Safety guide
Whether you're looking for a sitter or a job, safety comes first. This guide helps you choose well at every step, from search to booking and beyond.
Step 1: Search
Found a babysitter or family in your area you'd love to work with?
Do your safety checks
Before you respond or send a message, take a moment to check their profile:
- Check if the profile is ID-verified
- Check if the babysitter has added a Izziņa fizisko personu (ne)sodāmību
- Check if other members have left positive reviews or references
- Check if the profile feels complete and genuine
We offer safety features like ID verification, a Izziņa fizisko personu (ne)sodāmību, certificates and profile reviews, but always check things yourself. You choose who you work with, and if anything feels off, you never have to go ahead.
Profile has no reviews yet?
No reviews yet? No worries. Everyone starts somewhere. All members complete mandatory ID verification before messaging. From there, let the introduction and your messages guide you, and trust your instincts.
Step 2: Find the right match
Found someone who looks like a good fit? Get to know each other before you commit to anything.
Chat through Babysits
Keep conversations on Babysits. Your messages provide a record of what you agreed on, which can help if there's ever a misunderstanding. Our messaging also screens for fraud and suspicious behaviour.
Be cautious if someone asks you to move to private chat, pay off-platform, or skip the booking system.
Watch for scams
Most members are genuine, but stay alert. Be wary of anyone who offers a job without an interview, asks for photos of your personal documents, or asks you to accept deliveries or buy things for them. These are common internet scams.
Not sure about someone?
Trust your instincts. If a profile, message or request feels wrong, you never have to accept it or continue. Contact customer support, or block and report the member. We review every report we receive.
Protect your personal information
Keep personal details private, especially early on. Never share ID documents or bank details with other members online. Families only need to share their address once a booking is confirmed, and one day before is enough.
Plan an introductory meeting
Have an introductory meeting before the booking to see if you're the right fit. Do it by video call or somewhere public, like a café. Never meet somewhere private the first time.
Talk about experience, rates, availability, routines, house rules and how the sitter would handle different situations, and see if it feels right.
Step 3: Book or get booked
When you're ready to go ahead, make it official.
Book safely through Babysits
Families pay upfront, so the money is arranged before the booking starts and babysitters don't need to ask for payment. If the sitter cancels or doesn't show up, families get their money back, and families can also cancel up to 60 minutes after the start time. Booking through Babysits also lets us step in if something goes wrong.
Confirm the details the day before
A quick message avoids surprises. Reconfirm the start time, address, duration, and an emergency phone number. The family’s address isn’t on their profile, so ask or share if needed.
Babysitters: let someone know where you're going
For your own safety, tell someone you trust where you're going, which family you're sitting for, the address, and when you expect to be back.
Step 4: During & after the booking
A few small habits make every booking easier.
Check the essentials on arrival
When the sitter arrives, take a few minutes for a short introduction. Families give a quick tour and explain the important things: allergies or medical needs, emergency contact numbers, where to find first aid, the routine and any house rules. Sitters can ask about anything that's missing.
Running late? Extend the booking
If you need more time than planned, families can easily extend the booking through Babysits, so the extra time is paid the same way. Check with the sitter first to make sure it works for them.
Set your boundaries
Your safety matters during the booking too. If something feels unsafe or you're asked to do something you didn't agree to, trust yourself. You can step away and leave if needed. Let us know afterwards.
Leave a review
Once the booking is done, take a moment to leave an honest review. It helps other members know what to expect, just like the reviews you rely on.
Something happened that shouldn't have? Don't rely on a review. Report it to us and we'll look into it.
