Jonathan from Amsterdam
“Kids had a good time!”
Booking a babysitter for the first time? These tips will give you confidence
Booking a babysitter for the very first time can feel a bit daunting. It feels like a big step, and many parents experience a bit of a hurdle to get over. Don’t worry, you're not alone! With good preparation, the right approach, and these 4 practical tips, you'll be able to head out the door with confidence.
Tip 1: Meet the babysitter beforehand
Before the babysitter officially starts, it's a good idea to meet in advance. A short introduction helps you get a feel for the babysitter. Make sure the kids are present during the meeting, so they can start getting used to the sitter. This way, you'll quickly know if it’s a good match!
Tip 2: Provide a detailed briefing
When it's the first time someone is watching your children, a thorough briefing is essential. Not just for the babysitter, but for your own peace of mind. Tell the babysitter everything they need to know: what the routines are, what to do if the kids feel unwell and want to call mom or dad, and how to operate the appliances in the house. The more information, the better prepared the babysitter will be, and the more relaxed you’ll feel when heading out.
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Sign upTip 3: Keep it short the first time
For the first babysitting session, it’s a good idea to keep it short. Plan a brief session so you can see how things go and start building trust. After that, you can plan longer sessions with ease. Be sure to leave the house during that first babysitting session, even if it’s just for a quick grocery run nearby. If you stay home, the kids and the babysitter won’t be able to properly adjust to each other.
Tip 4: Don’t book the babysitter when the kids are already asleep
It might be tempting to have the babysitter come when your little ones are already asleep. But how will the kids react if they wake up during the night and don’t recognize the sitter? Instead, have the babysitter around during dinner, bath time, or bedtime. This way, the kids get to know the sitter, and the babysitter gets a proper introduction to the routine.
Check out the Angels' profiles in the app
With these tips, your first babysitting experience will be a lot less nerve-wracking! It’s also good to know that in the Charly Cares app, you can read more about the Angels’ experiences through their profiles, including reviews from other parents they’ve babysat for. Sign up now and discover trustworthy profiles in your area.
Reviews from parents about our Babysitting Angels
Frequently aksed questions about booking a babysitter
How do I find a fixed babysitter?
If you're looking for a babysitter for multiple days per week, we recommend inviting as many Angels as possible for the booking. Create the fixed babysitting reservation yourself, select as many Angels as you can, and post the booking on the Jobboard. This increases the chance lof a successful booking!
For bookings starting from September and lasting a longer period, we advise selecting multiple Angels for 1 to a maximum of 4 times and then discussing whether they can stay for an extended period. We have many students in our database, and they don't yet know their schedules for September in August. Additionally, our experience shows that bookings further in the future are less likely to succeed compared to those happening sooner.
I want to meet the Angel beforehand. How do I arrange that?
Sure! Create a booking for the time you actually need a babysitter. After an Angel has accepted the booking, you can agree to meet through the chat or you can call the Angel directly. If you would prefer to meet in person, you can create a short, two-hour booking to get to know each other.
What types of Babysitting Angels do you offer?
At Charly Cares, you can find several different types of Babysitting Angels. Some Babysitting Angels are available to support a family on a fixed basis, whereas other Babysitting Angels prefer to babysit only occasionally. There is always a babysitter who fits your babysitting needs, whether you are looking for a fixed, after-school, flexible, or last minute babysitter.
We do not have any au pairs or nannies on file. We do have fixed Babysitting Angels who are available to babysit at fixed times every week. Need a babysitter for multiple days every week? In that case, we advise that you book multiple Angels.
Are all Angels screened and what does the screening entail?
Before an Angel can start babysitting via Charly Cares, we meet the Angel personally. 2 references are also checked at first. During the meeting, we dive into motivation, experience and personality. But ultimately, it is up to parent and Angel to judge whether there is a good match between the two parties. We therefore recommend a personal introductory meeting before the Angel comes to babysit.