With the kita crisis looming large over the Hauptstadt, finding childcare is becoming a bigger challenge than ever. With public daycare spots dwindling, many families are turning to the option of private, in-home childcare. But how do you find a babysitter in Berlin? There are multiple options—and we’ve helped you out by giving our top picks below.
1. Find a babysitter online
If you’re looking for the largest pool of nannies possible, then an online platform is the way to go. Websites like Betreut, Sitly, and Hallo Babysitter have profiles in the tens of thousands from across Germany. You can easily select Berlin and filter for options like English-speaking, first-aid-certified, and more.
Facebook also has multiple groups centered around nannies and babysitters. “Nannies, Babysitters, and Families in Berlin” has nearly 15,000 members. Groups like this can be a great place to share a short description of what you’re looking for, or message an available caregiver who’s posted recently.
However, it’s worth noting that open platforms like Betreut and HalloBabysitter—and of course, Facebook—do not require a full background check in order to make a post. Candidates you find here might not necessarily have adequate certification or permission to start working legally in Germany. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly vet candidates you meet through these platforms with phone calls, interviews, references, and request proof of certification and working permission.
2. Find a babysitter via an agency
If the idea of conducting lengthy interviews with potential candidates seems unlikely to work for your family, then you might prefer to go the agency route. An agency takes care of the search process for you. They work with pools of pre-vetted nannies who are guaranteed to have the attributes you’re looking for: legal working permission, availability during your requested time, first aid and other certifications, plus language requirements.
Nanny agencies can offer a myriad of services on top of simple nanny searching, like providing bureaucratic support. Some agencies can make it easy to find specially trained candidates, like Montessori, special needs care, or medical support.
Because agencies take on the work of the search and set-up process, they are more expensive than simply finding your own nanny online. You’ll generally have to pay at least one additional fee, depending on the services you choose to book. But in exchange, you save loads of time and energy, and can walk away with total peace of mind about who you’re bringing into your home.
3. Find a babysitter through word-of-mouth
Just like looking for apartments, it never hurts to mention that you’re on the hunt for good help. If your friends are also working with babysitters and nannies, they might know a good candidate or two. Or, they’ll be able to point you in the direction of an agency or other service that worked for them.
Many German companies also have recommendations for agencies or other childcare services. Check with your employer to see what kind of support they might offer for your family.
Unfortunately, the word-of-mouth method isn’t fool proof. Since you’re relying on other individuals or businesses that don’t specialize in childcare, you might not get the results you’re hoping for. But it’s 100% free to try, and who knows? You might get lucky!
Discover Lighthouse Nanny today
If you’re looking for an English-speaking babysitter in Berlin, Lighthouse Nanny is here to help. All our nannies are first-aid certified, have legally working permission, and native or near-native English speakers. We’re here to help with the search process, bureaucratic set-up, and contract creation, so you know your family will be safe and secure. Send us an email to find out how we can help.
Contact us at hello@lighthousenanny.com.
