Babysitter, nanny, or daycare mother - what is the difference?
In addition to nursery school or the day care centre, you can also have your child looked after by a babysitter, a nanny, or a day care mother. These types of childcare vary in a few ways. Read here what they are.
Babysitter - Flexible childcare at home
A babysitter looks after your children at home. The babysitting assignments are occasional, flexible and usually limited to a few hours. Many pupils, students and senior citizens babysit to earn some extra money on the side. There is no special training required for babysitters. However, experience in childcare and additional qualifications such as a first aid course or a special babysitting course are an advantage.
Good to know!
To create a profile as a babysitter on Babysitter24, minors must be at least 15 years old.
Nanny - Full-time childcare at home
A nanny (or a manny) also looks after your children at home. But, unlike babysitters, nannies must be of age. In addition, they do not work on call but regularly and are employed by the family under the social security scheme.
They also do some minor household chores. There is no obligatory training for this form of childcare. However, nannies can gain initial experience by taking a first aid course and a basic babysitting course.
Daycare mother - The alternative to a nursery school
Instead of a nursery school, you can have your child looked after by a daycare mother or a daycare family. Daycare mothers usually look after up to five children at their home. Daycare parents must provide proof of basic educational training to the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) to obtain a care permit. They also have to undergo continuous training. Daycare parents are often self-employed, but can also be employed by a daycare association.
