2022 Babysitting Rates: National Averages By City

Has the pandemic impacted babysitting rates for 2022?

Yes! There was an 11% increase in babysitting rates over the past year, outpacing inflation at 7%. Given that rates rose just 3.9% from 2019 to 2020, this is a big increase. If you’re looking for a sitter you’ve likely seen higher rates, with the national average being $20.57/hour for 1 child and $23.25 per hour for 2 children.  In fact, the least expensive city for a sitter is in San Antonio at $12.70 for 1 child and the most expensive city comes as no surprise, New York City, with an average rate of $23.45 for 1 child. 

This is UrbanSitter’s 11th year tracking average babysitting rates across the nation. They analyze the tens of thousands of babysitting jobs booked across the website and app to find out what the average is for the nation and in individual large cities. While sitters typically base their rates on child care experience, job responsibilities and the local cost of living, these averages can help set a baseline when you’re hiring a babysitter or nanny or when you’re deciding how much to charge for babysitting. Looking for the average babysitting rate for your city? Check out the chart below the infographic.  

More fun facts about rates:

• 40% of nannies nationally make between $30,000 – $50,000 a year.

• The average pet sitter rate is $16.07 an hour and the cost of a dog walk is $18.31.

• Want a clean home? The average housekeeping rate is $27.83 an hour.

• If you’re in need of a house sitter, 56% pay between $25-50 per day.

Source: UrbanSitter

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod App or find a long term nanny through the NannyPod Boutique service. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

7 Ways to Protect Your Mattress from Bed-wetting

Do you have a child that wets the bed? If so, then you should know how to protect your mattress from any accidents that may happen.

Many kids go through bed-wetting, so it's important for them not to feel ashamed. Furthermore, getting ahead of the issue can help ease stress and allow you to feel more equipped to handle those moments.

In this article, we will provide you with helpful tips to protect your mattress from bed-wetting accidents. You can apply these tips for your mattress if your child sleeps with you occasionally, as well as the child's bed.

Change the sheets right away

The first thing you should do is change the bedding immediately after an accident. Replacing the bedding will not only keep the mattress clean but help to ease any embarrassment that your child may feel for wetting their bed.

Unfortunately, the urine can also seep into the mattress, so you should thoroughly clean the affected area there too. If the urine stain isn't immediately treated, it can lead to odors and mold build-up from the moisture. After spot cleaning, allow adequate time for the mattress to fully dry before putting new bedding back on top. 

To further address any bad odors, you can sprinkle on a layer of baking soda, leave it on for a few hours, and then vacuum it up using the upholstery attachment.

Purchase multiple sheets

If you're frequently changing sheets, it's a good idea to have enough extra sets on hand. By investing in multiple sheets, you won't have to do a load of wash every time an accident happens. Instead, you can swap out the soiled set with a fresh one.

Use a mattress protector

The best way to keep your mattress clean is through the use of a high-quality protector. These covers are designed to absorb leaks and spills and alleviate damage or discoloration to the bed. Most protectors are designed to encase the entire mattress and open and close by a zipper. 

Another advantage to mattress protectors is that they are easily washable, which is great for frequent accidents. Most can be placed in a washer and dryer. 

However, we highly suggest checking the manufacturer's website first for any washing and drying requirements. Some companies have specific methods they recommend for cleaning based on the materials used in the product.

Place a mattress topper or pad on the bed

Mattress toppers or pads adjust the feel of a mattress. However, the extra padding can provide an additional layer of protection in the event of a bed-wetting episode. 

When these accidents occur, though, you will need to make sure you clean the topper or pad well. As with protectors, you should check with the manufacturer to see if they recommend any particular cleaning method.

Because toppers and pads can change the feel of a bed, it's also a good idea to get your child's opinion if the product is going on their bed. In some cases, a topper could make a bed too firm or soft for them, which could cause them to feel uncomfortable and possibly have trouble sleeping.

Avoid drinking liquids just before bedtime

Many kids who wet the bed often do so because they have too much to drink before bedtime. So make sure that your child drinks water or other fluids well before bedtime to decrease the likelihood of accidents.

In some cases, the child may not be drinking enough water during the day, and therefore, they feel dehydrated at night, causing them to want more liquids at this time. Therefore, find ways to encourage them to get enough water earlier in the day, so they're less inclined to have so much later at night.

Go to the bathroom right before bed

In addition, you should make sure your child goes to the bathroom right before going to bed. A last-minute bathroom break will allow them to fully empty their bladder, thereby decreasing the number of accidents during sleep. Also, consider having two bathrooms breaks before bedtime since one may not be enough sometimes. Even if the child insists they don't need to go, they should still try.

Buy a waterproof mattress

Unfortunately, there are cases when bed-wetting still happens, even with the precautions taken to protect your mattress. If you find that this is the case for your child, consider investing in a waterproof mattress. These mattresses are built to withstand urine and other liquids such as juice or spilled milk.

For example, air mattresses are an excellent temporary solution while your child goes through this bed-wetting stage. These beds are made with highly water-resistant materials and are easy to clean. Plus, once your child is ready to transition back to a more standard bed, you can keep the air mattress for future use, such as when guests visit or to take on family camping trips.

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod App or find a long term nanny through the NannyPod Boutique service. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

4 Budgeting Hacks to Make Child Care More Affordable

President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion social-policy bill recently made headlines, as it aims to offer hundreds of billions of dollars per state to subsidize child care and expand pre-kindergarten. According to a report by Reuters on the Build Back Better agenda, the package can provide $390 billion nationwide, but it will also require states to shoulder up to 40% of the costs. This goes to show how finding high quality, affordable child care has steadily become a problem for working parents. Aside from increasing prices, the pandemic also closed many day care centers and preschools. So how are parents and guardians supposed to cope? We’ll tackle tips in the article below:

Re-evaluating Your Household Budget
Before we delve into specific budgeting hacks, it’s important to reevaluate your household budget first. According to tips on how to balance a budget by AskMoney, the first thing you need to do is to find out where your money goes. Identify fixed expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, etc.) and variable expenses (groceries, clothing, gas, etc.); make sure to note everything down. Once you have your list ready, divide your income accordingly. It’s easiest to start with fixed expenses first, because they don’t change much on a monthly basis. Try to realign your money goals. Entertainment, for example, can take the backseat with the ongoing pandemic to free up a few more dollars for child care expenses.

After settling a manageable budget, try to save more with these hacks:

Ask trusted family or friends for help
If you have relatives living in the area, you can ask them to help as either full-time caregivers or as part of a more flexible strategy. Of course, this may not necessarily work for everyone. A study from the University of Michigan on grandparents and parenting choices reveals that nearly half of parents have disputes with one or more grandparent on how they care for their children. If family isn’t an option, set up a child care exchange with other parents or neighbors; even if it’s just one or two days a week, a community child care arrangement can help reduce costs for everyone.

Apply for subsidies, discounts, or assistance
In many parts of the country, low-income child care assistance is offered. The good news is, if you’re making 200% or less than the poverty income level, you can qualify for at least partial assistance. However, you will need to apply early as there are long wait lists for state subsidies. You can also check in with day care centers if they offer discounts. They may charge less if you have multiple children under the same care provider, or if you pay for a half-year/full-year of tuition upfront.

Make arrangements with your company
Another possibility is to talk to your employer about making your job schedule more flexible. Ask to shift your work hours or propose to work-from-home on some days. They will likely consider it. An article from the US Chamber of Commerce on employee retention notes that 24% of Americans have chosen to remain unemployed since the pandemic because they have to stay at home to offer care. Companies are now trying to partner with child care institutions or investing in onsite care for their employees to mitigate the people-jobs gap.

Consider sharing a nanny
Working with a nanny is ideal if you want flexibility and one-on-one attention for your child, but many households find it too expensive. Why not engage in a ‘care share’ with neighbors who live close by instead? Nannies are often happy to take on these arrangements because their weekly rates go up, and they don’t have to commute as far. Splitting nanny costs with another family also means you pay less, and your children can form close bonds.

As we discussed in our ‘6 Work From Home Staycation Ideas’ blog post, parents deserve moments of freedom from the chaos of day-to-day living. Take breaks from your routine by hiring additional help.

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod App or find a long term nanny through the NannyPod Boutique service. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

6 Work-From-Home Staycation Ideas to Help You Relax

Taking breaks from work can be challenging, especially when your bedroom and office are under the same room. Working from home presents many new obstacles, and one of the biggest is separating work hours from leisure hours. 

When the lines between your professional space and your home space are so blurred, it can be difficult to know where (or when) to draw the line. However, creating that boundary is extremely important for the health of your body, mind, and relationship with work. 

Without proper boundaries between work hours and relaxation hours, you might see a decline in mental health and experience difficulties with time management or burnout. As counterintuitive as it may feel at times, taking the time to actively step away from professional deadlines and focus purely on what makes you happy can make you a more efficient and productive worker. 

If you can relate to the sense of uncertainty that often accompanies striking that life/work balance from home, here are some “staycation” ideas that can help you find peace and quiet without costing the earth—or even require you to leave the house. 

1. Pamper your body

No matter who you are or what state your body is in, chances are it could do with some intense pampering to get rid of those post-work blues. Spoiling your body is one highly effective way to aid relaxation and alleviate unwanted tension that builds up during work hours. 

There are many easy and affordable ways to pamper your body from home. Some of them include: 

• Face masks

• A long, luxurious bath

• Massage

• Foot soaks

• Hair masks

None of these pampering techniques requires much more than some essential oils, lotions, and basic body products—and all of them are found in your local grocery stores. 

1. Prepare foreign cuisine for dinner

When overseas travel is simply not a viable option, you have to come up with creative ways to continue exploring the world and its diverse flavors. While going out to eat can be a wonderful experience, leaving the house is not always something you have the energy for after a long day of work.

Preparing and eating food at home from different cultures can give you the sense of excitement that you crave, without requiring you to go any further than the kitchen. 

Instead of ordering takeout next weekend, consider spoiling your taste buds with a traditional meal from another country or culture that you’ve always wanted to try. The process of preparing and cooking the food will take your mind off work, and you’ll feel proud of yourself for creating something delicious from scratch. 

1. Journal about your life

While journaling might not be the first activity that comes to mind when you think of vacation, writing out your thoughts, feelings, and ideas is often enjoyable and cathartic. 

Taking time out of your week to scribble out any pent-up emotions or worries can serve as a method for alleviating stress and providing you with a new perspective on life. We often get so wrapped up in our own heads that we forget how much of an effect overthinking has on our lives. 

Instead of allowing your stresses and anxieties to pile up in your mind, let them flow out through the act of self-expression. There are numerous studies that suggest journaling is one of the most effective ways to process powerful emotions—let’s take advantage of that. 

1. Spend quality time with family or friends

One of the main reasons we feel relaxed during vacation is because we are often surrounded by family and friends. But we shouldn’t have to go on holiday to experience the benefits of spending time with loved ones. 

Even though we might live with family or friends, we don’t always spend as much quality time with them as we should. This can lead to unnecessary tension or discomfort within the household. Both of which contribute to a sense of anxiety or stress. 

Actively deciding to set aside a few hours for quality family time can help you feel more at ease and bring forth a renewed sense of joy to your life. Game nights, dinners, walks to the park—these bonding exercises facilitate deeper connection and contentment. 

1. Have an all-out movie night

There’s nothing like watching a movie on the big screen. But going to the cinema can be expensive, and often, when you’re tired, leaving the house is the last thing you want to do. Fortunately, you can host a movie night at home without much effort or energy.

With just a projector or TV, a large mattress and a pile of blankets, you can settle in for a movie marathon extravaganza that whisks you off to other worlds. Turn down the lights, make some popcorn, prepare some fancy snacks, and enjoy an evening that makes you forget about real life for a while. 

1. Schedule “free” time

As much fun as it can be to plan ideas for having fun from home, it's also easy to forget how much value you can get from planning to do nothing in particular. 

We can get so caught up in this idea that in order to relax and have fun, we must somehow schedule certain activities into our lives. However, scheduling “free” time (that is, time within which you can do anything at all) can provide a necessary change from structured occupation. 

Making sure you have some free time available in the evenings or on the weekend can open up the potential for spontaneity. By scheduling in time to your life that exists purely for the sake of doing whatever feels natural, you might surprise yourself with what you end up doing. 

Whether that means going to the library, getting ice cream, or simply taking a very long nap, you deserve moments of freedom in between the madness of this world.  

We all need a break from chaotic routines and working from home. These mini staycation ideas are the key to relaxing, unwinding, and feeling refreshed. Treat yourself to an at-home getaway from daily life and you’ll soon see the difference.

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod App or find a long term nanny through the NannyPod Boutique service. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

What to Look for When Choosing a Childcare Centre

Choosing the right childcare for your toddler or child can be a daunting task in today's world of possible daycare centers and preschools to choose from. But when you are sick, tired, out of work, or simply need some time away from your youngster you truly want what is best for them while you are not around to supervise every that they are with someone else.

Choosing the right childcare center can be difficult. You need to make sure that your child is happy, comfortable, and well-cared for at all times. There are many important factors that you should look out for when searching for a daycare facility. The following tips will help you avoid falling into the 'trap' of choosing substandard childcare centers or schools that may not offer what children need or parents want!

The Type of Activities Presented There

You should feel confident that your child will be active while in childcare and preschool. There should be an organized program that offers a variety of activities to suit toddlers and preschoolers alike. You need to feel that your child is learning new things every day and not just sitting around watching television or playing with toys. There should also be time for them to play so they can recharge their batteries. As explained by professionals from Mother Duck Childcare, there are many benefits of engaging in stimulating activities that will not only allow them to grow and learn but also help them to have fun with other children. If this is not being offered then your child may become bored, restless, and agitated while in daycare which can be very bad for their behavior.

Make Sure the Center is Licensed

The first thing to remember is to always check if an establishment is licensed by local authorities. If they are not, then it may be due to them being unlicensed so move on to another childcare center. Or it could indicate their practices or facilities do not meet the necessary standards required for such a license. This does not mean that daycare centers and preschools with such licenses meet certain set guidelines, however, they all should address the health, safety, and welfare of children under their care. If you have any specific concerns regarding a facility, do not be afraid to ask the management.

The Child's Comfort Level

Does your child like it there? Are they happy to go each day and do they enjoy the company of the staff and other toddlers? Also, make sure you can trust them to look after your little one properly! You want a caregiver who will be kind and nurturing to your child as if they were their own; someone who will understand or even anticipate what your toddler wants so as better serve them such as offering snacks! However, within reason naturally. If something is out of place ask why. If you feel like your child was not treated well by any staff members or caregivers then take action.

The Staff's Qualifications and Expertise

Within your chosen childcare center or school, there should ideally be at least one staff member who has been well-trained or has a degree in early childhood education or care. They should also have the proper licensing as required by law as well as any additional training and qualifications catered to your child's age group! Additionally, staff members must be well versed in CPR, first aid, and have passed drug tests. Furthermore, they should be open to discussing current health issues that could affect preschoolers such as ear infections for instance which may occur due to a lack of hygiene within a childcare center!

A Clean Environment Every Day

When the center appears unclean, it could indicate that they do not care about hygiene, which may result in illness spreading more easily among children, also resulting in more frequent illnesses for your child. It may even mean the management team has no actual rules for staff members regarding cleanliness within childcare centers! This can onto other problems too, such as staff not following rules regarding other aspects of the facility, such as diaper changing.

Maintaining a clean daycare center can be difficult due to the nature of typical toddler accidents. However, every staff member should still understand basic cleaning procedures - like washing their hands before touching or feeding another child to avoid spreading germs! It is also important for parents to know that their children are in good hands; you want all employees at your childcare center to take pride in what they do and understand how important it is for them to keep this space safe for kids.

A Loving and Nurturing Staff

While you may be busy during the day, you need to know that your child is receiving plenty of attention and love from those with who they spend time! A good childcare center will have individuals at hand who understand children and can give them lots of affection and praise as well as spend plenty of one-on-one time with each child. If their caregiver is paying attention to their needs both emotionally and physically then they are sure to grow into happy well-adjusted kids. The staff should also create a bond with your child, this means that all members are approachable, loving, caring, supportive, knowledgeable about developmental milestones for each age group, patient with both parents' newfound lack of sleep due to your child's young age, and understanding of your child's needs for security.

A Consistent Routine

While it is perfectly normal for children under the age of three to have a less structured day while in childcare, there should be some sort of schedule set out every day which will make them feel familiar and comfortable. It is important that they not only know what is going on but also understand the order in which things occur; if it's snack time, they need to know lunch is next and bedtime follows after that! Additionally, they should also go through similar motions each day such as putting their toys away before nap time, coming indoors when certain music plays, having story time after snack time, etc. This will make your child feel comfortable with their routine and the staff as well, increasing the likelihood that they will have a wonderful time!

To find a good childcare center or school, you can use this checklist of things to consider when choosing one. As long as it meets most of these points, then chances are you have found a place that is respectable and reliable! In case your preschool does not meet all of these requirements, remember that it is still possible to find a good one out there so don't give up immediately. You can continue looking until you find an option that is suitable for your family's needs and which also suits your little one's temperament and abilities.

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod App or find a long term nanny through the NannyPod Boutique service. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

How New Parents Can Financially Prepare for a Baby

You don’t need to have gone through it before to know that preparing for a new baby makes for an incredibly exciting and anxious time. On the one hand, nothing in life quite compares to expanding your family and welcoming a new baby into the world. On the other though, there’s an endless list of things to prepare for, and your life is about to change permanently!

Among those things to prepare for are the financial hurdles that come with a new baby. Because as you’re no doubt aware, babies cost money! This is an unfortunate reality, but something it’s wise to recognize in advance — because with strategic preparation, you can lessen the financial burden. And that’s what brings us to the tips we’re offering below.

Explore Working from Home

It’s important for new parents to take time off if and when they’re able to. Maternal and paternal leave are essential for the good of the baby and the family. However, for those who may have the option, it’s also a good idea to explore the idea of working from home. Working from home while parenting gives parents the ability to continue hands-on care even after maternity and paternity leave time expires. It’s not easy, but financially it can be a strategic move, as you get to keep on working and have a continuous income stream.

Analyze Costs Honestly

Interestingly enough, one of the most important financial steps you can take to prepare for a new baby is to get real about the costs. As we said above, you’re undoubtedly aware that babies cost money — but going beyond the cliché and analyzing costs honestly and thoroughly is the best way to prepare yourself for what’s coming. Estimates indicate that middle-aged, middle-income parents should expect to spend over $230,000 raising an individual child from birth to college age. Now, that sum is spread out over time, so it’s not as if you need a spare $200,000 when the baby arrives. But being real about this sum is the best way to start addressing it.

Buy Less

There’s a temptation among new parents to buy all of the baby things. After all, when you’re preparing for a child (and your friends and family can’t talk about anything else), it’s easy to get caught up in all of the cute baby things you can do: themed wallpaper, giant stuffed animals, unlimited adorable onesies…. Some of this is certainly fine, and you should get what you need to make sure the baby has a happy, healthy, and comfortable environment. But if you simply buy less — avoiding turning a new baby into an excuse for an expensive shopping spree — you’ll have more money on hand for the important stuff.

Know Your Healthcare Situation

Healthcare costs are also baby costs, and if you plan to have a baby (or are already pregnant), this is something you’ll want to consider right off the bat. Last year a story surfaced about a mother who didn’t realize until too late that her health insurance didn’t cover her pregnancy — resulting in some hefty, unexpected bills. While one woman led to this story, it’s a problem that affects millions every year. Solutions to the problem can vary depending on your coverage and financial means — but checking what your health insurance will and won’t cover is an important part of your financial preparation.

Start Saving for Education

When we talk about saving for education, the term “college fund” comes to mind. This is certainly an important part of raising a child, and it’s something for which you might want to set up a specific savings account or investment fund. But saving for education means early education (or even daycare) also — and the costs can be hefty. If you can start setting a little bit of money aside here and there, even before the baby arrives, you’ll be better equipped to meet those costs a couple years later.

Get Help from Family & Friends

Now is also the time to get help from family and friends! The people around you are likely to be eager to help where they can, and it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace that help. One way to do so is by accepting hand-me-down clothes, accessories, and toys that can actually save you quite a bit in the early going. Another is by updating the baby shower concept, such that you start a “honeyfund” rather than a gift registry, or have friends sign up to bring meals when the baby first arrives (rather than sending gifts). These are small steps, but they can save both money and hassle in your earliest days as new parents, and help set the tone for a strong financial approach.

In the end, having a baby is still expensive, and there’s no way around it. But by being honest about the costs you’re facing and taking steps to address them early; you can be adequately prepared.

Article exclusively written for www.nannypod.com

By Rae Jeanne

NannyPod provides long term nanny matches and short term occasional date-night babysitters and infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly by using the NannyPod app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

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