Question 1

Q: What is included in Sitter training?

Accepted Answer

A: We take training seriously. When we couldn’t find a program that met our standards, we created our own. 
Smart Sitter training covers everything a parent would want their sitter to know—from proper communication guidelines to infant care and everything in between. We update it annually to ensure it stays comprehensive.
If there’s a topic you’d like us to include, feel free to reach out! Contact: Morgan@stlsitter.com

Question 2

Q: Is there a minimum requirement when scheduling?

Accepted Answer

For Members scheduling in Casual Care, there is a three hour minimum requirement. You do not have to keep your sitter for the entire three hours, but you are required to pay them for the full three hours.

Question 3

Q: What certifications do STL Sitters have?

Accepted Answer

A: Each sitter goes through a custom on-boarding process to prepare them for providing in-home care.
It starts with an Application, and  includes; Face to Face Interviews, Reference checks, Background and Driving Record Check, CPR certification, and Smart Sitter Training.

Question 4

Q: What is the difference between a babysitter, and a nanny?

Accepted Answer

A: Nanny (Full-time Care): Provides consistent, full-time care.
 It's their career, so they’re deeply involved in your child's daily routine.
 Often live-in or work long hours.
 Helps with school runs, meals, homework, and more.

Babysitter (Casual Care): Offers flexible, short-term care.
 Perfect for date nights or occasional outings.
 Engages kids with fun activities and light supervision.
 Usually hired on an as-needed basis.

Mother's Helper (Support While Parents are Home):
Assists with childcare while parents are present.
 Great for busy households needing an extra hand.
 Helps with light chores and entertaining the kids.
 Ideal for new parents adjusting to a routine

STL Sitter provides Casual Care, and Consistent Care, which is our alternative to a nanny! 
Families looking for a mothers helper, should disclose this expectation up front!

Question 5

Q: We are visiting from out of town and staying...(at a hotel, Airbnb or with friends and family)

Accepted Answer

A: Our sitters have been to almost every hotel in St. Louis, and we would be happy to help you confirm a babysitter for your visit! Please reach out to our team, who will provide a code to use at registration, along with instructions for scheduling.

Question 6

Q: Why do you require a membership?

Accepted Answer

A: Our platform is managed from 7am to 10pm, by real people.
We handle the logistics for over 500+ sitters, so trust us, we have no choice!

Requiring credit card authorizations helps us verify a member's identity. 
This provides an extra layer of security, to keep our sitters safe!

Question 7

Q: I'm taking maternity leave, and trying to piece together childcare, can you help?

Accepted Answer

A: Absolutely! Our Consistent Care feature is designed for moms like you in mind. It allows you to pre-schedule and meet your sitter in advance, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your choice. This feature is a fantastic alternative to hiring a nanny and is our most popular scheduling option. It’s all about giving you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying + managing your time.

Question 8

Q: What happens with the sitter feedback?

Accepted Answer

A: Your feedback is important to us!  When you share feedback about your sitter, it goes directly to our platform managers. They use this information to support our sitters and ensure professional performance. (Another perk of membership!) We love passing along positive feedback to celebrate the great work our sitters do! If there’s ever negative or constructive feedback, we address it directly with the sitter to help them improve and ensure you have the best possible experience. Your input helps us keep our standards high and our sitters at their best!

Question 9

Q: Can I choose a sitter for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, our members have the flexibility to select a sitter for a specific appointment. When clicking "Book an Appointment," choose "Casual Care," and specify the date and time you need coverage, a list of available sitters will be presented.

You'll be able to view the name, photo, and profile of each available sitter, allowing you to choose someone who aligns well with your family's needs. It's important to note that while you may have a preferred sitter, their availability to confirm isn't guaranteed. In such cases, our team will promptly match you with the next available and suitable sitter!

Question 10

Q: What happens if my first-choice sitter declines my request in casual care?

Accepted Answer

A: In the event your preferred sitter is unavailable, our team of dedicated Moms will promptly secure an alternative sitter for you. You'll receive an email confirmation as soon as the replacement sitter is confirmed, and you can view their profile directly from your member account.  (Another perk of membership!) Please note that sitters have the option to decline appointments they may not feel suited for. We know it's frustrating, but please don't take it personally!

Question 11

Q: Can I text or call my sitter prior to the appointment?

Accepted Answer

A: While we appreciate the importance of communication, our sitters adhere to communication boundaries outlined in our LEGAL AGREEMENTS!
They cannot manage extensive communication with multiple families due to the nature of their responsibilities. However, we are Mom's, and we understand that there are specific situations requiring your sitter's attention prior to arrival.

Here's what you can do:
If you have information pertinent to the ARRIVAL, you can conveniently share it directly from the Member dashboard. To do this, locate the appointment details, and select "CHANGE DETAILS." Use the text box to relay the new details. This information will be sent directly to the confirmed sitter.
For more intricate details, you can contact your sitter directly. 
The sitter's phone number becomes visible in your member account ONE HOUR before the confirmed start time. This provides an appropriate window to TEXT your sitter or request a call upon arrival.

Important Note: Per our Terms and Conditions, communication between Members & Providers outside of a scheduled sit is strictly prohibited. 
This policy respects each user's privacy & time.

Question 12

Q: How long will it take to receive a confirmation for my request?

Accepted Answer

A: We ask our Sitters to respond to each appointment request by 10pm on the day it's received.  We make exceptions for appointments scheduled at the last minute, or appointments scheduled for two plus weeks in advance.

In the event you don't receive a response, our team is alerted, and works diligently behind the scenes on your request. While we can't guarantee a specific timeline, rest assured our team always operates with a sense of urgency.

Once your request is submitted, no further action is required, unless a team member reaches out to you directly.

Question 13

Q: What is the timeline for my confirmation after I have submitted a request when there were no providers available?

Accepted Answer

A: If sitters are not listed as available when scheduling your requested time, it is likely that we are currently sold out. You may then complete scheduling + payment without selecting a provider, our office will be alerted and assign a sitter as soon as they become available.
If you would prefer to remove your request, you are able to cancel the appointment at any time, in your online account.
If your timing is at all flexible or there is a portion of the request that is more crucial to be covered, please let us know and we can update the request accordingly.
If our team is unable to secure coverage within 48 hours or less of the requested start time, you may choose to cancel the request, without penalty, and we will issue the scheduling fee as a credit to your account, to be towards future appointments.  
Our staff works to fill these requests in the order they are received, and will notify you as soon as there is an update.

Question 14

Q: Our family really enjoyed our previous sitter, but they are not showing up as available when I go to book online. Is there any way to see if they are available?

Accepted Answer

A: Absolutely! Our sitters enjoy returning to families they know and will do their best to accommodate your requests, provided their schedules allow.
If you don't see your preferred sitter's availability on the platform, you can bypass selecting a sitter altogether by choosing "Next." On the following page, you can enter the name(s) of your preferred sitter(s). Our team will then check with your requested sitter first before making a match.
Please note: Our sitters have the flexibility to create their own schedules, so their availability may be limited unless they receive a specific request.

Question 15

Q: Can the sitter transport my children?

Accepted Answer

A: STL Sitters are happy to transport your children, wherever they need to go!
 
All STLSITTER's have; clean driving records, and they drive their own insured vehicles. (#STLSitterTip- Sitter's profiles also include the make of the vehicle and the number of car seats available!) 
 
Be sure to provide detailed instructions within your appointment notes, regarding any transportation needs, and car seat / booster seat installation.
 
+Sitters are owed a Mileage Fee when transporting kiddos during the time of the sit, in their own vehicle. It is also recommended that providers drive their own vehicle, due to their Independent Contractor status.

Question 16

Q: Can I change the time of a confirmed appointment?

Accepted Answer

A: YES! Time change requests can be submitted for confirmed appointments, via your member account. These requests go directly to your sitter, to either confirm or decline, based on their availability.
 
If your sitter declines your time change request, the original appointment time & sitter will remain confirmed.
 
If your sitter is not able to accommodate your request, and you would like us to work on securing another provider for the new times, please contact our office for alternative solutions.

Additional scheduling fees may apply.

Question 17

Q: What happens if my child is sick?

Accepted Answer

A: STL Sitter cannot dispatch a sitter to a home if your child has been positively diagnosed with any of the following:
Strep
Pink eye 
Hand Foot and Mouth
The Flu
*Covid-19

If your child has any other conditions (ear infection, low-grade fever, virus, teething, etc.) your sitter can still arrive as scheduled- however, please provide advanced notice to our office, in case additional accommodations are needed.
 
SITTER RATE FOR SICK CHILDREN: Sitters charge $25/hour for sick children.
 
Please Note: If you are required to cancel the appointment due to one of the illnesses listed above, normal cancellation rates apply.

Question 18

Q: What happens if my confirmed sitter has an unexpected conflict or emergency?

Accepted Answer

A: We prioritize transparent communication with our sitters AND request that Sitters notify our platform managers, in the case of personal emergencies, before reaching out to you, the parent. Our team will then make every effort to assign a replacement sitter or communicate alternative options, so that you are not stressed!  (Another perk of membership!)

Question 19

Q: Can I hire a STLSitter to clean my house, or do my laundry?

Accepted Answer

A: Sitters are paid for childcare services only. Sitters are expected to clean up all childcare-related messes made during the appointment, but are not able to accommodate any additional cleaning, vacuuming, laundry etc.

We outsource these services to our friends at Lose the List!

Question 20

Q: Can I force my sitter to show proof of vaccination?

Accepted Answer

A: To ensure the safety of our community, sitters on our platform who claim vaccination status must provide proof to us, and our team keeps this information on file. Similar to our policies on background checks, CPR certification, and driving records, we handle the verification process, so members do not need to request proof upon the sitter's arrival.

Question 21

Q: Do you provide nanny placements?

Accepted Answer

A: No, we do not facilitate nanny placements!
Our sitters, primarily composed of undergrad and grad students, as well as young professionals, have busy schedules that may not accommodate full-time commitments.

However, we provide an innovative alternative, that we call Consistent Care. This method allows members to request a schedule in advance, paying only for the specific days and times that are needed.,

This is a flexible solution that combines the benefits of both a nanny and a babysitter.

Frequently Asked Questions