Six Great Childcare Apps

Parenting apps to help simplify your life are all the rage these days, especially ones that provide entertainment for your kids or help you access childcare quickly when you’re in a bind. 

This blog article gives you an objective view on childcare apps, what to expect from a cost perspective and how they work. Read on to find out more…

NannyPod

Obviously we are somewhat biased when it comes to tooting our own horn about the NannyPod app. NannyPod launched its new super-fast childcare app in July 2021. It is the lowest cost childcare connectivity mobile app in the industry. It’s fast and simple to use. 

Pros: No subscription needed, low fee background checks, easy to use filters

Cons: Credit card must be added to pay childcare providers (no cash option)

Overall: 9/10

Bambino

This company is somewhat new to the industry. They’ve done a great job at creating a smooth app with lots of features, even if it looks a bit busy. A little like UrbanSitter, it connects you via friends and neighbors to childcare providers. 

Pros: Comprehensive features

Cons: A little overloaded

Overall: 8.5/10

SitterCity

SitterCity has been around for quite a while. They’re on par with Care.com from an age perspective, although somewhat behind the curve of their nemesis from a features point of view. They also do senior care and pet care.

Pros: Good all round platform, nice images

Cons: Pricey subscriptions, different apps needed

Overall: 8.5/10

Nanno

Nanno is another new provider in the childcare app space. They’re gradually building a presence, although they do have a few things to fix on their app.

Pros: Comprehensive vetting process

Cons: App seems to have a few issues at present 

Overall: 6.5/10

UrbanSitter

A nice interface for parents to find childcare, although one may argue that they could have improved a bit more over the years. They’ve branched out into senior care, pet sitters and household help.

Pros: Connects you via Facebook friends and groups

Cons: Shares your information

Overall: 8/10

Care.com

The behemoth in the industry which started out of Boston MA. They’ve branched out into pet care, elder care and even home-sitters. Definitely the most expensive platform coupled with various caveats for cancelling.

Pros: Multiple services on one platform

Cons: Expensive subscriptions and background checks

Overall: 8.5/10

Summary

We think it’s a good idea to use a few apps for the same function e.g. Uber and Lyft, or OpenTable and Resy. That way, you always have a back-up plan if one is not getting you what you need.

As a side note, NannyPod recently incorporated the most technologically advanced background check feature called SafetyPIN, that includes ongoing monitoring for a low monthly fee. Background checks are purely optional, but strongly recommended for all users so as to keep the NannyPod community a generally safer place. 

Where else can you find, book and pay for childcare in seconds, for hardly any fees? If you have some ideas or information to include in our next blog article, please email info@nannypod.com thank you.

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!

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Increased Tax Breaks For Parents - Get Your Benefits Today

The rise in the Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) contribution amount limit, along with the IRS extension of the open enrollment rule exception - allowing anytime updates to DCFSA contributions in 2021 - have maintained dependent care tax breaks in view since the spring when the changes took effect.

The estimated scenario below includes the typical 2021 tax savings that a family or parent hiring a nanny to start this week could see:

Childcare Provider Gross Pay: $19,000

Family (Employer) Taxes: +$1,740

IRS Tax Breaks: -$7,370

Family Net Cost: $13,370

By paying legally, the family could save $5,630 and mitigate the risks associated with paying under-the-table - all while ensuring that their nanny will have access to financial safety nets like unemployment insurance and paid family medical leave should the need arise.

If your company has not yet rolled out the new DCFSA contribution limit ($10.5k), you are not alone. Unfortunately, administrative hurdles have caused some companies to delay rollout. An easy workaround available to families and parents with access to a DCFSA through both of their jobs is to contribute up to the old limit ($5k) to both accounts, for a total of $10k.

Families without access to a DCFSA, can fall back on the increased Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). Qualifying dependent care expenses not applied to the DCFSA can be applied toward the CDCTC, up to a maximum of $8k for families with one dependent and $16k for families with multiple dependents. The tax credit is up to 50% of the qualifying expenses, but the credit decreases at higher adjusted gross income levels - with most household employers receiving a credit of $1,600 (one dependent) or $3,200 (multiple dependents).

If you are not sure how this affects you, or how to reduce your taxes with regards to childcare, we’d recommend you use a qualified CPA who is local in your town or city. The cost of a CPA is usually well worth the advice they can present.

Families and parents may use their DCFSA card or DCAP Card (all major debit and credit cards are accepted) in the NannyPod app to pay for childcare.

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!

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COVID-19 Will Pass 😀 ✅ Find Your Next Nanny In Advance

NannyPod is now $25, $50 or $150 Month! No Retainer, Search or Placement Fees.

Do you still need to find a Nanny? 😀 🍼🤰🤱👼 

If yes, check out our updated homepage today at www.NannyPod.com

12 Ways to Thank Your Nanny - National Nanny Recognition Week 2018

Take a few minutes to thank the people who help raise your children. National Nanny Recognition Week is September 23rd - 29th 2018!

1. Create a thank you message and post it on social media.

2. Give an unexpected bonus

3. Make a homemade gift

4. Surprise your nanny with breakfast when she arrives.

5. Encourage your nanny to pursue her professional education by paying for nanny certifications.

6. Pick up her favorite snacks so she can indulge whenever she needs a pick-me-up.

7. Present her with a gift card based on her likes or interests, to show you pay attention.

8. Give her an extra paid day where she can catch up on her to-do list.

9. Show that you value her professionalism and sponsor her membership to the International Nanny Association for $35. 

10. Send her to the spa with a gift certificate and let her know that since she spends so much time taking care of others, this is her day to care for herself.

11. Pay for a nice manicure and pedicure if the full spa is too pricey.

12. Give the nanny an afternoon off, where she gets to finish early.

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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