Bubble is the easiest way to find and book trusted, pre-checked local sitters to look after your children in your own home. Whether you need a regular babysitter, occasional evening cover, or last-minute help, here's how it works.
Finding a sitter
There are two ways to find a sitter on Bubble:
Post a request - Tell us when you need help and sitters who are available will apply. You can review their profiles, check their reviews and verifications, message them through the app, and confirm the one you'd like.
Browse sitters - Search for sitters in your area send a request directly from their profile.
However you search, we'd always encourage you to message a sitter before confirming to make sure you're a great fit. You can also arrange a pre-sit meet-up or trial: many sitters are happy to do this, and it's a great way for your children to get to know them before the first booking!
We strongly recommend adding Instructions to your request - a bit of detail about your children, your home, and any specific instructions for the sit makes a real difference.
Want it sorted for you? Bubble+ Premium subscribers can use our Concierge feature - our team will chat through what you need and find you a great sitter on your behalf. Find it on the homepage in the app! 🛎️
Preparing for a booking
Once you've confirmed a sitter, you'll receive their phone number so you can speak to them ahead of the sit. The sitter will be sent your home address as provided on your profile, and you'll both receive reminders as the booking approaches.
It's important to keep all communication and payment on Bubble - this protects both you and your sitter and ensures your booking is covered by insurance.
You can cancel a booking at any time if you're not comfortable.
What happens on a sit
A sit is whatever you need it to be. Sitters on Bubble are there to give your children a great experience while you get on with your day or take a break.
Here are some of the things parents regularly ask sitters to help with:
School or nursery pick-up and drop-off
After-school care - homework help, reading practice, winding down after a busy day or taking children to and from sports or other clubs
A trip to the park, soft play, or local activities
Arts and crafts, games, or outdoor play at home
Bath time and bedtime routines
Preparing snacks or meals
Overnight sits while you work a night shift, travel or take a night away
Supporting children with additional needs - just give the sitter good details in advance so they can prepare and be sure they are the right fit for the job
You don't need to be going anywhere special. Many parents book a sitter simply to have a few hours to themselves at home, focus on work, or attend an appointment. Whatever the reason - it's valid, and that's what Bubble is for. Sit instructions are the best way to share everything a sitter needs to know before they apply. Messaging an calling before a sit is always a good idea to explain your children's routines, any medical or dietary needs, where things are in the house, what the kids enjoy, and anything else that will help the sit go smoothly. The more detail you give, the more confident your sitter will feel, and the better the experience for your family.
During the sit
Once the sit starts, you can message or call your sitter directly through the app at any time. Our Safety Bubble feature also gives you access to in-app safety tools during the sit, including location tracking, emergency contact information, and safeguarding resources.
Our support team is available from 9am-9pm every day if anything comes up.
After the sit
Once you're home, either of you can end the sit on the app. You'll then be prompted to pay. Any Bubble credit is automatically applied to the total, and you can add a tip or expenses if needed.
After paying, you'll be asked to leave a review. Reviews matter - they help other parents make informed decisions and they're important to your sitter's reputation on the platform.