Need A Babysitter On Demand? (Spoiler Alert: Who Doesn’t?) Time To Get Chime!

Has a babysitter ever bailed on you? We’ve all had those nights. You’re finally getting out. You’re excited to leave the kids in someone else’s trusted hands and go have a good time. And then you get the call: “I’m so sorry! I can’t make it because [insert poor excuse here.]”

Chime was developed by the creators of SitterCity, the pioneer in online childcare and the trusted expert source by over 3 million parents. Since having quality childcare is important to any parent, we were thrilled to discover that Chime sitters are hand-picked and undergo a strict vetting process that includes an application, an in-person evaluation, an enhanced background check, identity verification and social media screening. Roughly 1 in 5 make the cut. Now that’s comforting to know.

Finding Babysitters The Old Way

I’d spend countless hours worrying I’d never find the right sitter. Why? Because I’d hire the first recommendation from my friend Sally, and although I love my dear friend, her taste in babysitters never matched mine. I’d move from friend to friend to friend, hopeful that someone would understand my needs and my children’s needs and match us with the right sitter. No such luck. I moved on to Facebook groups and bulletin boards but it was always a big fat guessing game as to who would show up at the door and whether they’d be a good fit for my family.

Then I was introduced to Chime. Yes, it’s an app. Yes, it pairs me with potential sitters who were not recommended to me by a friend. And yes, it’s glorious.

How Chime Works

After downloading the app (they have a website too if apps aren’t your thing), I inputted my location, and the names and ages of my kids. Then I chose the date, time, and length of time I wanted a sitter. You can schedule starting just an hour in advance of when you need someone to show up, which is ridiculously helpful when your regular sitter cancels.

Three smiling faces appeared on the screen. I clicked on the first. “Meet Jessica” appeared in bold letters. I was delighted to find a short video of her talking about her experience, education, and what makes her the best fit for our family. She talked about her studies in art therapy and how she brings art into her time with the kids she sits for. Waaaaayyyyyy more thorough and informative than the phone number written on a piece of paper handed to me by my pal Sally.

Beyond the qualifications listed — and this one sounds pretty silly — I ended up choosing the sitter who was both highly qualified and who looked warm in the way that I knew my kids would find her warm. That’s a tough one to describe — you have to use the app to see what I mean — but the ability to see a familiar face and hear someone talk to you helps weed out those folks who may not be as much of a match for your children as others.

After inputting my credit card I was brought to a screen with Jessica’s email address and phone number in case I wanted to contact her before the requested sitter time. With booking and payment done through Chime’s website or app, it made the process so fluid I could see how this could be come an addiction, much like my Amazon purchasing habit.

Time To Go Out

When Jessica arrived on the night that we’d requested her to show up, you wouldn’t believe it, but she actually showed up. The kids took to her instantly. I may have lingered a minute or two longer than normal — after all, I ended up choosing the caregiver for my children through an on-demand app! But there was no need. She was fantastic. And when I returned, my children were alive, asleep, and there were cartoon drawings left all over the kitchen table so I know they didn’t spend the whole time on screens, either. Three cheers for Chime!

Whether you need a sitter on short notice or not, Chime should become your go-to app to find quality recommendations. No more missing important meetings or great date nights because your regular sitter can’t make it. I’m thrilled Jessica entered our lives — but if even she can’t make it in the future, I know exactly where to find another great recommendation.

You can find Chime on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or at the Chime website.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Chime has sweet deal for Founding Moms members to try the service! Book on the website to get 4 free hours as a first-time user.  You can’t not try it.