Frequently Asked Questions for Babysitters.

What is BABYSITTERS4U?

It is simply the easiest way for a babysitter or nanny to find work, or in fact for work to find you! It is an online introduction site for babysitters, nannies and parents. We are not an agency. Once you have registered you are entered on our database and parents can then find you when they search for babysitters and you can find parents when they place offers of work. We put you together, you do the rest!

Is it free to register?

Yes! It is free for babysitters and nannies to register.

What are parents looking for?

Parents want caring responsible people who they can trust with their children. The more you can do to demonstrate this through your profile, the more chance you have of getting regular work. Check our help section for tips on how to best show your qualities as a carer.

How do I get work?

You will receive emails via the BABYSITTERS4U website from parents who are interested in employing you. All you need to do is check your emails regularly for messages from BABYSITTERS4U parents then reply directly to them via email, or phone if they have supplied a telephone number and set up a meeting. We recommend you meet the parents first before accepting any work so you can both make sure you are suited to each other.

In addition, parents can place work offers on the website, which you can see once you are registered, by searching the database for parents offers of work in your area. If you see an offer which suits you simply send them an email.


What can I do to increase my chances of getting work?

Every time you log onto the BABYSITERS4U website (recommended on a weekly basis) you automatically go to the top of the list for the area in which you are registered. This means your profile will be the first seen by parents searching the site. By checking the website for work posted by parents and keeping your profile current with any new qualifications, experience or availability, parents will see you are enthusiastic and willing to work.

What happens if I don't log onto BABYSITTERS4U?

We need to make sure that our database has up to date information for parents to access. In order to do this, if you haven't logged onto the website for 2 months you will be sent an email advising you to do so, to check your profile is current and stay registered. If you do not log on within a further week your profile will be deleted. If you are going on holiday you can make your profile inactive, (refer to active/inactive in FAQs) in which case the time you are inactive will not be counted towards the 2 month period. If your profile is deleted and you wish to reregister, no problem it is always free for babysitters and nannies to register!

How much should I charge?

The amount that is reasonable to charge varies depending on a variety of factors. Your experience, qualifications and additional duties you are willing to carry out will all affect your pay rate. Also the number of children and when you will be responsible for them will be important. Obviously you can expect to be paid more if you are looking after 2 preschool children in the evening when they need bathing and feeding as opposed to simply looking after them when they are in bed and asleep. A flexible approach is best and you can negotiate with the parents depending on the individual situation. In the pay rate box on the registration form you can select $NEG. meaning pay rate negotiable.

Check with friends who are child carers or parents you know, to get an idea of what is reasonable.

The hours I can work varies on different days. How can I show this on my profile?

On the registration form, under the type of work you are looking for section, there is a box to indicate when you are available or not. Simply type in the hours you are available. You can change these any time by logging in and selecting the edit profile button.

I want to change details of my profile what do I do?

Login, click on the "edit profile" button, make the changes then click on the "update profile" button.

What does 'active' or 'inactive' mean in my profile?

If you select 'active your profile will be seen by parents searching for babysitters. If you select 'inactive it means that your profile will not show up on any parent search. This way you can choose to make yourself available for work or not, for example if you go on holiday you can select inactive while you are away and active when you come back.

I want my personal details to be private, what do I do?

You don't have to do anything. Babysitters4u keeps all your personal details such as your address phone number and email confidential. Parents only see your work profile. All emails are sent via our website so your email address is never seen. When you reply to the parents it is up to you to decide to give out your phone/mobile number.

What is a police check and how do I get one?

A police check is a commonly used term to describe obtaining a copy of your criminal and traffic convictions record from the Ministry of Justice. Obviously if you have none this will show as a clean record, which you can show parents or any other employer. In many workplaces it is now common practice for employers to request this information as part of the selection process for job applicants. If you would like to get one for yourself go to the link under "Babysitter resources" and follow the instructions.

Is this site for babysitters or nannies?

Both. Babysitters can set their profiles to request work in the evenings. Nannies can set their profiles to request work for days and nights - whenever they are available to work.

What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?

There really isn't a clear cut answer. At one end of the scale you could say a nanny is an experienced person who provides childcare for a living. A nanny often has some professional qualification and training. At the other end of the scale you could say a babysitter mostly does evening work. However there is a large area in the middle where you could be one or the other.

Can I work for more than 1 family?

Absolutely. It's up to you.