For sitters

Build a babysitting
business you love.

Six practical guides — profile tips, safety basics, five-star reviews, and more — to help you stand out across Chicago.

Browse guidesCreate profile →
3×
more views with a photo
5 min
early = better first impression
3–5
regulars for stable income
Six guides

Everything you need
to know.

01

Build a Strong Profile

  • Use a clear, friendly headshot — profiles with photos get 3× more views
  • Write a bio in the first person; parents want to hear your voice
  • List your experience and any relevant training you have completed
  • Specify age groups and any special needs experience
02

Set Your Rate

  • Browse sitter profiles in your neighborhood to get a sense of typical rates
  • Start competitive, update your rate as you build more reviews
  • Note your rate for multiple children on your profile
  • Your experience and certifications are worth reflecting in your rate
03

Earn Five-Star Reviews

  • Arrive 5 minutes early — first impressions set the tone
  • Send a brief update text to parents mid-booking if they're out
  • Leave the home as tidy as you found it
  • Follow the family's routine exactly — nap times, screen rules, diet
04

Child Safety Basics

  • Know the address and nearest hospital before parents leave
  • Never share the family's location or schedule on social media
  • Have parents' contact info plus one emergency backup number
  • Follow the family's house rules and emergency procedures exactly
05

Engage & Document

  • Take a few fun photos during activities — parents love receiving these
  • Keep a simple log for long bookings: meals, naps, moods
  • Prepare one age-appropriate activity in advance
  • Ask parents about any fears or comfort objects before they leave
06

Grow Your Business

  • Keep your availability calendar updated — showing as available boosts search ranking
  • Ask happy parents to leave a review right after a booking
  • Build relationships with 3–5 regular families for reliable recurring income
  • Active profiles with recent bookings rank higher in search results
Ready to start?

Create your sitter profile
today.

Join Chicago families looking for trusted, local babysitters — no fees, no middleman.