Babysitting and Nannies
Looking for a babysitter or nanny? Post your request on ShamFix for free and get quotes from local babysitters and nannies — evening babysitting, after-school care and regular childcare. Compare profiles and choose who to book.
What shapes the price of babysitting
- Babysitting rates are usually quoted per hour, with a higher rate for late nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- A sitter may charge a minimum booking, often two or three hours, even if the parent returns earlier.
- The number of children matters: a family with three young children is more work than one child, and the rate should reflect that.
- Overnight care is priced per night rather than per hour, because the sitter stays in the home and may be woken.
- Travel distance can add a cost if the sitter drives to a rural address in Mayo, Roscommon, or Donegal.
- Some sitters charge extra for preparing meals, helping with homework, or doing light tidying.
- Parents should ask what the rate includes and whether there is a different rate after midnight.
- Payment is usually in cash or by bank transfer at the end of the session, and the parent and sitter agree the total before the booking.
- No euro figures are given here because rates vary by county and by experience.
How long babysitting takes
The first meeting is usually arranged by phone or message, then in person at your home before the first booking. Allow a week or two to find a sitter, especially for weekend evenings or overnight care. Some parents arrange a short paid session, one or two hours, so the child meets the sitter while the parent is nearby. For regular after-school care, start looking at least a month ahead. If you need a sitter for a specific date, such as a wedding or a hospital appointment, book as early as you can. The sitter and parent agree the start and finish times, and the parent should confirm the booking in writing. If the sitter is travelling from another county, allow extra time for the journey. A trial session helps everyone feel comfortable before a longer booking.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before you book a babysitter, ask about their experience with children of your child's age.
- 02Ask for two references from previous families and ring those references.
- 03Ask to see their Garda vetting certificate.
- 04Ask whether they have paediatric first aid training and whether they hold public liability insurance for childminding.
- 05Ask what they would do if your child became unwell, had an accident, or if there was a fire.
- 06Ask how they would contact you and what they would do if they could not reach you.
- 07Ask about their approach to discipline, screen time, and bedtime.
- 08Ask if they are a member of a professional body, and which one.
- 09Ask whether they can provide a written agreement setting out hours, rate, and duties.
- 10Check that they are comfortable with any additional needs your child has.
- 11Ask what happens if they are sick and cannot attend.
- 12These questions help you decide whether the person is suitable for your family.
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Finding a babysitter or nanny in Ireland
Families in Dublin, Cork, Galway and the commuter towns are the main group looking for babysitters and nannies, often for regular after-school cover or Friday and Saturday evenings. Demand jumps around Christmas parties, school midterms and the summer holidays. Under the National Vetting Bureau Acts, organisations placing people with children must have them Garda vetted, so it is reasonable to ask a sitter about vetting, references and paediatric first aid. When you post a task, give the number and ages of the children, the days and hours, whether school pick-ups or homework help are needed, and any allergies or routines the sitter should know.
Common childcare requests
- Weekend evening babysitter
- After-school pick-up and minding
- Part-time nanny for toddlers
- Full-time live-out nanny
- Babysitter for a wedding or event
- Overnight babysitting
- Holiday and midterm childcare
- Homework help and minding for older kids
- Babysitter for a newborn
- Emergency last-minute childcare
Babysitting questions people ask
What age can a child be left with a babysitter in Ireland?
There is no fixed legal age in Ireland for leaving a child with a babysitter. The law says a parent must not leave a child in a situation that is likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury. In practice, most parents use a sitter for children of any age, but they stay nearby for babies and very young children. You decide what is safe for your child.
Should a babysitter have Garda vetting?
Garda vetting is not a legal requirement for a private babysitter arranged by a parent, but many parents ask for it. You can ask to see the sitter's Garda vetting certificate. Vetting is done through the National Vetting Bureau. A certificate shows that the person has been checked, but it does not replace references or your own judgement.
What should I ask a babysitter at the first meeting?
Ask about their experience with children the same age as yours, their first aid training, and how they would handle an emergency. Ask for two references and ring them. Ask what they would do if your child was sick or if there was a fire. Ask about their rate, cancellation policy, and whether they have insurance. Write down the answers.
How much do babysitters charge per hour in Ireland?
Rates vary by county, by the number of children, and by the sitter's experience. Evening rates are usually higher than daytime rates, and overnight care is charged per night. Many sitters set a minimum booking of two or three hours. Ask the sitter for their rate before you book, and agree the total in advance. No single figure applies across Ireland.
What should I leave for the babysitter?
Leave your phone number, the address of where you will be, and an emergency contact. Write down any allergies, medication, or medical conditions. Show the sitter where the first aid kit is kept and how to use the heating or alarm. Leave food and drink for the child and any instructions about bedtime. Confirm the time you will return.
Can a babysitter give medicine to my child?
Only if you have given clear written instructions and the sitter agrees. Most sitters will give routine medicine such as a prescribed dose, but they should not give anything else without your permission. If your child has a medical condition, discuss it at the first meeting. Ask the sitter to record the time and dose given.
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