How much should I pay for a babysitter in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The national typical hourly rate of babysitters in 2024 is 21.50 per hour. Rates can vary based on your babysitter's experience, certifications, and travel expenses. When calculating the cost of child care, you should also account for the number of children they'll care for and additional responsibilities like household tasks or homework help. Learn more about how to set competitive babysitting rates for attracting the best babysitters.

How do I find a babysitter for my kids in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The best way to find babysitters near you is to post a job detailing your needs on Sittercity, which will be shared with our community of available babysitters. We'll notify you when sitters apply to your job, and from there you can proceed with interviews, background checks, and reference checks so you can find the perfect fit for your family.

What kind of babysitters can I find in {{city}}, {{state}}?

You can find experienced and passionate babysitters near you to provide the best care for your child, either in-home or virtually. Babysitters can help families with managing strict schedules, transportation to activities, homework help, last-minute coverage, date nights, and more. Whatever occasion you're looking to find a babysitter for, including full-time, part-time, or last-minute care, you can count on Sittercity for finding passionate and experienced babysitters.

How do families hire trustworthy babysitters in {{city}}, {{state}}?

Families find trustworthy babysitters on Sittercity who are passionate about providing safe and enriching care for their children. Many babysitters report they are First Aid and CPR certified to provide the best care for your family. Babysitters have the option to complete regular background checks, and you can easily request a recent background check if they don’t have one or it is not recent. Families can also request to see professional references! Our dedicated team also champions safety across our platform every day. Babysitters go through an identity verification process with Berbix when registering an account. Some additional safety measures include Family Watchdog screening, sitter reviews, and secure messaging.

Find experienced babysitters in Swan, IA

Q: What’s the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?

Babysitters and nannies share the same primary responsibility of providing safe and enriching care for your child, but there are a few differences between them. Babysitters are typically hired for occasional work on an irregular schedule. If you’re looking for last-minute care for date night, or the occasional few hours after school, a babysitter is a great option. Nannies, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with regular work, whether full or part-time, offering daily or consistent care to a particular family. There are also several different types of nannies, including au pairs, house managers, doulas, live-in, and overnight nannies. Identifying the type and frequency of child care you’ll need is the best way to decide whether a babysitter or nanny is a better fit for your family.

Q: How do babysitters interact with my child?

Babysitters on Sittercity love providing enriching experiences for your children, and sharing their passions with them. They're happy to participate in outdoor activities like sports, or indoor activities like music, baking, tutoring help, and art. Wherever your child's interests lie, babysitters on Sittercity are prepared to engage them in a nurturing way.

Last-minute, school and tutoring, date nights—find the right babysitters for you.

Get started

I need a babysitter

On a regular schedule On occasion

8 active babysitters near you

Average rate is $18.14/hr

140,000 5-star parent reviews

Trusted by

Find your babysitter in Swan, IA

Amber H.

15 years paid experience
14 miles

$18–25/hr

Hello! I'm Amber. I have at least 15 years of babysitting experience. I also have 2 kids of my own, so, I know how to care for babies on up. I absolutely love kids. I am CPR certified. I know first aid. My youngest son has autism, so, I have experience with that as well. I will be moving to Ames soon, with my husband and our kids. I have a bubbly personality. I'm outgoing and easy to get along with. I can cook some meals, I clean, do laundry, dishes, and toilet training.

$18–25/hr

View Profile

Kylie B.

2 years paid experience
8 miles

$18–22/hr

I am a high school graduate (2023) and I am from Des Moines originally. I I really enjoy spending time with children while doing the activities they like. I love watching movies, spending time outside at the pool or park, and doing arts and crafts activities. I am comfortable helping with homework, meals, and changing. I work at Lifetime Fitness as well, so I am CPR and First Aid certified. I also have experience working with special needs children and feel extremely comfortable with most any situation.

$18–22/hr

View Profile

Christina H.

3 years paid experience
14 miles

$10–15/hr

Hi my name is Christina I’m 41 years old and I live in the Des Moines area. I have 3-4 years of child care experience I’ve worked in 3 different daycares and loved the kids and the people I worked with. I will make your kids my number one priority and focus all my time and Attention on thin! I hope I hear from you soon thank you!

$10–15/hr

View Profile

Anglea R.

1 year paid experience
12 miles

$18–22/hr

Working with kids just gives me peace of mind, knowing that I’m helping the child grow learn in so many other different things. I have a lot of younger siblings and I’ve also taken care of other people’s kids. I have a lot of different experience with different age groups. I don’t know if it helps any but I do have a three month old son myself. I do know CPR and I do know first aid. I am not certified, but I have taken classes for them before

$18–22/hr

View Profile

Nevaeh M.

2 years paid experience
2 miles

$15–18/hr

I use to babysit my younger sister as well as her friends around the neighborhood from ages 5-8 I am CPR and First Aid certified, I was a lifeguard for about a year and a half. I have childcare experience in a formal daycare setting as well. My experience with kids there ranges from 1-5. With working at a daycare I have completed DHS required trainings for childcare I’m extremely comfortable with pets, I’ve worked at a doggy daycare and grew up with up to 16 animals in my home at once. I love park trips, pool trips, movies, Disney, crafts, gaming, I have an extremely bubbly but laid back personality. I look forward to hearing from you!

$15–18/hr

View Profile

Nuan J.

2 years paid experience
14 miles

$13–20/hr

I love being around children and kids, I grew up having to babysit multiple cousins of mine all the time, Due to me struggling to have my own. I’m able to help run errands and simple house cleansing and other chores as needed.

$13–20/hr

View Profile

Claudia O.

3 years paid experience
15 miles

$18–22/hr

I love being a sitter because I truly enjoy working with children and creating a safe, positive, and caring environment for them. I am bilingual and able to communicate comfortably in both English and Spanish, which helps me connect with children and families from different backgrounds. I have experience caring for children of various ages and assisting with routines such as playtime, meals, and homework. I am a current undergraduate student who hopes to work with kids in the future, so I take this role seriously and see it as meaningful, hands-on experience. I am patient, responsible, and attentive, and my goal is always to make sure children feel safe, supported, and happy.

$18–22/hr

View Profile