Hiring a babysitter anywhere is a big decision. But in Europe, especially if you’re an expat or living in a multicultural city, there are a few extra layers to think through. We’ve worked with hundreds of families across the continent, and no matter where they’re from—Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or Paris—the same five issues come up again and again.
Whether you’re planning to hire a Filipino babysitter for the first time or just want to make sure you’re not missing something, here are five things we think every parent should know before bringing someone new into the home.
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Babysitting in Europe Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
If you’re used to how babysitting works in the U.S., get ready for things to be a little different. In Europe, expectations vary a lot between countries—and even between families living next door to each other.
Some parents want casual evening coverage so they can go out to dinner. Others need help every day after school. Some families expect the babysitter to help with meals, clean up a bit, and even walk the dog. Others want someone who just plays with the kids and keeps them safe until bedtime.
So before anything else, be clear with yourself about what you need. Write it down. What hours do you expect? Will they be helping with homework? Do you want someone who speaks your language, or someone who can help your child learn another?
We always ask these questions early in our matching process because when expectations are vague, things tend to fall apart quickly.
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Babysitters Are Not Nannies — And That’s Okay
It might seem obvious, but a lot of families expect nanny-level support from a babysitter without realizing it. A nanny is typically there on a regular basis, involved in the child’s routines, development, and family life. A babysitter is there for specific blocks of time—often evenings or weekends—and their role is usually centered around safety, play, and basic care.
If you’re hiring a Filipino babysitter, know that you’re getting someone who naturally goes above and beyond. We’ve seen it time and time again—families expect just coverage, and end up with a caregiver who genuinely connects with the children. But that doesn’t mean you should assume every babysitter will take on long-term or developmental tasks.
We always tell families to start small. Let the relationship grow naturally. Many of our Filipino babysitters have turned into part-time or full-time nannies simply because the connection was that strong—but it started with clear boundaries and mutual understanding.
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Trust Takes Time (But There Are Ways to Speed It Up)
When you leave your child with someone—even for a couple hours—your brain doesn’t fully switch off. That’s normal. Trust doesn’t magically appear because someone smiled during the interview or came with glowing references. It’s something you build.
That said, there are a few ways to set yourself up for success from the start:
- Do a trial evening. Stay home the first time and let your child and the babysitter interact while you observe quietly.
- Create a simple “babysitter guide” with emergency numbers, favorite toys, bedtime routine, snacks allowed, screen time rules—whatever matters in your house.
- Ask for a short update after each session. Nothing too formal. Just a quick message: “They fell asleep around 8:15, we read two books, no issues.”
At filipinonanny.agency, we encourage all of this. We also prep our Filipino babysitters to expect a settling-in period and to lead with calm, steady communication—because we’ve learned that the way the first few days go often determines everything that comes after.
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Cultural Fit Matters (Even If You Don’t Think It Does Yet)
Europe is diverse, and so are its parenting styles. Some families are very structured. Others are more relaxed. Some expect caregivers to speak exclusively in their local language; others want bilingual exposure.
That’s why we always match families not just based on schedule or experience—but on tone, values, and energy. And it’s why so many families come to us specifically looking for a Filipino babysitter.
Filipino babysitters are known across the world for being warm, respectful, flexible, and deeply tuned in to the emotional needs of kids. They’re calm under pressure, gentle when things get loud, and reliable when routines fall apart. That kind of energy works well in almost any home—but especially in busy European cities where families need someone who can adapt quickly and stay grounded.
Cultural fit doesn’t mean you need someone exactly like you. It means you need someone who respects your parenting style and finds a rhythm with your child. That’s the sweet spot we help families find.
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Paperwork, Payment & Legal Rules Aren’t Always Obvious
This is the part nobody wants to think about—but it matters.
Different countries in Europe have different laws around childcare, working hours, tax declarations, and insurance. Some places require contracts; others don’t. Some families pay babysitters cash, others do bank transfers or use official payroll services.
We’re not here to give legal advice, but we do walk families through what’s standard in their country. We also make sure all of our Filipino babysitters know their rights, understand the expectations, and are paid fairly for the work they do.
That includes:
- Clear payment terms agreed on before the first shift
- Transparent working hours and responsibilities
- Fair rates (not minimum wage unless it’s a true entry-level role)
- A respectful, professional dynamic from day one
If you’re unsure what’s appropriate in your country, ask us. We’ve worked with families in over 15 European cities—we’ve probably seen a version of your setup before.
So, Why Work With Us?
Because we’ve done this before. Many times.
We’ve helped families who needed last-minute coverage, and others who were planning months in advance. We’ve worked with first-time parents and families with four kids and a complex routine. We’ve placed Filipino babysitters for single evenings, for full school terms, and everything in between.
But more importantly, we care about how it feels.
We care that your child feels safe when you’re not there. We care that you can leave the house and not spend the whole night texting. We care that the babysitter feels prepared, respected, and proud of the work they do.
We’re not a directory. We’re not just a matchmaking tool.
We’re here to help you find someone you’d actually invite into your home—and want back again.
If you’re hiring a Filipino babysitter in Europe, we’re ready when you are.
Visit filipinonanny.agency to start the process, ask questions, or just talk things through.
