For care professionals · Child care
How do I find babysitting or nanny clients?
Most babysitters and nannies find clients through people who already trust them, then widen the circle with a clear profile, references and fast replies. Parents look for the same few things: experience with children like theirs, first aid and CPR, references and, for regular care, a vulnerable sector check. Make those easy to see.
In 60 seconds
- Parents usually start by asking friends, neighbours, colleagues and other parents for names, so every family you care for well is your best source of new ones.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests parents ask caregivers about qualifications, CPR and first aid training and police checks, and ask to see the documents.
- A profile that states the ages you care for, your availability, your training and your area answers the first questions parents have before they contact you.
- Replying quickly and clearly to a new request often matters as much as experience, because parents looking for care usually contact several people.
- A short meeting with the family and child before care starts builds trust and lets both sides decide whether the fit is right.
Where do parents look for babysitters and nannies?
Parents usually look first to people they know: friends, neighbours, colleagues, other parents at school or daycare and local family service offices. The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests exactly these routes. Online platforms and community boards widen the search. Being known and recommended in those circles is the most reliable way to be found.
That means your current families are your best source of new ones. Tell each family you have openings, and ask whether they know anyone who needs care. Parents trust a recommendation from another parent far more than an advertisement.
What do parents check before choosing a babysitter or nanny?
Parents usually check experience with children the same age as theirs, first aid and CPR training, references and, for regular care, a police check. The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests parents ask to see certificates and documents. Having these ready before anyone asks makes you easier to choose and shows you take safety seriously.
- A current first aid certificate that includes CPR for children and infants
- Two or more references from families or programs, with permission to share their contact details
- A vulnerable sector check, or readiness to get one for regular care
- A clear description of the ages and number of children you are comfortable caring for
- Your availability and your policy on illness, cancellations and late pickups
What should a babysitter or nanny put in their profile?
A good profile answers a parent’s first questions in a few lines: the ages you care for, your experience, your first aid and CPR training, the area you cover, your availability and whether you drive. Write plainly and specifically. A profile that says what you actually do is more convincing than one full of general praise.
Younger sitters can get help here too. The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course, designed for youth aged 11 to 15, covers the skills to promote yourself as a babysitter to families as well as first aid and caring for children of different ages.
- Ages you care for and the most children you look after at once
- Years and type of experience, such as siblings, camps or regular families
- Training, such as a child care first aid course with CPR
- Area, availability and whether you do evenings, weekends or overnights
- Languages you speak and any special experience, such as allergies or additional needs
- Extras you do or do not do, such as school pickup, meals or light tidying
How fast should a babysitter reply to a new family?
Reply as soon as you reasonably can, ideally the same day. Parents looking for care often contact several people at once, and the first clear, friendly answer frequently gets the meeting. A good reply confirms your availability, mentions your relevant experience and training, and suggests a time to talk or meet.
Speed should never replace honesty. If the dates, ages or number of children do not suit you, say so and decline politely. Taking on care you are not comfortable with is how problems start, and a family you decline kindly may come back later.
How do I turn a first babysitting booking into a regular client?
Turn a first booking into a regular client by being reliable and easy to work with: arrive on time, follow the family’s routines exactly, leave a short note about the visit and follow up afterwards. Offering to meet the child before the first visit also helps both the family and the child feel settled.
For regular care, suggest putting the arrangement in writing. A short agreement on hours, rates, cancellations and illness settles most of the questions that cause friction later. Ask each happy family whether you may use them as a reference, and whether they would mention you to friends.
An honest limit: no approach fills a calendar overnight. Families often need weeks to decide, and demand changes with school terms and holidays. Keep in touch with past families, and expect your client list to grow gradually.
How do I get more babysitting referrals from families?
The simplest way to get referrals is to ask. When a family is happy with your care, tell them you have openings and ask whether they know anyone who needs a babysitter or nanny. Parents talk to other parents at school, daycare and activities, and a personal recommendation carries more weight than anything you write.
Referrals also depend on what families can say about you. Being on time, following routines, communicating clearly and handling small problems calmly are what parents mention to their friends.
- Ask at a natural moment, such as when a family thanks you or rebooks
- Give families a short, easy way to pass on your name and contact method
- Thank anyone who sends a family your way
- Keep in touch with past families when your availability changes, such as summer or school breaks
How can Maple Care help me find babysitting and nanny clients?
On Maple Care you create a free professional profile at /apply/ and get email or text alerts for child care requests in your area. Requests are anonymous and show only the city. You choose which requests to respond to and pay only when you want a family’s contact details; the price is shown first.
Each request shows how many professionals may get the family’s contact details, which the family sets at a minimum of five, and how many already have. Families can also pay to contact you first. Our team reviews every account, and certifications our team checks earn badges; badges are a screening signal, not a background check. You and the family agree on rates, schedule and payment directly.
Free to join. Pay only for the offers you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Should I advertise my babysitting services on community boards?
Community boards, school newsletters and local groups can help, but share only what you need to. Avoid posting your home address or details about the children you care for. Give a way to reach you, your area and your training, and do your own check on any family before a first visit.
How many references should a babysitter have?
Two or three references are a common expectation. The strongest come from families you have cared for regularly, or from supervisors at camps and children’s programs. Ask each person for permission before sharing their contact details, and let them know a parent may call.
Should I meet the family before the first babysitting visit?
Yes, whenever you can. A short meeting lets you meet the children, see the home, learn routines and allergies, and agree on rates and cancellation terms. It also lets both you and the family decide whether the fit feels right before anyone commits.
Is it safe to go to a new family’s home?
Take the same care you would with any new client. Meet in a public place or by video first if you prefer, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to finish, and trust your judgment. If anything feels wrong, you can decline the booking.
How do nannies find full-time families?
Nannies seeking regular, longer hours usually rely on references from past families, word of mouth among parents and platforms where families post detailed requests. Be clear about the hours you want and the ages you care for, and expect a longer process that may include several meetings and a paid trial.
Does a first aid certificate help me find more clients?
It usually helps. The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests parents ask whether caregivers have CPR and first aid training and ask to see the certificates. Keeping your certificate current, and ready to show, answers one of the first questions many parents have.
Sources and evidence
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