8 Benefits of Hiring a Babysitter Over Other Childcare Options

In today’s day and age, there are several childcare options for parents like you. From after-school programs to nannies, the options are plentiful. However, for many families, babysitters are the way to go. While other options might work depending on the situation, babysitters come with a bunch of benefits.

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1. Flexible hours

Many babysitters are high school or college students who are looking to make some extra money. They often get out of school before your child does, so they are able to come over and help your family fill the gaps between the kids getting out of school and you coming home from work. They may also be available to help out nights and weekends if you have plans you want to do. This flexibility allows them not to need a consistent schedule like nannies might.

2. Low maintenance

If you hire a nanny, they will likely need payroll and taxes set up so they can be on the books. While this is done for the protection of you and the nanny, it can be a lot of work, especially if you are not familiar with this process. Most of the time, babysitters are paid under the table and do not require payroll or taxes to be set up. However, it is best to check with your local laws to be sure you are doing things correctly.

3. Cost

In many cases, babysitters do not have the same amount of responsibilities and certifications as nannies do. They also do not work for an after-school program or work as many hours as other childcare options. As such, they are less expensive than other childcare options. This will help save your family money, especially if you do not make enough to cover traditional childcare options. They may request an increase in their pay if they obtain certain certifications or take on additional responsibilities, but, for the most part, they are the least expensive childcare option.

4. Last-minute option

Even if you do have other childcare options in place, there is always the chance that they will fall through for any number of reasons. In these instances, babysitters can be a great last-minute option if you are in a pinch. Ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations or use a website like Wyndi to find a fully vetted babysitter. While it is ideal that you meet your babysitter before their first shift with you, it may not always work out like this.

5. Personal attention and care

Babysitters are in a position to offer your child personalized attention and care. Daycares have multiple kids, and staff members are not able to give each child one-on-one care every minute of every day. Babysitters are able to give your child individual attention without having to focus on other children in their care. This allows them to focus solely on your child’s activities and routines without splitting their attention between other kids. Because of this, the babysitter can have a deeper understanding of your child’s development and milestones as they continue to grow and experience new things.

6. Familiar environment

For kids who have never been cared for by anyone but their parents, going to daycare can be overwhelming. Not only are there new people like staff members and other kids, but the environment is new to them as well. This can be scary. However, if you bring in a babysitter to watch your child in your home, they get to stay in a familiar environment, which can help ease their nerves, even if they may be a bit scared of being in the care of a new person. You can bring the babysitter in to meet the child while you are there to help mitigate the anxiety that may arise when meeting the new person.

7. Consistency and routine

Turnover rates in daycare settings tend to be high. Staff members come and go frequently, and even if they stay for a while, they may alternate their shifts. This can be stressful for kids, especially ones who absolutely need their routines to be consistent. Babysitters can help create this consistency and routine in your childcare. While your babysitter may get sick or have to take a day off, they are likely going to be sticking around for a while to watch your child.

8. Health and safety

Daycare settings are known for being a place where illness runs rampant. Once one child in the daycare comes in sick, it is likely that all of the kids will catch the illness. This is less of a risk if you hire a babysitter to come to your home to care for your child. Also, if your child has allergies, there is always a possibility of your child coming in contact with their allergen, no matter how careful the daycare is. The babysitter coming to your house will be able to be super attentive and know exactly what the child’s allergens are so they can avoid certain foods and be mindful to wash their hands.

While there are several childcare options available, babysitting has many benefits that make it the best choice over the other options.