EN / PT
Choosing who will look after our children is one of the most important and emotional decisions parents make. We want someone trustworthy, well-prepared, with compatible values and the ability to build a positive bond with the children. While it is possible to handle the entire process independently, the reality is that many steps require time, technical knowledge and access to resources that most families simply do not have. This is precisely where specialised services such as Baby Sisters make a significant difference: they carry out rigorous and professional screening so that parents can focus on what truly matters — compatibility and the children’s well-being.
1. Start by clearly defining what your family needs
Before taking any step, reflect carefully on the ideal profile:
Ages of the children and specific needs (allergies, medical routines, educational support)
Desired schedules (full-time, part-time, weekends, evenings)
Location of care provision (at the parents’ home or elsewhere)
Desired activities or skills (homework support, languages, sports)
Having this clear definition helps to filter options more objectively.
2. Essential criteria that should be guaranteed
Many parents feel the need to personally verify criminal records, paediatric first-aid certificates, detailed references and proven experience. These are fundamental criteria — and they are precisely the ones that Baby Sisters systematically and up-to-date checks for all professionals before presenting them.
Thus, when it comes to choosing, you can start from the assumption that safety and technical qualification are already assured, allowing you to focus solely on what only parents can assess: human compatibility.
Table of Essential Criteria
Criterion | Importance | What Baby Sisters verifies / ensures | Guaranteed by the Agency |
Criminal record certificate | High | Issued within the last 6 months, periodically renewed | Yes |
Paediatric first aid training | High | Valid and up-to-date course (Red Cross or equivalent) | Yes |
Proven experience (minimum 2 years) | High | Contactable references from recent families | Yes |
Knowledge of child development | Medium-High | Familiarity with developmental milestones and child pedagogy | Yes |
Flexible availability | Medium | Ability to cover unexpected changes and variable schedules | Yes |
Personality fit with the family | High | Initial assessment of energy, patience and educational values | Yes (preliminary screening) |
Proficiency in Portuguese / other languages | Variable | Level required for communication with children | Yes |
3. The interview: the moment of human chemistry
Even when professional screening has already been completed, the interview with the parents remains irreplaceable. It is here that one can truly perceive alignment in values, educational style and personality. Useful questions include:
How do you handle tantrums or disobedience?
What is your procedure in case of high fever or a minor accident?
What type of activities do you typically suggest for a standard afternoon?
How do you manage screen time or mealtime routines?
At Baby Sisters, we facilitate this meeting in an organised way (simple and convenient scheduling), but the decisive moment of choice always belongs to the parents.
4. The trial period: the real test
Regardless of the rigour of prior selection, nothing replaces a few initial supervised sessions. We recommend 2 to 3 short meetings (2–4 hours each) with parents present or nearby, to observe:
Natural and affectionate interaction with the children
Respect for household routines and rules
Ability to manage small unexpected situations calmly
This period allows everyone to feel comfortable before moving to regular care — and Baby Sisters supports this process with flexibility and follow-up.
5. Contract and clear expectations
channels prevents future misunderstandings. At Baby Sisters, pricing is transparent and competitive:
Occasional babysitting (up to 16 hours): 14.99 € per hour
More extensive babysitting (above 16 hours): 13.99 € per hour
Regular or daytime services: from 29 € per hour (depending on duration and specific needs)
This clear and balanced contractual structure includes flexibility to adjust according to family needs and appropriate legal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find a good babysitter through Baby Sisters? On average, between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on urgency and specific profile.
Does Baby Sisters perform criminal record checks? Yes, mandatory, up-to-date and periodically renewed for all professionals.
What are the current rates at Baby Sisters? Occasional babysitting up to 16 hours: 14.99 € per hour; above 16 hours: 13.99 € per hour; regular or daytime services: from 29 € per hour, depending on duration and specific needs.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal babysitter goes far beyond finding someone available: it means finding the right person for your family. While it is possible to carry out the entire process independently, the fact remains that criminal record checks, reference validation, ongoing training in first aid and child pedagogy, and ethical and professional screening require time, resources and expertise that most families do not possess.
This is exactly why Baby Sisters exists: we deliver to parents candidates who have already been rigorously selected, trained and supported, so you can focus solely on what no one else can do for you — feeling the right chemistry and building genuine trust with the person who will care for your children.
If you prefer to skip the most time-consuming and demanding steps without compromising safety or quality, we invite you to speak with us. We are here to make this process simpler, safer and more human.