Having a babysitter in the Netherlands is a great way to ensure you get extra time for yourself and your partner.
It’s important that your chosen babysitter ticks all the right boxes, gets along with you and your child(ren), and is quickly available — but where do you start?
Here’s the ultimate guide to finding a babysitter in the Netherlands.
Need a hand with the kids? Try Sitly — an innovative and convenient service that helps parents find the perfect babysitter for their needs and preferences. Just hop online and start your search.
First, determine your childcare needs as a family in the Netherlands
Before you start looking for a babysitter in the Netherlands, it’s important to discuss your childcare needs.
For example, when do you want the babysitter to work? What responsibilities do you want them to handle? Do you need after-school care? How much are you willing to spend on childcare?
READ MORE | The Dutch education system: the simple guide to Dutch schools
You should also consider other special requirements like whether you want your babysitter to speak a certain language, have certain training or experience, or be able to help with household chores.
Once you have a clear idea of what you want from a babysitter, you can start your search for the ideal candidate.
Finding a babysitter that suits you
There are plenty of places to look for a babysitter in the Netherlands, so don’t lose hope if you feel like you’ve hit a wall.
If you’re looking for more professional options, you can explore online platforms that specialise in babysitting services.
You can also join online parenting groups and forums in the Dutch city you live in and ask for recommendations and advice about finding a babysitter. This might also be a good way to make friends with other parents in the city you live in.
Get to know your babysitting candidates
When looking for a babysitter, whether through personal contacts, parenting groups, or an online service, the screening process is key to picking the right person.
Good to know: When hiring a babysitter, you’re responsible for meeting all legal and safety requirements.
For example, you have to check if the candidate has the appropriate work permit and certifications to be a babysitter in the Netherlands.
If you want to go the extra mile, you could also run a background check on the candidate or ask for references.
It’s important to determine the candidate’s experience and whether they’re a good match for your children (maybe you’d like a babysitter who speaks your native language or someone who can cook stamppot? 😉).
Once you’ve found a candidate you would like to hire, it’s recommended that you set up a meeting (or a call) to discuss your expectations. Here, you should take a page from the Dutch and be direct and clear.
Some things you may want to discuss with your prospective babysitter are their experience, babysitting style, availability, expected responsibilities, and compensation.
With services like Sitly, finding a qualified babysitter in the Netherlands has never been easier. You can meet top babysitters in your area and narrow down the results to find the best fit for you. Check out Sitly’s app or website to get started today!
Establish a trial period for your children and babysitter
Once you’ve found a babysitter you trust, there are a few more steps you can take to make sure they’re the right fit for your family.
READ MORE | 7 things to know about having kids in the Netherlands
While it’s great to get along with your babysitter, you must also ensure they get along with your kids. How? You could, for example, set up an informal playdate with your babysitter to see how comfortable your children are around them.
During this meeting, you can also discuss all the important things your sitter should know or address any concerns or adjustments that need to be made with the babysitter.
Formalise your agreement with your chosen babysitter
Once you’ve gone through all these steps and settled on your babysitter, it’s time to formalise an agreement!
Talk about your terms and conditions with your babysitter and record this in a document with topics like hourly rates, payment, work hours, additional tasks, and general reminders and rules for your children.
Next up, you can finally plan those long-awaited date nights and check out all the trendy restaurants in Amsterdam. 🍝
It’s important to have a good relationship with your babysitter as time goes on. Make sure to touch base with them often to keep everyone happy and informed about the kiddos. This way, you can tackle any concerns or changes regarding childcare with ease.
Set aside time and chat regularly to exchange observations or suggestions — because remember: happy kids, happy life!
Have you had a babysitter in the Netherlands? Tell us about the experience in the comments below!
Finding a babysitter in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions
Are there babysitting services in the Netherlands?
Yes, there are several services you can use to find a babysitter in the Netherlands!
For example, Sitly easily lets you create and customise a family profile to help you find a babysitter that fits all your needs and preferences.
How much should I pay my babysitter in the Netherlands?
Babysitters in the Netherlands tend to charge between €7-€15 per hour, but some charge closer to €12-15 per hour if they help you with other household tasks and activities.
You can also consider special rates for overtime and holidays, and discuss whether you’ll compensate for travel costs (if there are any).
At the end of the day, it’s up to your family to decide what your budget is for a babysitter and how much you’ll compensate them.
How late can a babysitter work in the Netherlands?
Work hours ultimately depend on when a babysitter is willing to work throughout the day and your childcare preferences.
Typical babysitting hours can last from the afternoon (after school, around 3 PM) to the late evening (till midnight, and possibly later).
You could also look for babysitters who are available in the (early) mornings, but this is less common.
How can I find an English-speaking babysitter in the Netherlands?
Many babysitting services can connect you to a babysitter who speaks English (or another language). For example, with services like Sitly, you can select which language(s) you would like the babysitter to speak.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues or check out online forums of parents living in the Netherlands or the same Dutch city as you.