How to Book a Babysitter at Your London Airbnb

Why Families in London Airbnbs Need Professional Babysitters

London is one of the world's most exciting cities for family travel, but exploring it with young children can be tiring. Whether you’re staying in a stylish Airbnb in Notting Hill, a serviced apartment in Canary Wharf, or an apart-hotel near King’s Cross, if you're like me, there will be evenings when you and your partner want a night out to yourself. Be it at a nice restaurant, a West End show, or just a quiet dinner without the kids.

Unlike hotels, Airbnb and apartment stays don't come with a concierge who can provide childcare recommendations. That's where Stays comes in. We provide DBS-checked, insured, and professionally vetted babysitters who come directly to your London Airbnb, no matter where you are in the city. If you've never heard the term "DBS" before, it stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. Simply put, it is the UK's equivalent of a criminal record, and someone who is DBS-checked is someone without a criminal record. For additional details, we always recommend families to check out the UK government's guidance on DBS here.

Step 1: Choose Your Service

Stays offers more than just babysitting. Depending on your family's needs, you can book:

• Babysitters or Nannies — evening or daytime care for children of all ages, from newborns and up

• Chaperones — these are babysitters who can take your teenagers shopping for the day or show them around town

• Pet sitting — if you've travelled with your dog, our sitters can keep them company, or take them for a walk while you explore

• Elderly care and companionship — travelling with elderly relatives who need help moving around? We provide qualified elderly carers

• Tutoring — perfect for digital nomad families or longer stays where children need educational support

All our sitters are experienced with children and, in the case of elderly carers, adults, in unfamiliar environments, and are trained to keep little ones comfortable and entertained in any setting, from a cosy studio flat in Hampstead to a spacious penthouse in Mayfair.

Step 2: Fill In Your Booking Details

Booking takes less than two minutes. Head to our Airbnb & Apartment Babysitters page or go straight to our booking form. You'll need to provide:

• Your Airbnb address (or apartment name and postcode)

• The date, start time, and estimated duration

• The ages of your children (or details about pets/elderly relatives)

• Any special requirements — allergies, bedtime routines, or language preferences

We cover every London neighbourhood, from Zone 1 to Zone 6, so no matter where your Airbnb is located, we can match you with a local sitter. We pride ourselves on speed, and endeavour to respond to your booking query within an hour if not sooner. Depending on your location and other requirements, it can take us as little as 2 hours or up to 24 hours to find someone suitable. So we always advise booking with as much lead time as possible.

Step 3: We Match You With a Vetted Sitter

Once your booking is submitted, our team reviews your requirements and matches you with the best available sitter. Every Stays babysitter has been through our rigorous 6-step vetting process, which includes:

• Enhanced DBS check — the highest level of criminal background screening in the UK

• Identity verification — government-issued ID cross-referenced

• Two professional references — from previous childcare employers

• In-person interview — assessed for experience, temperament, and professionalism

• First aid certification — paediatric first aid trained

• Ongoing monitoring — regular performance reviews and family feedback

You'll receive your sitter's profile, which includes her photo, qualifications, references, and experience, before the booking is confirmed, so you know exactly who will be caring for your children.

Step 4: The Sitter Arrives

On the day and time of your booking, your sitter arrives at your Airbnb 10–15 minutes early. They'll introduce themselves, go through your child's routine, and make sure everyone is comfortable before you head out. It is best to give yourself about 30 minutes before you head out, so the sitter has time to spend with your child in your presence. So, if you need to leave at 7 pm for a dinner reservation, we advise requesting a sitter for 6:30 pm.

Popular parent activities while our sitters are on duty include:

• West End theatre shows — The Lion King, Wicked, Hamilton

• Dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants in Mayfair or Soho

• Evening walks along the South Bank

• Cocktails at rooftop bars in Shoreditch or the City

• Late-night shopping at Harrods or Selfridges

How Much Does an Airbnb Babysitter Cost in London?

The total cost of care depends on your location, the number and ages of the children, and any special requirements. Once you make a booking, we will send you a full quote with no hidden fees. For longer bookings (full days, overnight, or rota), we offer tailored packages. Simply mention your needs in the booking form, and we'll provide a custom quote.

What Makes Stays Different From Other Babysitting Services?

There are several babysitting apps and agencies in London, but Stays is purpose-built for travellers and short-stay guests. Here's what sets us apart:

• Specialised in temporary accommodation — our sitters are experienced with Airbnbs, apart-hotels, and serviced apartments, not just hotels

• Trusted by 100+ luxury hotels — if London's top hotels trust us, you can too

• No subscription or membership — book once or book every trip, with no ongoing commitment

• Multilingual sitters — we have babysitters fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, and more

• Same-day bookings available — need a sitter tonight? We often accommodate last-minute requests

Best London Neighbourhoods for Family Airbnbs

If you're still planning your London trip, here are the most popular neighbourhoods for family stays — all well-covered by our sitter network:

• South Kensington — near the Natural History Museum (one of our favourites) and Science Museum, perfect for families

• Notting Hill — charming streets, Portobello Market, and leafy garden squares

• Covent Garden — central, walkable, and close to theatres and restaurants

• Greenwich — family-friendly with the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and open parkland

• Richmond — quieter pace with deer in Richmond Park and riverside walks

• Marylebone — upscale village feel near Regent's Park and Madame Tussauds

• Southbank — walking distance to the London Eye and SEA LIFE aquarium  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a babysitter for an Airbnb outside central London?

Absolutely. We cover all London zones, from Zone 1 through to Zone 6. Whether you're in Hampstead, Wimbledon, Stratford, or Croydon, we can send a vetted sitter to your door.

Is it safe to have a babysitter in an Airbnb?

Yes — our sitters undergo the same rigorous vetting whether they're working in a hotel or an Airbnb. Every sitter has an enhanced DBS check, professional references, and full insurance. We've safely completed over 25,000 bookings across London.

Can I meet the babysitter before the booking?

We send you a detailed sitter profile (including photo, experience, and qualifications) before confirming. If you'd like a brief phone or video call beforehand, just let us know.

Do you provide overnight babysitting?

Yes, overnight bookings are available. These are perfect for parents attending evening events, late dinners, or simply needing an early-morning start. Overnight rates are provided on request.

Ready to Book?

Don't let the type of accommodation limit your London experience. Whether you're in a luxury hotel suite or a charming Airbnb terrace flat, your family deserves the same level of trusted, professional childcare.

Book your babysitter now or learn more about our Airbnb services. Have questions? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.