among other things, required clearer cancellation processes—always skim the fine print before you subscribe or upgrade. (Reuters)
Safety first (because glitter is forever, but safety comes first)
Families want a sitter who can handle little bumps with calm confidence—and you want that too. Consider American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training or Safe Sitter® classes to learn first aid basics, age‑appropriate activities, behavior management, and business tips. Certifications also help you make money because many parents will choose a trained sitter—even paying more for it. Keep emergency contacts on paper and in your phone, ask about allergies, and do a quick safety scan when you arrive (doors, pets, meds, pool, sleep setup).
What I’d pack in a simple “sitter kit”
- A small activity bag: crayons, stickers, a storybook, a no‑mess craft.
- Snacks list template to confirm with parents (no surprises!).
- Phone charger + notepad for the recap.
- CPR/First Aid card or evidence of training (parents appreciate it).
- A backup game that works for mixed ages (think scavenger hunt).
- Comfortable shoes—you’ll thank me during indoor “tag.”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underpricing forever. Intro discounts are fine, but raise to market after a few great reviews.
- Saying yes to everything. If you don’t drive, don’t accept a job that requires carpooling.
- Being vague about payment. Confirm how you’re getting paid (in‑app, cash, instant payout) before you start.
- Skipping the plan. A 2‑minute activity plan calms kids (and impresses parents).
- Forgetting your own boundaries. You’re a sitter, not a housekeeper doing a deep clean; agree on duties up front.
Quick FAQ
Do I need training? Not legally for occasional sitting in many places, but training helps you stay calm and confident—and helps you earn money faster. Consider Red Cross or Safe Sitter® courses.
Should I pay for a background check? If you can afford it, yes—it often boosts bookings on major platforms. (Some platforms let families pay for it, too.) (Sittercity)
How do taxes work? Rules vary by location and job type. For U.S. household employment, many families use payroll helpers; ask them to handle taxes properly and keep your own records. (Care.com’s HomePay pages offer general guidance—useful reading.) (Care.com)
Final thoughts
Babysitting is flexible, human, and genuinely useful work. You can get paid to babysit, build real skills, and help families breathe easier. Start with one or two platforms, price yourself using local data, get basic training, and bring a small activity kit. If you show up on time, communicate clearly, and leave a tidy kitchen, you’ll make money again and again with happy repeat clients. Now go forth and turn your kid‑wrangling superpowers into steady earnings—and may your socks avoid stray slime forever.
