Living in a bustling city like New York has its perks and good childcare is one of them. With multiple good options for a good babysitting agency in Brooklyn, you get an abundance of local resources right in your footsteps. In the high-density population, it is much easier to find a reliable sitter.
Whether securing a night time babysitter within your apartment building or organizing a nanny share with neighbors, there are numerous ways to streamline your childcare needs. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for finding reliable childcare solutions close to home, ensuring your peace of mind, and enhancing your urban living experience.
Maximize Brooklyn’s Density for Local Childcare
Living in Brooklyn offers a unique opportunity to find reliable childcare right in your neighborhood. By choosing local options, you avoid the hassles of traffic and transit delays.
Find Help Right in Your Apartment Building
Look for childcare within your own building by asking your doorman for recommendations. Don’t overlook younger overnight babysitters—they might have their mom on call for extra support. For example, a mother-daughter pair in our building has provided reliable care as the daughter grew older.
Leverage Your Neighbors for Childcare Solutions
Neighbors can be a valuable resource for quick errands or short-term care. Consider the family down the hall for babysitting playdates, especially during bad weather, to make managing errands easier.
Create a Chill Spot
Once your kids are in bed, your apartment can become a cozy spot for friends who need a break. It can be a great place for single friends dealing with roommate issues or married friends who need some space. If you invite a friend over to watch Netflix at your place, you can go out for the evening without spending a lot of money.
Also, if you usually pay a lot for a daytime nanny because you have multiple kids, going out after your kids’ bedtime can be cheaper. Many high school and college students would happily earn $15 an hour while your kids sleep, giving them time to do their homework, instead of the $20 an hour needed for active babysitting Brooklyn.
Connect with Top Nannies for Great Recommendations
Consider hiring a pre-teen as a helper during school breaks or after school, which is when you might need extra help. With plenty of NYC transit options, she won’t need a parent to drop her off. She’ll enjoy gaining babysitting experience, your kids will love her youthful energy, and you’ll appreciate the affordable $5-$10/hour rate. Plus, in a few years, she could become a skilled night babysitter who can handle bedtime routines or outings to Central Park.
In the meantime, make friends with top-notch nannies you meet at the playground or library. Look for those who are actively engaged with the kids, not just on their phones, and who are skilled with tasks like feeding, diaper changes, and naps. They might have friends who are also great and looking for babysitting hours.
Share a Nanny with Another Family
Instead of hiring a full-time nanny, consider sharing one with another family. Coordinate the nanny’s hours so you’re not paying for time when your child is at school. For example, the nanny could work mornings for one family and afternoons for another, or switch days to match your work schedule.
Search your social connections
Need more recommendations for a sitter? Let your social circle know you’re looking. If someone you ask isn’t available, they might know someone who is. Try asking:
- Your child’s teacher
- Your current sitter’s roommates
- Sunday school volunteers
- Childcare workers at your gym
- Alumni from your college
- College babysitting NYC groups
- Your sorority’s local chapter
- Co-workers
- Friends who are currently unemployed
- babysitter New York you meet at school pick-up
- Neighborhood moms groups
To Sum Up
As your need for childcare and sitter availability change, revisit your search regularly. You won’t have to start over from scratch each time. Keep looking until you find the right sitter for you. That perfect babysitter might be just a few conversations or a few blocks away.