SitterTree Resources: Insights on Babysitting and Childcare
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SitterTree offers profile badges to highlight your experience, certifications, and commitment to child protection. Badges make your profile stand out and help you book more jobs.
Parents, preschools, and churches search for babysitters, nannies, and preschool teachers with specific profile badges for their jobs. Log in to request profile badges today.
View my badgesLearn more about profile badges
Premium Background Check
Social security trace, national criminal check, and county-level search of all known aliases. Required for all sitters to join SitterTree, excluding sitters in New York.
Basic Background Check
Social security trace and national criminal check for all known aliases. Required for all New York sitters to join SitterTree.
Identity Verification
Verify your identity using your government ID and live selfie photo. Required for all sitters to join SitterTree.
DECAL Criminal Records Check
State required criminal background check for jobs at licensed child care centers in Georgia. Register for free or contact SitterTree Support for assistance porting an existing record.
Pre-Service Training
Trained to care for the health and safety of children in childcare settings. This state-required training is required for jobs at licensed child care centers in Georgia. Complete a free optional training through GaPDS or paid training through ProSolutions to request this profile badge.
CPR Certified
Trained to administer CPR to children and infants. Complete an optional training through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or the National CPR Foundation to request this profile badge.
First Aid Certified
Trained to provide emergency care until help arrives. Complete an optional training through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross to request this profile badge.
Sexual Abuse Awareness
Trained to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. Complete an optional training through MinistrySafe, Darkness to Light, Safe Gatherings, or VIRTUS to request this profile badge.
Child Protection Pledge
Pledged to protect children from mature content. Commit to protecting children by not photographing or videoing them without the consent of an adult and by not showing them content on your devices to request this optional profile badge.Profile badges are easy to request on SitterTree. Get booked for more jobs when you use profile badges to market your skills and experience to parents, preschools, and churches.
Request a badge -
You’re on the search for your new favorite babysitter.
At SitterTree, we know your family has its own unique needs, so we created profile badges to make finding your perfect sitter a cinch.
Profile badges are easily identifiable icons on your babysitter’ or nanny’s profile. Badges show off a each sitter’s certifications, experience, and commitment to safety to help you find babysitter who will be the best fit for your family.
The best part?
Profile badge represents experience or certification by organizations you know and trust, like the American Red Cross or Ministry Safe.
How to Use Profile Badges
- Learn what each profile badge means below.
- Determine which profile badge(s) are most important to you and your family. (Pro tip: there’s no limit!)
- Open the SitterTree app to post a free job for a babysitter or nanny.
- Look for specific profile badges when viewing applicant profiles as you make your selection.
You’re one step closer to finding your perfect babysitter!
How Profile Badges Work
- All babysitters and nannies complete a background check through Checkr in order to join SitterTree.
- Some babysitters may earn other optional profile badges for additional experience and certifications.
- All profile badges are self-reported and not verified. You should verify experience directly with your sitter before your job.
Profile badges help you choose sitters with the experience you need. Now, go take that date night!
Get started with profile badges and book your first babysitter free.*
USE CODE TREEHOUSE1FREE AT CHECKOUT
Get 1 free bookingGet to know badges:
PREMIUM BACKGROUND CHECK
Starting in November 2024, in order to join SitterTree, all sitters pass a premium background check, including a social security trace, national criminal record check, and sex offender search for all known aliases in all counties where the individual has lived in the past seven years, where law permits.*Sitters in the state of New York pass a Basic Criminal Check for all known aliases. County level searches are ordered if/when a Basic Criminal Check returns any qualified results.
BASIC BACKGROUND CHECK
Prior to November 2024, in order to join SitterTree, sitters passed a basic background check, including a social security trace, national criminal record check, and sex offender search.
IDENTITY VERIFICATION
Verified government-issued I.D. and live selfie.
DECAL CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
A state-required criminal record check to work in licensed child care centers in Georgia.
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING
Health & Safety Orientation Training by ProSolutions. This course assists teachers in protecting the health and safety of children in child care settings while enhancing the overall quality of early learning.
SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION
Sexual Abuse Prevention training completed through reputable organizations like Ministry Safe, Darkness to Light, Safe Sanctuaries, Vertus, and more.
CHILD PROTECTION PLEDGE
A personal commitment to protect children from mature content on technology and photography.
CPR CERTIFIED
Trained to administer CPR to children and infants by trusted organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
FIRST-AID CERTIFIED
Trained to provide emergency care until help arrives by trusted organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Qualified to care for children with special needs:- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT),
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Special Education Teaching Certificate
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Other Special Needs Certifications and Experience
Have more questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or set up a call with our support team.
*Terms apply. New users only. No booking fees.
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Starting out as a babysitter can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have much babysitting experience. But every pro sitter started somewhere! Building your skills and confidence is easier than you think. With the right tools, you’ll be locking in babysitting jobs in no time.
These tips will show you how to become a babysitter without experience, build trust with families, and set yourself up for success in child care.
Key takeaways:
- Volunteer in group settings, with family and friends, or in your neighborhood.
- Consider offering services at low or no cost to build your resume and references.
- Leverage babysitting platforms like SitterTree to find trusted jobs and resources.
- Earn certifications and complete courses to show parents you’re serious about child care.
1. Volunteer in group settings
Volunteering is a valuable way to gain hands-on babysitting experience while giving back to your community.
Why it works:
Churches (and other faith-based organizations), community centers, and after-school programs often need extra hands to help with kids. Volunteering in these environments teaches you how to care for multiple children at once. Plus, you’ll become adaptable to different needs and personalities.
Where to start:
- Church nurseries and other faith-based organizations: Offer to assist with caring for younger kids during services. Many faith-based organizations welcome new volunteers and are happy to train you.
- Community events: Look for opportunities to provide child care in your community. Consider free children’s craft workshops or fun days, where you can help organize activities or supervise a group of kids. Look for listings in local newspapers and online event sites.
- Camps or after-school programs: These settings provide structured activities, giving you a chance to learn from experienced staff while interacting with kids.
Volunteering not only builds your resume, but it also connects you with parents who might hire you for future babysitting jobs.
2. Babysit for family and friends
Caring for kids in a familiar environment is a low-pressure way to hone your babysitting skills. You can ask family or friends for constructive feedback. This helps you build confidence and grow your reference list.
Why it works:
Caring for kids in a familiar environment is a low-pressure way to hone your babysitting skills. You can ask family or friends for constructive feedback. This helps you build confidence and grow your reference list.
How to start:
- Let your network know you’re available to babysit. Consider posting on social media, reaching out to neighbors, and letting your church, synagogue, or faith-based group now.
- Offer to babysit for free or at a discounted rate while you gain experience. Review these babysitting tips for beginners before your first job.
- Once you’ve worked a few jobs, ask for a reference or review to share with future clients.
3. Get involved in school or college child care programs
If you’re a student, your school or university may offer opportunities to work with kids.
Why it works:
School or college child care programs often provide structured activities and supervision. You’ll learn child care skills without having to create activities or schedules. Plus, you’ll gain access to experienced caregivers. Ask these caregivers how they got started to learn more about how to become a babysitter without experience.
How to get involved:
- Volunteer to assist with younger students at your school during parent-teacher meetings.
- Join college programs that focus on early childhood development or community outreach with children.
4. Offer help to neighbors
Don’t underestimate the value of being the go-to sitter in your neighborhood!
Why it works:
Neighbors often need last-minute, reliable help with their kids. Plus, they’re more likely to give someone local a chance. Offering to help for an hour or two is a great way to start small while building trust.
How to start:
- Share flyers or post in local community groups to let neighbors know you’re available.
- Emphasize your willingness to start with short shifts or last-minute needs.
5. Work with established babysitting groups or apps
Joining a babysitting network like SitterTree is one of the best ways to gain babysitting experience. On child care platforms, you’ll connect with families and access tools to make your first few jobs seamless.
Why it works:
Platforms like SitterTree connect you with parents looking for trustworthy child care. You’ll have access to valuable resources to help you kickstart your career. Many babysitting apps have a Support team to help answer any questions.
How to start:
- First, narrow down your list of the best apps for babysitting jobs.
- Once you’ve selected one or a few babysitting platforms, create your profile.
- Begin browsing jobs and connecting with families who need support.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your babysitting app’s Support team for assistance.
6. Gain certifications to boost skills and confidence
Certifications like CPR and first aid training show parents that you’re serious about child care.
Why it works:
Not only do certifications make you more marketable, they also give you peace in the event of an emergency.
How to start:
- Take a local CPR or first aid class through the Red Cross or similar organizations.
- Consider adding another babysitting certification that’s of interest to you.
Look into babysitter training courses or early childhood seminars for tips on managing behavior, planning activities, and creating a safe environment.
7. Create a babysitting portfolio
Even with minimal experience, a portfolio can help you stand out.
Why it works:
Parents love seeing that you’ve put effort into showcasing your skills and preparation.
What to include:
- Volunteer experience with kids.
- Any relevant certifications.
- References or positive feedback from people you’ve babysat for.
Turn your passion for kids into a rewarding opportunity
Starting out as a babysitter is all about building confidence, learning new skills, and showing parents that you’re prepared to care for their kids. Whether you’re volunteering at church, helping neighbors, or joining a babysitting platform, every experience counts.
Now that you know how to become a babysitter without experience, you’re ready to jump into the process. With a little time and effort, you’ll build a reputation as a reliable, trustworthy sitter-and the jobs will roll in!
Trying to find babysitting jobs in your community? Create your profile on SitterTree and browse local jobs in minutes.
Get Started Today! -
A thoughtful babysitting kit is the key to making each babysitting job smooth, fun…and more likely to get you rehired! Having the essentials in your babysitting bag can help you handle any situation that comes up, from fussy babies to particular toddlers. Plus, it shows parents you’re eager and prepared, giving them a boost of confidence.
From fun activities to emergency supplies, these are 10 categories of must-have items to keep in your babysitting kit. Select a few items from each section, making sure to consider the ages of the children you’re watching. With these babysitting supplies, the kiddos will be begging you to come back before the job is even over!
1. Games and activities
Keep kids engaged with age-appropriate babysitting games and activities.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- Crinkle books. Babies can’t resist the fun sound. Plus, you can find them for around $5 and use them for multiple jobs.
- A small mirror for playing a reflection game.
- A shaker or rattle.
What to bring when babysitting toddlers
- Coloring books-consider a theme based on the child’s interests, like monster trucks or ponies.
- Crayons. Make sure they’re washable!
- Large blocks or large-scale LEGOs like Duplo-ideal for toddlers 18 months and up.
- Bubbles, they never get old!
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- A favorite chapter book that you can read at each job, like Anne of Green Gables.
- Unique outdoor toys, like a jump rope or frisbee, make for great babysitting activities.
2. DIY crafts
Showcase your creativity with hands-on crafts that only require a few simple supplies.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- A sensory bag containing soft toys or squishy items. (Be sure the bag is properly sealed and always ask the parent before doing any sensory or craft activities with an infant.)
What to bring when babysitting toddlers:
- Egg cartons. These are small enough to include in your babysitting kit and, with just a few household items, turn into a range of DIY crafts-like egg carton caterpillars.
- Cupcake liners. Inexpensive and small, cupcake liners transform into fancy umbrellas, toucans, dinosaurs and more.
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- Popsicle sticks. Paired with a few household items like glue and markers, you can create popsicle stick picture frames.
- Toss some paper towel rolls into your babysitting kit and put the kids to work creating their own characters. Option to add googly eyes!
3. First aid and emergency supplies
Be prepared for minor scrapes or bumps with a small first aid kit. Consider including:
- Bandages. (Bonus for fun colors and prints. No one can cry with a narwhal bandage!)
- Antibacterial wipes. These are crucial for jobs with multiple kids or during mealtimes.
- Hand sanitizer, for outings and everyday use.
- A burp cloth or towel when babysitting infants.
4. Snacks or treats
No babysitting kit is complete without snacks-just make sure they’re parent-approved first! We recommend bringing only individually-wrapped snacks.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- Check with the parents before bringing any snacks for infants. Once cleared, consider puffs, cereal or yogurt melts.
What to bring when babysitting toddlers:
- Always check for dietary restrictions. Then, consider cheese crackers, fruit snacks, and cereals.
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- Ask parents about the children’s favorite snacks and consider surprising them with it. Always check for dietary restrictions. Consider granola bars, cut fruit, and more.
Don’t forget to pack food for yourself! It’s important you stay nourished and energized during your job. For a longer job, pack a lunch. For a shorter job, consider a high-protein snack and be sure to bring plenty of water.
5. A notebook and pen
Stay organized and jot down important details during your shift. Keep track of feeding times, naps, and activities. Plus, write updates at the end of each job. Parents will appreciate you staying off your phone during your shift.
6. Flashcards and educational games
For school-aged kids, pack tools that make learning fun. Consider math or spelling flashcards, simple supplies for science experiments, and activity books with puzzles or crosswords.
7. Seasonal essentials
Every good babysitter plans for the season and the weather.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat for summer jobs.
- Warm gloves and a scarf for winter gigs.
- A poncho or small umbrella for rainy days.
8. Emergency contact list
A list of important phone numbers and addresses is a critical addition to your babysitting supplies. You can ask the family for a list in advance and keep it handy while on the job. It should include:
- Both parents’ cell phone numbers.
- An emergency back-up contact.
- The family’s address
- Nearby landmarks in case of emergencies.
9. Phone charger or power bank
Making sure your phone stays charged throughout your babysitting job is critical for safety. Arrive with your phone fully charged and bring a phone charger just in case.
10. Your own comfort items
Keeping up with kiddos requires a lot of energy! It’s also important to keep yourself hydrated, nourished, and well-cared for.
What to bring for yourself:
- Plenty of water (or your favorite hydrating beverage!)
- Comfortable shoes. We recommend closed-toed.
- Fresh, comfy socks-especially if the home has a no-shoes policy.
- High-protein, grab-and-go snacks.
- A change of clothes in case of a spill or accident.
What NOT to bring to your babysitting gig
As important as it is to have the right items in your babysitting kit, it’s just as important to leave certain things at home. Be sure to leave these items OUT of your babysitting bag
- Any hazardous or chokeable toys or items, including beaded phone charms or small keychains.
- Remove all jewelry and sunglasses before your job-little hands love to grab these.
- Leave the fragrance, perfume, and body spray off. Most people don’t want a glittery baby.
- Personal distractions-like schoolwork, laptops, iPads, and books.
- Foods with common allergens, like nuts and dairy products.
- Any and all sharp items.
- Vape pens or nicotine items.
- Large bags or messy gear-keep your belongings compact and tidy.
Your babysitting kit: The key to professional success
Now that you have an idea of how to prepare for babysitting, toss your babysitting supplies in a bag and get ready for a stress-free job. Parents will be encouraged when they see how prepared and professional you are, increasing your chances of getting re-booked.
Still need to find babysitting jobs? Create a profile on a top child care app, like SitterTree, and browse jobs in minutes.
Sign Up Today! -
Setting a minimum babysitting hours policy means defining the shortest amount of time you’ll work for any babysitting job. Maybe you’re hoping to become a babysitter, or maybe you’ve been a nanny for years. Either way, creating a minimum hours policy helps you hit your income goals on a schedule that works for you.
Here’s how to set your minimum babysitting hours and communicate them clearly.
Here’s how to set your minimum hours and communicate them clearly:
1. Determine your minimum hours
Throughout your child care career, you may be asked to work for a range of hours. From 30-minute errand coverage to extended weekend babysitting, it’s up to you to decide how long you want to work. If you’re using babysitting apps or websites, you’ll need to set a minimum hours policy. Think of your policy as a guidepost to help you grow your child care career.
To determine your minimum hours policy, start by considering:
- How long you’re willing to work for each babysitting job
- How much money you’d like to earn per babysitting job
You can also consider:
- Travel time to and from the job
- Personal commitments and other jobs on your schedule
Many sitters let their budget inform their minimum hours policy. Take the time to understand how your minimum hours and hourly rate policies work together. This way, you can avoid babysitting for less time and money than you find worthwhile.
2. Review your minimum hourly rate
It’s helpful to evaluate your hourly rate when setting your minimum hours policy. These policies work together to boost your earnings.
- Review your hourly rates every 3-4 months
- Set babysitting rates that reflect your experience, expertise, and the market value for babysitters in your area
- Don’t forget to adjust for multiple children.
3. Communicate your minimum hours to families
When discussing babysitting jobs with parents, be clear about your minimum hours upfront.
Don’t be afraid to be direct if a job is too short. You can say something like:
“I’d love to work with your family, but I have a minimum of 3 hours for each babysitting job. Is that something you could consider?”
If a parent requests a shorter job duration, politely explain that your minimum is set for practical reasons.
Many babysitting platforms-like SitterTree-display your minimum babysitting hours policy on your profile. This takes away the guesswork for parents and provides clarity upfront. Be sure to keep your policy updated!
4. How to handle special requests
If a family requests a job shorter than your minimum hours, you can make an exception. But we recommend being firm about your boundaries:
- Communicate that you’re making an exception-this is a favor because you enjoy the family!
- Express gratitude, even when making an exception. Bring along your babysitting kit to show the family you’re still excited and eager to work.
If you’re using a babysitting app, you may need to adjust your settings to accept a shorter job. On SitterTree, you can simply change your minimum hours policy to accept the job, and adjust your policy again afterward.
5. Adjust your minimum babysitting hours when needed
Keep in mind: your minimum hours policy isn’t set in stone. It may change with your babysitting experience and availability-and that’s OK!
Set a reminder to review your minimum hours every 3-4 months. Consider whether your current minimum hours are meeting your financial and personal goals. Adjust as needed.
Why set minimum hours?
Setting expectations is important for any job, especially babysitting! Set your minimum hours to get on the same page with your babysitting family from the start. Plus, enjoy these added benefits:
Consistency
Avoid babysitting for too little time.
Fair Compensation
Get paid fairly for your time and effort.
Professionalism
Respect your time and the family’s needs.
Average babysitting hours
We collected 5 months of historical data from SitterTree to help you understand how your hours fit into the larger picture.
- Most single babysitting jobs are 3 hours long.
- The average single babysitting job is 5 hours. That means there are plenty of jobs under 5 hours, and plenty over 5 hours.
- Single babysitting jobs range from 30 minutes to 95 hours.
- 30 minute jobs may be coverage for a quick errand.
- Jobs over 8-10 hours could include helping out with weekend trips.
Based on this data, a 3-hour minimum policy is a great place to start for most sitters.
Current as of Jun 1, 2025.
Looking for your next babysitting gig?
If you’re wondering how to get babysitting jobs, rest assured-it doesn’t have to be a challenge!
- Create a profile on one of the best apps for babysitting jobs.
- Then, search for a family and schedule that fits.
- Connect with families on social networking websites or through word-of-mouth.
- Sign up for SitterTree-where you’ll connect with tons of quality families in your community. Your babysitting rates and minimum hours policies are displayed on your SitterTree profile, so families know what to expect right away. On SitterTree, you have all the tools you need to grow your child care career.
Ready to find babysitting jobs that meet your needs? Create your profile at the link below to browse jobs.
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You’ve spent a few beautiful weeks (hopefully months!) in your newborn bubble. But now, it’s time to start your new life-whether that means heading back into the workforce…or just back into the world.
To support this transition, you need a reliable child care solution. Whether it’s for your first baby or your fifth, choosing the right child care can feel overwhelming. When it comes to hiring a babysitter vs nanny-what’s the difference? Our guide will help you understand the key differences between a babysitter and a nanny, and how to select the right kind of care for your family.
Key takeaways
- Babysitters provide one-off, short-term child care.
- Nannies provide regular, long-term child care.
- Nannies might take on more responsibilities than babysitters, but not always.
What is a babysitter?
A babysitter is a caregiver who provides short-term child care-usually for date nights, errands, and outings. On average, babysitters work for 3-5 hours per day*, or less than 15 hours per week. However, some may offer overnight and longer-term child care.
Typically, you’ll pay your babysitter an hourly rate without benefits. Babysitters usually provide care for children under 4 years old, but they can also assist into the teenage years.
Many babysitters have key attributes, including flexibility and fewer hours. But keep in mind: all babysitters are different. Expectations should always be communicated clearly.
Flexible and typically younger
Babysitters tend to be younger individuals gaining real-world work experience. Many are high school or college students. Because of this, babysitters generally have broad availability and flexible schedules.
Short-term, hourly basis
Babysitters are typically hired for specific hours at a predetermined hourly rate. Hourly rates vary by region and services. For instance, a babysitter in New York City expected to do light housework may charge more than a babysitter in Charlotte with no additional work requirements.
- To determine how much to pay a babysitter per hour, start by learning the average babysitting rate in your state. You can use this information as a starting point when building your budget for childcare.
- Most parents hire babysitters for 3-15 hours per week, or about 12-60 hours per month. Your babysitter cost per month will depend on your babysitter’s hourly rate.
- Most babysitters expect payment within 24 hours of job completion. Babysitting apps like SitterTree make this easy with in-app payments and reminders.
- Even if you hire a babysitter, you may be obligated to pay a ‘nanny tax’. In 2025, you’re subject to a nanny tax if you pay your sitter more than $2,800 in a year. If you’re approaching this threshold, you and your babysitter may need to file specific tax forms.
Personality that fits your family
While many babysitters are high-energy, it’s important to select a babysitter with a personality that suits your family. For instance, if you have a sensitive and quiet newborn, you may seek out a babysitter with a sweet and gentle personality. If your toddler loves water play and outdoor games, you might opt for a more outgoing sitter. Take notes of prospective babysitters’ personalities and interests when interviewing.
Limited household responsibilities
Babysitters are generally only responsible for cleaning up after themselves and your children. They don’t typically take on household chores beyond what’s related to their time spent with your children.
Basic safety and first aid
While many babysitters are CPR-certified or have basic first aid training, their experience
can vary. Babysitting apps like SitterTree make it easy to see which sitters have the certifications you need.
Adaptable and flexible
Since babysitters are hired on an as-needed basis, they tend to be more flexible and available for last-minute needs.
Primarily in-home care
Babysitters usually work in the family’s home, though you may find some that prefer to work in their own home.
Still not sure if a babysitter vs nanny is right for your family? Learn more about the role and responsibilities of a nanny below.
What is a nanny?
A nanny is a caregiver who provides regular, long-term child care. They generally provide consistent, weekly child care-ranging from part-time to full-time.
Nannies may take on additional responsibilities around the house, as well as handling pick-ups, drop-offs, or errands. Typically, they provide child care for children under 4 years old. On average, nannies work for 6-10 hours per day*, or 20+ hours per week. Many nannies offer overnight or extended child care as needed.
Payment for your nanny can be hourly or salary-based, but most nannies expect benefits and PTO. Nannies are considered household employees. It’s important to learn about tax implications and your role as an employer before hiring a nanny.
Still wondering: what’s the difference between a nanny and a babysitter? Read on to learn more about nannies and their responsibilities.
Dedicated child care professional
Nannies are often career child care providers, bringing formal experience or training in early childhood development. Their specialties can help your child grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
Structured and reliable schedule
Nannies typically work on a set schedule, providing consistent care on a part or full-time basis. Hiring a nanny is ideal for families who need regular care during the week.
Customized care plans
Nannies can tailor daily routines to your child’s needs, incorporating meals, naps, educational activities, and more. This personalized approach helps support your child’s development.
Additional household responsibilities
Nannies often handle light household tasks related to child care, such as preparing meals, doing laundry, or organizing toys and play areas. This extra help can make day-to-day life easier for busy parents.
Strong communication skills
Nannies typically provide updates and check-ins with parents to keep everyone up to speed with the child’s needs and progress.
Long-term, family-like bond
Nannies spend a lot of time with your family, which has a welcome side effect-deep, meaningful relationships. Nannies often become a trusted and beloved part of your child’s life, long after they’re no longer needed.
Higher compensation reflects their role
You should expect to pay an hourly rate or a salary for a nanny. Nanny rates can be higher than babysitter rates, since they take on more responsibilities, bring more experience, and work on a more regular basis. As a household employee, many nannies expect a contract with packages including benefits, paid time off, sick leave, and more.
Since nannies are typically hired by parents who work full-time, many parents weigh the cost of a nanny vs daycare to help make their child care decision. The cost of daycare is usually significantly lower than hiring a nanny, but enrolling your child in daycare comes with its own pros and cons.
Hiring a nanny can be an investment in your family’s future-nannies often work with families for several years until the children are school-aged.
Comparing Babysitters Nannies Hourly rates $18/hour* (based on a nationwide average-be sure to check your state) $24/hour* (based on a nationwide average-be sure to check your state) Number of hours 3-15/week 20-40/week Number of children Varies, but usually 3 children or less Varies, but usually 3 children or less Age range of children Typically 4 years and under, but can extend to pre-teen and teenage years Typically 4 years and under Payment schedule By the hour $824/week* (based on 40 hours/week, before taxes) Employment status Temporary, but sometimes regular Regular Tax forms required Yes, if paid over $2800/year Yes Duties beyond child care Sometimes, as agreed upon Yes, can include meal prep, housework, pick-ups, drop-offs and errands 
Is a babysitter or nanny best for your family?
The number of hours you need child care per week is the biggest factor to consider when selecting a babysitter vs nanny.
If you need care for:
- Occasional date nights
- One-off events
- Appointments or errands
- A once or twice weekly time block (like after school care)
…then a babysitter might be right for you.
If you need care:
- While one or both parents work
- Consistently for more than 20+ hours per week
- For an extended period of time
…then a nanny might be right for you. Ultimately, choosing between a babysitter and a nanny depends on your family’s unique schedule and lifestyle. Once you’ve decided what type of child care you need, you can easily find a babysitter or nanny on one of the best babysitting apps.
Sign Up Today & SaveSources
*Based on 5 months of historical data from SitterTree job listings.
**Rate data based on 2025 data from ZipRecruiter (https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Nanny-Salary, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Babysitter-Job-Salary)
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Our children are our most priceless possessions. I don’t know anyone who would dispute that fact. Our job as church leaders is to provide a safe, welcoming place for these children to come experience the goodness of God.
No matter your church size, planning child care and children’s programming is a large part of the gig. So how do you ensure the children left in your care are being cared for, protected and poured into week after week? The answer to that is relatively simple…paid child care.
Volunteer-led Children’s Ministry
Currently, the majority of churches, regardless of size, rely heavily on volunteers to staff their children’s ministry areas. Volunteering is no small ask. Our families are busier now than they have ever been.
Ohio State college conducted a study examining burnout rates in parents in 2022 and found that more than 57% of parents are actively experiencing burnout. Commitments to work, children, social lives, PTA boards and so much more have left our families desperate for respite and hungry for help. Then those same families come to church and are asked to give more of themselves for the sake of the Kingdom. It is hard. It takes vision casting and solid relationships. It takes time.
While you are building that volunteer bench, so to speak, what do you do? Another Sunday is always around the corner. Children’s Ministry is not an area you can backfill or ask just anyone to jump into. It’s essential for anyone present in your Children’s Ministry or Church Nursery to be carefully and thoroughly screened.
Volunteer Benefits
The most obvious pro to volunteer-led Children’s Ministry areas is cost effective buy in from your congregants. While volunteers are not free (think cost for care and training), they do seem to be the more cost-effective option when compared to paid child care. Additionally, as ministry leaders, we want buy-in from our congregation. Church leaders don’t want a congregation who views the church as a “one-stop shop” to get what they need and get out. The hope is that congregants see the overall vision of the church and are so on fire for what the Lord is doing, they can’t help but join in.
Volunteer ChallengesIf you are currently in a position where your Sunday morning or weekday evening is solely staffed by volunteers, you have likely experienced a few common challenges :
- Finding the right volunteers: As mentioned, recruiting volunteers is a long game. As ministry leaders, we want volunteers who are excited to serve alongside us and our mission for the ministry-as opposed to being guilted into service. To create that excitement, you must have time to create strategy, cast vision, and create opportunities to serve.
- Screening your volunteers: Children’s Ministry is the one team you can’t backfill. Background checks must be run in advance and additional safeguards must be put in place to protect our children.
- Planning for backup volunteers:, Despite your best efforts to schedule, community, and plan, callouts and cancellations are a weekly occurrence.Your Plan B (and C, D, E, F) is always on the forefront of your mind when managing volunteers.
Once you’ve found the right volunteers, screened them, and scheduled them, your time and effort shifts to caring for them: making them feel seen, valued and appreciated. Caring for your Children’s Ministry volunteers is essential to ensure they don’t experience burn out in your ministry.
Caring for your Children’s Ministry Volunteers
Volunteer care may involve weekly encouragement, meeting up for coffee and/or lunch, holding events to thank them and so much more. Managing and caring for church volunteers is at least a part time job, if not a full time role depending on the size of your church.On average, congregants consider themselves active church members if they attend church once a month. For instance, let’s say our congregants attend twice a month. With ten rooms needing to be filled every week, two people per room to uphold ministry safe expectations as well as to abide by ratios, you are looking at 20 volunteers for any given Sunday. If congregants attend twice a month, we can assume they are not serving both times they are attending. So a congregant will serve once per month. This means, you could, in theory, be recruiting 80 different volunteers a month.
I have yet to find a ministry leader with the bandwidth to recruit, train and effectively care for that many different volunteers each month. And as your Children’s Ministry grows, so will the dedicated time required to recruit, train, onboard, and care for your increasing number of volunteers. Where does that leave us? It leaves us with a major deficit and concern for consistent, reliable and quality controlled child care.
Paid Child Care BenefitsWhat if you had a way to alleviate some of the responsibility on your volunteers?
If there’s one thing I’ve observed in my years of Children’s Ministry, it’s that parents of children 0-5 years old are in survival mode. Regardless of how many additional children are at home, these parents are all working to survive learning their new little one during a time when the physical exhaustion is real.
What would it look like in your church to give families the gift of not needing to serve until preschool, kindergarten, or elementary? Supplementing volunteers with paid child care could be just what your young families need to catch their breath in this season of life.
At Peachtree Church, this has absolutely been the case. We provide a space for our exhausted young families to come on Sunday morning, and entrust their child(ren) to background-checked, experienced, quality child care providers who delight in holding babies and playing with toddlers, while mom and dad are free to attend to service and receive spiritual nourishment.
These families are released from additional pressure on Sunday mornings as they get their footing. They don’t have to be concerned about their ability to manage six crying babies at once when it is their turn to volunteer. All they have to worry about on Sunday mornings is being present. What a gift that is.
Three priorities for Children’s MinistryAs Children’s Ministry leaders, we need three things for our ministry to run smoothly: reliability, consistency, and quality control. There is nothing worse than waking up Sunday morning to several texts from volunteers calling out. Nothing worse…except for begging people via text on Thursday afternoon to fill a need over the weekend, only to be shot down again and again.
Reliability
Every Children’s Ministry needs reliable volunteers and/or paid staff to function. Peachtree Church has found paid child care providers to significantly reduce the stress of frequent cancellations. I cannot begin to tell you the blessing it is to know that our nursery ministry is covered every week thanks to paid child care. All I have to do is post the number of positions I need on SitterTree at the beginning of the month, and then choose from a list of qualified, experienced, background-checked candidates.
Consistency
Once you have a bench of reliable volunteers and/or paid child care willing and available to serve in your church nursery, you can start to tackle consistency. We know that consistency is the foundation for felt safety for both children and adults.
When we have a new family enter our ministry, the best advice I can give to them related to drop-off is to be consistent with church. We feel safe when we show up week after week knowing what to expect, and not being surprised by major changes. Children operate the same way. Consistency equals safety equals comfortability.
As much as children crave consistency-so do I, as a Children’s Ministry leader. Our Children’s Ministry runs far more smoothly when volunteers and/or paid child care providers know the names of families and kiddos, understand the schedule, and know the drop-off/pick-up protocols for our church.
Quality Control
Quality control looks different for each ministry team. In preschool or elementary ministry, you will be looking for all your volunteers/teachers to be aligned with the curriculum being taught. In outward-facing ministry teams you will be looking for volunteers to be hospitable, knowledgeable and kind. In the music ministry, you will want volunteers who have musical abilities that match that of your team. So, what does it look like in church nursery ministry? You are looking for teachers who are consistent and reliable, and even more than that, experienced and comfortable caring for young children.
Children’s Ministry teams need volunteers and paid child care providers who understand child development, who know how to calm a child down, who are experienced in separation anxiety and who love being around young kids. In short, you want volunteers/paid child care providers who want to be there-and have the necessary experience to be there.You want individuals with knowledge of infants and experience working with your youngest and most vulnerable littles. As we have agreed, our children are our most prized possessions and caring for them well must be our top priority.
So, what does it take to secure the right child care for your church?
In conclusion, what is the solution for finding reliable, consistent, quality individuals in your nursery or children’s ministry? The answer is likely a mix of volunteers and paid child care. While volunteers may support your church nursery to an extent, paid child care can ease the burden on children’s ministry leaders to have reliable, consistent and quality volunteers ready to go week after week. Additionally, it can ease the burden for your families who are desperate for rest.
With paid child care, you have the opportunity to increase your ministry’s success by showing families the consistency, reliability and quality control they are looking for when it comes to their children.
If you’re ready to try paid child care, SitterTree may be right for your church. SitterTree for churches offers children’s ministry staff an easy way to find, book, and pay experienced child care providers who are aligned with your church safeguarding policies, including background checks, ID verifications, and many child care providers who have completed sexual abuse prevention training through organizations like Ministry Safe. Let SitterTree partner with you to take your ministry to new heights. Sunday is coming, book today.
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