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- Special Interest
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- United States
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- Saturday before Mother's Day
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National Babysitter Day arrives every Saturday before Mother’s Day, acknowledging the vital role childcare providers play in our lives. Take a moment to thank the babysitters, nannies, and au pairs who ensure our children are safe and cared for. Show your gratitude with a thoughtful gesture or a well-deserved bonus.
Want to sponsor National Babysitter Day? Learn how
Expected National Babysitter Day Deals
As National Babysitter Day approaches, expect a variety of appreciation programs and special offers for childcare providers. While specific 2027 promotions are yet to be announced, we anticipate companies like Care.com and Sittercity to highlight their networks of caregivers, potentially offering sign-up bonuses or discounts on background checks. Retailers such as Target and Amazon might feature sales on children’s toys, books, or educational supplies, benefiting both sitters and the families they serve. Local restaurants could offer special discounts for those working in childcare, and services like DoorDash or Uber Eats might run promotions on meal deliveries, providing a convenient treat for busy babysitters. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Babysitter Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBabysitterDay. Share insights on the childcare industry or post a job opening to find a great sitter.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBabysitterDay. Post a creative thank you note for your babysitter, or share tips for engaging children.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBabysitterDay. Join local parenting groups to share recommendations for trusted childcare providers.
National Babysitter Day Hero
Safety Whys Babysitter Training Company
History of National Babysitter Day
As a parent, children are your priority and their safety is what you value most. We place our kids in the hands of our babysitters, while they give us one less thing to worry about from our places of work or while out taking a break.
Our babysitters play a crucial role by providing reliable services when looking after our children, and that’s why the choice of caregiver isn’t taken lightly. The role of babysitter either falls on a family member or is recruited from an agency or through a referral. Either way, the person should ideally be trained in first aid including how to give C.P.R. and manage emergencies, in addition to meeting the legal babysitting age depending on the state.
Outsourcing babysitters began with wet nurses in the 1800s. Wet nurses were nannies hired by high-income families to see to a child’s upbringing, often including breastfeeding them. Nannies in colonial societies spent their entire work life taking care of their master’s children and raising them from one generation to the next.
The term babysitter first appeared in 1937, after the vast popularity of the role. It came about as a way to teach teenagers responsibility in the 1920s, gaining importance in suburban America in the 1950s and 1960s. These days, babysitters are expected to have undergone the relevant training. One of the companies that certify individuals in the field is responsible for the creation of this day — Safety Whys.
Safety Whys is a Babysitter Training Program for youth. It was established in 1989 in Helotes, Texas. It aims to set quality standards for youth tending to younger children, and does so by covering various safety topics through different teaching methods, including role-plays. They founded National Babysitter’s Day in June 2002, and the day was first observed on May 10, 2003.
National Babysitter Day timeline
Women in high-income homes begin hiring nurses to cater to their children’s needs.
Teenagers gain popularity as caretakers for younger children.
The term ‘babysitting’ first appears in the “American Heritage College” dictionary.
National Babysitter’s Day is first celebrated.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Babysitter Day
Local businesses can show their appreciation for babysitters by offering special discounts or promotions on National Babysitter Day. Restaurants could provide a ‘Babysitter’s Brunch’ discount, while coffee shops might offer free drinks to verified childcare providers. Children’s boutiques could run sales on toys or books, acknowledging the tools of the trade. Even local spas or wellness centers could provide special rates, recognizing the often demanding nature of childcare work. Consider partnering with local parenting groups to promote these initiatives and reach the community of dedicated caregivers.
National Babysitter Day FAQs
When is National Babysitter Day?
In 2027, National Babysitter Day is observed on Saturday, May 8, continuing the tradition of honoring those who provide essential childcare services. Plan a special thank you for your babysitter on this day.
How many families use babysitters?
The demand for childcare remains consistently high, with approximately 70% of working parents utilizing some form of childcare, including babysitters. This underscores the integral role babysitters play in supporting family structures and enabling parents to work or attend to other responsibilities.
What is the average hourly rate for a babysitter?
Looking ahead to 2027, babysitting rates are expected to continue their upward trend, reflecting increased demand and cost of living. Families can anticipate hourly rates ranging from $18 to $30, with premium services or specialized care commanding higher fees.
What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
While both roles involve childcare, the key distinction lies in commitment and scope. Babysitters are generally seen as casual, intermittent caregivers, whereas nannies are professional, dedicated childcare providers integrated into the family’s daily routine, often with formal contracts and benefits.
National Babysitter Day Activities
Give a tip
If you outsource the help of a babysitter, today is the perfect opportunity to leave them some extra pay. Babysitters are very attentive to our children’s needs and this is one way of showing your appreciation.
Make a video
Record a personalized video and send it to your babysitter to show your gratitude. Have your little ones participate too.
Give a referral
Another great way to make your babysitter feel acknowledged is by referring them to someone in need of their services. This will open them up to more opportunities and ultimately add to their experience.
5 Facts About Babysitters You Should Know
Your children are in safe hands
Only 4.2% of all criminal offenses against children under six were carried out by babysitters.
It wasn’t always called babysitting
Babysitting used to be called ‘bratting’ a very long time ago.
Early teens can babysit
The Red Cross suggests that teenagers can babysit from the age of 13.
They are quite pricey
The average hourly rate for babysitting in the U.S. is about $18.
They are mostly female
Only 2.9% of babysitters are male.
Why We Love National Babysitter Day
We appreciate the alone time
If you’ve ever enjoyed some time to yourself because you were able to rely on a babysitter, today is a day to be grateful for that. Babysitters give us a break from our busy schedules and children to have some dinner, go out and have fun, or just enjoy some quiet time.
We appreciate the attention
Work is often so demanding that it leaves us with little or no energy left to engage meaningfully with our kids. Babysitters give our children the attention they need when we can’t.
We appreciate the effort
It takes a lot of effort to raise a kid and cater to their needs 24/7 and parents need a helping hand sometimes. Babysitters help with homework and give younger children the playtime they need.
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