Sometimes you and your partner just need a break from the kids—a chance to reconnect, catch that latest blockbuster rated R, or dine somewhere that doesn’t have chicken nuggets on the menu. Unless you have Grandma on speed dial, you’ll need to book a babysitter, and that can get pricey. If you’re worried that hiring a sitter might leave you short on cash for drinks during your night out, you might want to check out the latest insights from Urbansitter’s 2020 National Childcare Rate Study.
The survey included over 20,000 families across the U.S., revealing where babysitters are cashing in and where parents can find better deals. San Francisco snagged the title for the priciest babysitters for the third consecutive year, with an average rate of $17.34 per hour for one child. New York closely followed at $16.89, while Seattle wasn’t far behind at $16.42—and that’s before you even think about tipping!
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Denver is your best bet, with sitters averaging $12.22 per hour for one child. On average, across the U.S., you’re looking at about $15.20 per hour for one child. If you have two kids, you’ll be shelling out around $17.34, and for three kids, it jumps to about $19.50. And if you’ve got four or more? You might want to enlist the oldest to babysit, as the cost could rival a fancy three-course meal!
While many people picture teenagers glued to their phones, parents in the survey said their biggest frustration isn’t about social media usage. Instead, 35% noted that their top pet peeve is babysitters who don’t tidy up after themselves, while 30% lamented unexpected cancellations (we’ve all been there, right?). Being late rounded out the top annoyances at 17%. A simple text can go a long way!
If you’ve noticed a surge in #datenight selfies among your friends, you’re not imagining it—61% of parents reported hiring a babysitter at least once a month, and nearly a third said they bring in sitters once a week. But babysitters aren’t just for date nights! They’re lifesavers when work keeps you late or when there’s an unexpected day off school. It’s no surprise that almost half of parents spend over $1,000 annually on babysitting services.
No matter where you live, babysitters can be a significant expense. But that time to unwind without the kids? Priceless. So, we’ll continue to invest in a sitter until our little ones are mature enough to stay home alone.
Speaking of family planning, if you’re considering at-home insemination, check out this insightful blog from Make a Mom on how it works and the unique options they provide, including their re-usable insemination kit that might be just what you need. Additionally, don’t forget to explore Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo, a trusted resource for your journey. For more information on fertility and home insemination, Facts About Fertility offers a wealth of knowledge.
Summary
Parents are spending significantly on babysitters, with rates varying by location. The average U.S. cost for one child is around $15.20 per hour, with prices peaking in cities like San Francisco and New York. Many parents rely on sitters frequently, emphasizing the value of breaks from parenting. Moreover, resources for at-home insemination can be found at Make a Mom, including reusable kits and valuable information on the process.
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