Guide · 6 min read
Babysitter vs au pair vs nanny — which do you need?
Clear differences between babysitters, au pairs, and nannies — hours, live-in, cost signals, and how to list the right role on AuPairly.
Babysitter
Short shifts, evenings, or weekends. Usually hourly and live-out. Ideal when you need flexible childcare without a full-time arrangement.
Au pair
Cultural exchange + childcare. Often live-in with pocket money, set hours, and family life included. Strong fit for hosts who want language, energy, and longer stays.
Nanny
Professional childcare as primary work — often full-time, may be live-out, with clearer employment expectations. List duties and schedule clearly so candidates self-select.
FAQ
- Can one AuPairly listing cover multiple care types?
- Yes. Sitters and hosts can select childcare, caregiving, house sitting, and pet sitting on one account.