How to Save Money on Babysitters

If there's anything that absolutely bowls you over when you become a parent it's how much it costs to get a good babysitter these days. When my oldest was born we made the decision to put him into daycare when he was old enough so my wife and I could continue working. The amount of money they wanted to charge us for a single week of changing diapers and remembering to put him down for a nap every once in a while was mindboggling!

Whether you're looking for a full time daycare service or a part time sitter to help plug in the gaps between your work schedule and your partner's (or actually sneak in a night out without the kids!) you're going to find yourself paying for the privilege of having someone else take care of your children. Over the years I've managed to find some great ways to cut my babysitting costs. Here's what we've come up with:

1) If you're looking for full time day care go with an in-home service rather than an institution. The classes are smaller, the kids are in a home environment and the sitters are usually doing it because they really enjoy day care rather than marking time until their next paycheck.

2) Make friends with people who have kids. Not only is this more fun for all of you, since you can do activities together, but you can play musical babysitters when one of you needs someone to pinch hit-and when you're paying in favors rather than money it's more affordable for all of you.

3) Work opposite shifts, and telecommute as often as possible. Until kids are old enough to start school juggling them between you and your spouse is usually the best way to ensure high quality child care at minimum expense. All you have to do is plug in the gaps.

4) Join a babysitting co-op. See #2: This is a great way to get together with other parents and schedule regular nights out without having to pay a fortune.

5) Enjoy early bedtime. If you're used to going out every weekend, having kids can seem like culture shock. Instead of going out, wait until the kids go to bed and pick up some wine and take-out. Rent a new release (chances are you didn't catch it in the theatre anyway) and pop some popcorn. Turn up the radio and dance in your living room. Voila! A night out at half the expense.

Child care can be a major bite out of your budget each month, but with some careful planning you can still enjoy the benefits of being gainfully employed and actually having a life without completely breaking the bank.