Hiring a babysitter almost always raises the same question: what should you pay for a babysitter? Many parents start small, with a neighbour or a teenager they know. Others look for a more professional solution. Whichever route you choose, it's wise to know what levels are reasonable.
At Hey Kiddo, we like to keep it simple: here's our guide to what you should pay, what affects the hourly rate, and why it's actually safer and more affordable to hire a babysitter through us than to go the black route.
What you usually pay
| Age and experience of the carer | Reasonable hourly wage (including holiday pay) | Commentary |
| 15 years | about 105-110 kr | Simpler passport, limited responsibilities. |
| 16 years | about 120 kr | A little more mature, can take on simpler chores like homework or simple meals. |
| 17 years | about 120-130 kr | More reliable, often some experience in babysitting. |
| 18 years | about 130-140 kr | Can take more responsibility, bedtime, pick-up/drop-off and manage everyday routines. |
| 19 years and older | about 150-155 kr | Adult age, higher confidence. Basic level without specific training. |
| Adult more experience/training | about 165-175 kr | Have training that allows you to handle more advanced situations. |
How much does a babysitter cost on Hey Kiddo
At Hey Kiddo, the prices for childcare are normally between SEK 139 and 230 per hour after the RUT deduction.
This means that you get a babysitter who is:
- background checked,
– trained in child safety and CPR,
- selected to suit your family,
- and always insured during work shifts.
The difference between hiring a private babysitter in the black is therefore small in price - but huge in security.
What affects the hourly rate?
When we talk to families, we usually highlight some factors that influence what is reasonable to pay:
1. age and experience
2. time of day
3. tasks and responsibilities
4. number of children
Why not hire a babysitter in the black?
Why choose a babysitter without a receipt? Many people think it will be cheaper, but the difference in price is often minimal and the risks much greater. In the end, with taxis and tips, you rarely pay more for a babysitter white than black, especially after the RUT deduction.
Real security: With a black babysitter, you have no insurance, no contracts and all responsibility falls on you. With Hey Kiddo, everything is organised and safe - both for you and the babysitter.
Easier to make demands: When you hire a private sitter, it can be difficult to be clear about your expectations. With us, it's obvious: you can make demands, and we'll match you with a babysitter who is willing and able to deliver.
No debts of gratitude: When you ask a neighbour or friend's child for help, emotions can easily get involved. At Hey Kiddo, it's a professional service - you pay for the time you get help, period.
Flexibility: Need help at short notice, in the evenings or at recurring times? We can often solve it quickly.
Less hassle: We will liaise with the babysitter and arrange for a replacement if necessary.
Summary - What to pay for childcare
Hiring a babysitter is about more than money. Of course, you want to pay fairly - but above all, you want to feel safe, flexible and have a solution that works in your everyday life.
For a basic youth guard: around pay around £100-120 per hour.
For an adult and experienced nanny: pay around €150-180 per hour.
And for a trained, background checked and insured babysitter through Hey Kiddo: £139-189 per hour after RUT - with no worries, no debts of gratitude and no hassle.
With us, you get peace of mind, quality and flexibility at a price that is actually no higher than black. No difficult thoughts and consciences about what to pay your babysitter. That's the difference between ”someone to look after the children” and Hey Kiddo - the family's mainstay in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions about what to pay the babysitter
How much should I pay a babysitter per hour?
It depends on age, experience and responsibilities. For a younger teenager, it's usually around €100-120 per hour. For an adult and experienced babysitter, £150-180 is reasonable. Through Hey Kiddo, a trained and insured babysitter costs SEK 139-189 per hour after the RUT deduction.
Is it cheaper to hire a babysitter in the black?
Not particularly. The difference in price is small, but the risks are big. You get no insurance, no contract and all responsibility falls on you. With Hey Kiddo, you get peace of mind, insurance and easy administration for a similar price.
Do I have to pay extra for evenings and weekends?
It's common to pay a little more for inconvenient times, especially if the shifts are late evenings, weekends or nights. At Hey Kiddo, pricing is clear and you don't have to negotiate special arrangements yourself.
How does the number of children affect the price of babysitting?
More children mean more responsibility, so a slightly higher fee is reasonable. In Hey Kiddo's pricing, we take this into account and match you with a babysitter who is up to the task.
Can you use RUT deductions for babysitting?
Yes! When you hire a babysitter through Hey Kiddo, the service is covered by the RUT deduction. This means that you only pay half the labour cost - and we take care of all the administration.
What happens if the babysitter falls ill or cannot come?
If you hire private or black babysitters, finding a replacement is your problem. With Hey Kiddo, you have access to our network and can often get a replacement quickly.
