Find Your Perfect Nanny or Babysitter

Full-Service Platforms

Services like Care.com and Sittercity offer comprehensive databases of caregivers with advanced search filters, background checks, and reviews. Best for families seeking long-term, vetted care with extensive selection options. Monthly subscription typically $9.99-$39/month.

On-Demand Apps

Platforms like Bambino and Wyndy provide instant booking for last-minute needs. Ideal for date nights or emergency situations. Pay per booking ($15-25/hour) with no monthly fees. Caregivers are pre-screened and often available within hours.

Premium Networks

Services like UrbanSitter focus on referral-based networks where caregivers come recommended by friends and neighbors. Higher quality caregivers, typically more expensive ($18-30/hour), but with stronger trust signals through your existing social network.

Background Check Verification

All reputable services should offer comprehensive background checks including criminal records, sex offender registries, and motor vehicle reports. Premium services may also verify identity, education, and professional references. Care.com's premium background check ($49.99) is one of the industry's most thorough, covering 7 years of county criminal records across all 50 states.

Review and Rating Systems

Look for platforms with verified reviews from actual families who have hired the caregiver. UrbanSitter excels here by connecting you to sitters within your existing network, showing reviews from people you know. Care.com has the largest review database with over 20 million ratings from families nationwide.

Insurance and Safety Features

Quality platforms provide liability insurance coverage and safety features like GPS tracking, in-app messaging, and emergency support. Wyndy, for example, includes $1 million liability insurance on all bookings. Check whether the service provides support if issues arise during care.

Search Filters and Matching

The best services let you filter by experience level, certifications (CPR, First Aid), special skills (newborn care, special needs), availability, and rate. Care.com offers the most comprehensive filtering with 20+ search criteria including languages spoken, transportation availability, and willingness to do light housework.

Experience and Qualifications

• How many years of childcare experience do you have?
• What age groups have you cared for? (Infants, toddlers, school-age)
• Are you CPR and First Aid certified? When does your certification expire?
• Do you have any specialized training? (Special needs, newborn care, tutoring)

Childcare Philosophy and Approach

• What's your approach to discipline and setting boundaries?
• How do you handle tantrums or challenging behavior?
• What activities do you typically plan for children?
• How much screen time is appropriate in your view?

Practical Considerations

• What is your availability? Can you work weekends or evenings?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Are you comfortable with light housework related to childcare?
• What would you do in a medical emergency?

Q: Should I use an agency or online platform?

Online platforms like Care.com and Sittercity offer more choices and lower costs ($10-40/month) compared to traditional agencies ($2,000-5,000 placement fees). However, agencies provide more vetting and support. For most families, online platforms with thorough background checks offer the best value. We recommend premium services that include comprehensive screening.

Q: How much should I pay my nanny?

National average is $15-22/hour, but rates vary by location, experience, and responsibilities. Urban areas: $18-30/hour. Suburban/rural: $12-18/hour. Full-time nannies often negotiate salaries ($35,000-$65,000/year). Always research local rates and consider experience level, certifications, and additional duties like housework or tutoring.

Q: Do I need to provide taxes and benefits?

If you pay a nanny $2,600+ per year, the IRS considers them a household employee, and you must withhold taxes. This includes Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance. Many families use services like HomePay or Poppins Payroll ($50-100/month) to handle this. For full-time nannies, consider offering paid time off, sick days, and health insurance stipends.

Q: How does Nannys.com help me find caregivers?

We compare all major nanny platforms to help you choose the best service for your needs. We partner with Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, and other leading services, earning affiliate commissions when you sign up through our links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps us maintain this free comparison resource. Our rankings are based on service features, user reviews, safety records, and cost-effectiveness.