You need to find a babysitter ASAP. This is somewhere we’ve all been. You plan a last-minute date night with your hubby or the regular sitter bails day of a work event, and now you are handcuffed to your house. Luckily, since 2010, Sittercity has been bailing out parents across the US. Sittercity is the market leader in general caretaking & the most trusted resource in care for children, pets and elderly. In fact, this is the space that invented the online sitter game.

How do I get started?

It is seriously so easy. All you do is go to this website and sign up giving your basic information and postal code. You will also need to say what and who you are looking for and give a brief description. Once this step is done, you are free and clear to access the database of available childcare providers & post details of the job you require. Then, let the applications start pouring in. This platform works quickly, within an hour of posting I had two very qualified and legit applications. You’ll find a babysitter in no time!

Where do I even begin?

There are two ways to find a babysitter through Sittercity:

Passive search: This is the most basic of the two. All you need to do is post a description of what you are looking for and wait for the candidates to come to you.

Proactive search: This is a more specific and detailed option. You will refine the search criteria by adding in exactly what you are looking for, such as availability, distance, nonsmoker etc. You also have the option to make the criteria even more specific by noting exactly what the job entails such as potty training, laundry, housework, pets.

How do I know my kids are safe?

You aren’t going to just hand over your most prized possession without doing your due diligence first. Sittercity suggests users go through a four-step security process, which allows parents to rest assured that their kids are in safe hands. First up, is an internal feedback system that all users have access to, which will show verified reviews from other people. Trust your gut here, but if a user has 5 positive reviews, chances are they are solid. Then, you are invited to conduct personal interviews, which you should do in any case. From there, you will be able to check references and request a thorough background check be completed via Sittercity. These background checks cost $15, but there is a pretty good chance you won’t ever have to pay for one. Most applicants will get them done on their own but, those who haven’t will likely have one already in their profile that another user has paid for. These steps allow you to make the most informed hiring decisions.

How much do I have to pay?

There are two levels of membership: basic and premium.  Basic is free and allows you to post very limited jobs. Think of it as your chance to test drive the service. Premium is the way to go and well worth the fee because it gives you access to the full security process. If you are looking for ways to cut monthly costs to buy the premium membership, check out Trim, a platform that saves on your monthly bills! Another perk of Sittercity is that they are endorsed by the US Department of Defense, which gives the service a ton of credibility. To top it off, if you are a military family, you get the premium service for free. The price can be a bit steep, especially since you still must pay for a babysitter but keep checking the website because Sittercity often has good deals. Right now, if you sign up, you get 30% off your membership. Now we’re talking! Interested in ways to save money so you can hire a sitter for more date nights? Check out our TOP receipt scanner apps!

In Summary…

• Huge time saver

• Reliable

• All you need is a computer or phone & the internet.

• The website has a community feel, with detailed profiles & feedback from the other parents

• You’re sent tips and tricks of the trade. For example, how to interview a candidate or introduce your kids to a sitter will be sent straight to your e-mail.

Final thoughts…

This is a great platform; it saves time & can help parents out of a jam. But, keep in mind, this is like Ebay or Amazon. You are given a ton of options, and you have the tools to properly vet everyone, but you must do the leg work by interviewing & making sure background checks are done. It is up to you, ultimately, to properly and thoroughly use the tools that Sittercity gives you.