Summarised by Centrist
Babysitting has turned professional, and with it, so have the prices. Now, instead of a mere sitter, you’re likely hiring a fully qualified, first-aid-certified, over-25 professional who can handle everything from pick-ups to homework, but that comes at a cost.
Tanya Pease from Auckland Babysitters explained to RNZ that the role of babysitters has evolved significantly, with families now expecting much more from their childcare providers. “They used to be your 15-year-old next door who would come over and look after the kids while the parents went for dinner,” she said. “Now, the babysitters are helping with housework, they are helping with teaching, they are helping with pick-ups and drop-offs. They’re definitely another person to the family.”
This shift towards professionalism in the babysitting industry has led to an increase in hourly rates, with prices in Auckland averaging between $30 to $35, and reaching as high as $50.
Pease noted that qualifications are now a standard requirement, with agencies like hers ensuring that all sitters are first-aid certified, have extensive experience, and undergo thorough background checks.
The comparison with rates in England and Australia shows that New Zealand’s professional babysitting prices are still on the lower end, despite the increased demand for professional skills.
