Child care is one of the largest recurring expenses for many families, and while daycare often tops the list, babysitting can quietly become a hefty monthly cost. Whether you need regular coverage for work or just occasional date nights, the hourly rates for sitters—plus transportation and extras—can quickly add up.
The good news is you don’t have to give up quality care or peace of mind to keep costs manageable. With a few smart strategies, you can save money on babysitting and still ensure your kids are in safe, happy hands. Here’s how.
Share a Sitter With Another Family
One of the most effective ways to cut babysitting costs is to split them.
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Try a nanny share for evenings. If you and a friend both need occasional coverage, hire the same sitter to watch your kids together at one house.
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Agree on logistics ahead of time—snacks, bedtime, who hosts, and how costs are divided.
Your hourly rate might go up slightly for the sitter handling more kids, but when split between two families, it’s typically much cheaper than hiring separate sitters.
Swap Child Care With Friends or Neighbors
Instead of paying at all, try a babysitting swap.
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Pair up with parents you trust. You watch their kids one evening; they return the favor another.
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This is perfect for date nights or weekend errands when you don’t want to add another expense.
It builds community and gives your kids extra playmates too.
Be Flexible With Timing
Babysitters often charge higher rates for late nights or last-minute requests.
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Try scheduling your outings earlier in the evening, or for afternoons, when sitters might be more available at standard rates.
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Give as much notice as possible—sitters may offer a lower rate if they can plan ahead and fill their week.
Avoiding peak demand times saves money and gives you your pick of sitters.
Hire a Mother’s Helper for Certain Situations
If you just need someone to play with the kids while you work from home or handle chores, consider a mother’s helper.
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These are often younger teens (13–15) who aren’t ready for solo babysitting but can keep kids entertained under your supervision.
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Their rates are typically much lower than full babysitters.
This option works well for daytime help when you’re still nearby.
Provide Meals and Transportation
Some sitters charge more if they have to buy their own meals or arrange rides late at night.
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Offer dinner or snacks so they don’t pick up food on their own (and tack it onto their charge).
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Drive your sitter home if it’s late—this small kindness might help you negotiate a slightly lower hourly rate, since it’s one less Uber or bus they’ll pay for.
It also builds goodwill, which pays off in flexibility and loyalty.
Book Longer Shifts Less Often
If you regularly hire a sitter for short windows—like one or two hours at a time—consider consolidating.
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Sitters often prefer longer gigs and may give a small discount if they know they’re guaranteed a four-hour shift instead of several short bookings.
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This also minimizes transportation costs if you’re paying mileage or covering rides.
It’s easier on your schedule too—batch errands or outings together.
Look for Sitters Through Trusted Local Networks
Agencies and online platforms often charge booking fees or set higher minimums.
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Instead, ask friends, coworkers, or local parent groups for sitter recommendations.
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High school or college students nearby might charge less than professional sitters booked through an app.
You’ll save on platform fees and usually pay a more competitive rate.
Keep Kids on a Predictable Routine
A calm, structured evening often translates to simpler (and slightly cheaper) care.
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If your sitter can count on easy dinners, quiet reading time, and kids who go to bed on time, they’re more likely to keep rates reasonable.
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Sitters might even reduce charges if they know half the evening is just sitting quietly while the kids sleep.
It also makes it easier to hire less experienced sitters for low-stress nights.
Use Tax Savings If You Can
In some countries, or through employer benefits, babysitting can qualify for dependent care accounts or tax credits.
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Check with your employer about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) that let you pay for child care with pre-tax dollars.
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Keep receipts—some casual babysitting costs qualify for child care tax credits when you file.
It’s not a direct discount, but the tax savings put real money back in your pocket.
Be Honest About Your Budget
If you have a sitter you like, it doesn’t hurt to be upfront.
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Let them know you’re hoping to stick within a certain rate, and ask if that works for them. Many sitters will agree to slightly lower rates for steady, predictable work, especially if your kids are easy.
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Offer perks like booking them regularly or giving them plenty of notice—this reliability often outweighs a higher occasional rate.
Building a good relationship goes a long way.
Babysitting costs can quietly become a big monthly expense, but with a little creativity, you can keep them under control. By sharing sitters, swapping with friends, being smart about scheduling, and using local networks, you’ll find ways to pay less without ever compromising your child’s safety and happiness.
The key is to focus on trust and open communication—both with the sitters you hire and the fellow parents you might team up with. That way, you’ll save money while building a supportive community, giving your kids loving, attentive care every time you step out.
