What to Look for When Choosing a Babysitter: A Parent’s Guide to Smarter Childcare Skip to main content
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What to Look for When Choosing a Babysitter: A Parent’s Guide to Smarter Childcare

Finding the right babysitter can feel like a daunting task—after all, you're handing over the most important part of your life to someone else. Whether you need help a few hours a week or more regular support, choosing the right childcare solution is about more than just availability. It's about trust, training, and finding someone who fits your family.

1. Prioritise Safety and Training

Your babysitter should be more than just “good with kids.” Look for someone who’s trained in child safety and first aid, including CPR for infants and children. This ensures they know how to act quickly in an emergency and gives you peace of mind. Reputable agencies, like Hey Kiddo in Sweden, only work with nannies who are background-checked, safety-certified, and trained to handle everything from minor cuts to major meltdowns.

2. Choose Flexibility Over Convenience

Life with children is rarely predictable. That’s why flexibility should be high on your checklist. Can the babysitter help out on short notice? Are they open to evening shifts or weekend support? Services like Hey Kiddo assign each family a personal contact coordinator, making it easy to adjust your needs as life changes. Whether it’s school pick-ups, last-minute meetings, or summer holiday shifts—flexibility can be just as important as reliability.

3. Understand the True Cost

Hiring childcare informally may seem cheaper, but it can come with hidden costs—both emotional and financial. Think about things like insurance, transport, and the pressure of personal favors. With Hey Kiddo, there’s no awkwardness or fine print—just quality childcare, backed by a team that supports both you and the babysitter.

4. Match Values and Personality

The right babysitter should connect with your child and share your family’s values. Are they calm under pressure? Do they love imaginative play, outdoor time, or structured routines? Hey Kiddo matches each family with a nanny based on personality, interests, and special needs — so your child can build a real relationship, not just a routine.

Choosing childcare is about more than availability – it's about trust, safety, and finding someone who fits your family’s rhythm. With providers like Hey Kiddo – sister company to Studybuddy Läxhjälp (peer tutoring) and Hello Clean (toprated home and stairwell cleaning) – you get peace of mind, flexibility, and a true partner in parenting.