Ready for a long-overdue date night or a special event, but stuck without childcare? Family isn’t always nearby or available, so here’s your go-to guide for finding a babysitter or nanny around Sydney’s North Shore…
Finding the right babysitter or nanny can feel overwhelming—after all, you’re trusting someone with your most precious people. Whether you’re after an occasional sitter for a night out or a regular nanny to support your family long-term, there are plenty of ways to connect with trusted carers.
From professional agencies that do all the screening for you, to apps and online platforms that make finding help just a click away, to local Facebook groups and good old-fashioned word of mouth, there’s an option to suit every family’s needs. Here’s your complete guide to finding the right fit.
Where to find a babysitter or nanny?
Not sure where to start the search for your next babysitter? We have several options to help you find your next Mary Poppins.
Agency
If you’re looking for a long-term, regular babysitter/nanny to look after the kids, an agency could be the right way to go. Here are some of the benefits of going with an agency:
- They screen all the candidates, which means they conduct all the necessary checks and have already held interviews before adding the babysitter to their books.
- You are generally covered for last-minute babysitting when needed.
- Saves you the search!
Of course, the downside comes in the form of fees, but it can be well worth it for the convenience.
Some of the most popular agencies out there include:
Apps
Of course, living in the 21st Century, there’s also an app for that! Here are some great ones to help you find a sitter…
- Juggle Street: create an account in minutes, and you can start connecting with trusted babysitters. It’s essentially an online community of babysitters that you can access for an annual fee (starting at $120 per year).
- Kiddo App: Connects parents to local, verified babysitters and nannies on the Sydney North Shore. It’s free to sign up and search, with no membership or fees! If you do book a regular nanny, they charge $49 for the search.
- Sittr: this app aims to connect babysitters and nannies in your area. It’s also free to join and get matched with the best sitters for you.
Online
There are several websites you can use to find a nanny or babysitter, which sit somewhere between an agency and finding a local on Facebook. Here are some great websites for you to check out:
- We Need A Nanny: You can join this site for free to check if there are any caregivers in your area before deciding whether or not to sign up.
- Find a Babysitter: search their database, post a job, choose your babysitter.
- Babysits: Babysits is one of the largest babysitting platforms in Australia, with a community of over 7 million users worldwide, connecting families with babysitters, nannies, and childminders all in one place.
Parenting in the 21st Century has definitely gone online, connecting mums from all walks of life. There are groups for everything these days, from feeding your baby to meeting local mums. It’s only natural that there are groups for babysitters and nannies, too! Here are just some of the local groups for babysitters in the North Shore area:
- Sydney babysitter now: If you are a family looking for a last-minute babysitter on the North Shore, post your needs!
- Sydney Nannies, Au Pairs, Babysitters & Mothers’ Helpers
- Babysitting/Nannying/AU Pair
- Babysitting/Nannies Hornsby And Surrounding Areas
- North Shore Nanny and Babysitter Jobs Sydney
Join the groups and post your job ad! Here are some details to include:
- When you need babysitting services
- How many children are there, and what are their ages?
- Where you live (just a suburb is enough on a public post)
- What you need from the babysitter: ie WWC. CPR, etc (more on this below)
- How you want them to contact you: you can ask people to comment on the post or PM you.
Ask for recommendations from other parents.
You also can’t beat recommendations from fellow mums for babysitters on the North Shore. Next time you are at school pick-up, ask around and see if anyone has a babysitter they recommend. Here are some other places to keep your eyes and ears peeled:
- Kids’ classes: if your kids attend kids’ classes, there’s no harm in asking any teachers if they also babysit.
- Gym: check out the noticeboard at the gym to see if any local babysitters are advertising.
- Childcare: You can also check if your daycare centre allows staff to look after the kids in the evenings (some have policies against this, so be sure to verify).
What qualifications and skills should a babysitter or nanny have?
Finding a babysitter or nanny is just one step of the process. You also need to know what to look out for when working your way through any candidates. After all, you want to ensure your kids are in good hands while you enjoy a night off!
Working with Children Check
The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW. It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct.
Finding a babysitter who has their Working with Children Check means they have been cleared to work with children for the space of five years (before they need to renew it).
CPR training
Having the proper first aid knowledge can save lives. Knowing that your babysitter can jump into action in an emergency is a great peace of mind while you’re out and about. From choking to head bangs, or even drowning, a CPR course is always worth checking for.
Qualifications
Some babysitters will also have qualifications up their sleeve, while others are doing it as a side hustle while pursuing a different career path. It’s up to you whether you’re specifically looking for someone with qualifications; bear in mind that they will likely charge more.
What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
This is one of those questions that often stumps many parents. Precisely what is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
- A nanny is a career babysitter. They usually have one or two families they look after regularly each week. This is their career.
- A babysitter is a casual position. These are the people you call on for that odd night out!
Of course, nannies can also take on a babysitting role, but you can expect to pay more for their experience and expertise.
How much should I pay a babysitter?
It’s usually up to the babysitter to set their own rate, which can vary depending on several different things, including:
- If they have their own car (and can get to and from the job on their own).
- Any qualifications they hold
- Their age and experience
- How many kids are you expecting them to look after?
You can expect to pay a minimum of $30 per hour for a young babysitter, typically with no formal qualifications.
If you’re looking for more experience, the price will rise to $35-$40 per hour.
What questions should I ask when interviewing a nanny or babysitter?
Let’s face it, we’re all so accustomed to being on the other side of the interview table that it can be daunting to hire someone to look after your kids for the first time.
Whether you’re chatting over the phone, online, or in person, here are some questions you can ask to get to know them a little better:
- What experience do you have with this age group (referring specifically to the ages of your children)?
- Are you comfortable giving them dinner and following their nightly routine?
- Do you hold any qualifications? Working With Children’s Check? CPR training?
- Why are you choosing to work with kids?
- Are you free to meet the kids beforehand (if you’re not already meeting in person)?
Tips to ease the process
Ready to find the perfect babysitter on the North Shore for your family? Here are some tips to help you out:
- Determine whether you’re looking for a babysitter or a nanny: is this a one-time arrangement, or do you need someone regularly (at the same time & days every week)?
- Have a few babysitters in your pool: finding a fabulous babysitter who lives nearby is excellent. Finding a couple you can also use as backup options is even better. When it comes to planning a night out, you can’t always guarantee that your regular babysitter will be free when you need them. Having a couple of options up your sleeve can be very helpful.
- Ask your kids for their opinion: if you’re stuck choosing between a couple of babysitters, ask the kids who they’d like to have over. Having someone who clicks with your kids is essential.
