Guides
Straight answers about childcare.
What care costs, what the law asks of families and caregivers, and how to check the people you trust with your kids. Every guide is dated and lists its sources.
For parents
- How to find a nanny or babysitterWhere to find a nanny or babysitter near you, what to put in your job post, how to interview and check them, what to pay and how to set up a trial and a written agreement.
- What a nanny costs in 20262026 nanny and babysitter rates across the US and in Los Angeles, what changes the price, nanny share savings, minimum wage and overtime, and the true monthly cost with payroll taxes.
- Nanny tax in 2026, explainedWhen you owe nanny tax in 2026, the $3,000 Social Security and Medicare threshold, the $1,000 a quarter unemployment rule, California's $750 rule, Schedule H and W-2 deadlines.
- How a nanny share worksA nanny share is two families hiring one nanny together. How to find a share family, set the rate, split the cost, host, and handle taxes and a written agreement.
- The best Care.com alternativesCompare Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, Bambino and Nanny on cost to parents, what caregivers pay, background checks, reviews and paying in the app.
- How to check a nanny or sitterWhat a nanny background check covers, why FCRA consent matters, California's TrustLine and Megan's Law tools, checking references, CPR and driving records, and red flags in an interview.
- How to choose a daycareHow to choose a daycare or preschool: staff to child ratios by age, how to look up a license and inspection reports in any state, California's rules, and the questions to ask on a tour.
- What daycare costs in 2026Average daycare cost per month and per year in the US, infant versus preschool prices, the cheapest and most expensive states, and ways families bring the cost down.
- Nanny or daycare?Nanny vs daycare compared on cost, flexibility, sick days, socialization and safety, plus the in-between options: nanny shares, family child care and au pairs.
For caregivers
- Your pay rights as a nanny in CaliforniaFor nannies and sitters in California: when you earn overtime as a personal attendant, local minimum wages, pay stubs, W-2 versus 1099, and getting paid on Nanny.
- How much to charge for babysittingFor sitters and nannies: 2026 babysitting rates by number of kids, how to set your rate for your city and experience, extra charges for late nights and driving, and raises.
- How to become a nannyHow to become a nanny or babysitter: experience that counts, CPR and first aid, background checks, building a profile families trust, setting your rate and finding nanny jobs near you.
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