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I am a parent of a 1 year old and a 3 weeks old. We are struggling with traditional babysitting model already. We hired a babysitter through care.com but on the

I am a parent of a 1 year old and a 3 weeks old. We are struggling with traditional babysitting model already. We hired a babysitter through care.com but on the days when she is not available, we have to find a backup. If you didn't plan the backup in advance, you are screwed. For example, our babysitter suddenly could not come for 2 days as her hubby got food poisoning and needed her to stay home with him. So in theory, an "Uber for babysitting" sounds like a good idea where the "on-demand" part is the key. However, the biggest issue I see with something like this is the "trust factor". Babysitters are a very personal thing because they are responsible for the most important thing in your life i.e. your kid. So, when we hire a babysitter traditionally, we do our due diligence, check references etc. and then build trust over time during their first few weeks/months of work. Example, our current babysitter is now with us for about 3 months and we are just about beginning to trust her. We still don't leave her completely alone with our baby (wife staying home for now) but soon, we have to do that. For on-demand, how will this work ? Can I trust someone "uber" like ? Something to think about. Not shooting down your idea btw. As a parent, this is the biggest pain point we face currently.

joezydeco 13y ago
You also have to look at the problem from the kids' POV. Remember, they are humans too. They (indirectly) have a say in this. You could drop a 100.01% trusted and vetted teenager on my doorstep but if the kids don't click with the babysitter (or worse) then it's a traumatic experience for them and, subsequently, for us when we return. That's not worth the convenience.
- codegeek 13y ago
  agreed. But again, this depends on how old the kid is. For my 3 week old, it probably does not matter that much as long as she is fed on time along with diaper change etc. For older kids however, it totally matters that they like the babysitter
callmeed 13y ago
Thanks for the thorough reply. We hadn't thought about newborns so maybe it would be best to start with a lower age limit. We were just chatting about the trust factor, which is clearly the biggest issue. Here's a couple additional things we came up with (I also added these to the OP): - Strict review process. Similar to Uber, maybe a 1 or 2 strike policy and a sitter is fired - Video profile that is texted to you when confirming - Similar to AirBnB, perhaps use Facebook to show that you have a X-degree of separation to the sitter Let me know what you think.
- codegeek 13y ago
  Video profile is a good idea. As a parent, I might be a little more inclined to pay attention to someone who has a video profile. Check Facebook. I cannot believe I am saying this but..Check. This is one use case where a facebook profile is actually useful. The more personalized, the better. However, the privacy police might give some troubles on this one. - I kept the review process for last because this is very subjective. What will be in the review ? Firing someone because they were not a good fit for that family is one thing vs firing someone who violently shook the baby while no one was watching. So this one needs more brainstorming. - I think the setting up of webcam with secure link is a great plus as well. But how will this be done ?
  - callmeed 13y ago
    Still thinking through the review process. I guess it's tough because, unlike Uber, you're not around. Thinking of my own experience (my non-adult kids are 5, 7, and 9). At that age, you can get some feedback from the kids after. Also, my wife cares about whether or not our sitter cleans up after dinner, etc. As for the webcam, we ordered a dropcam and I'll figure out a way to iframe a feed video feed or something along those lines. I figure the sitter would bring the camera, connect to your wifi and we'd text you the link. Also, DropCam offers recording as a monthly service. So, it might be possible to keep the recordings for parents to review.
- runT1ME 13y ago
  amazing idea but I see a flaw in the 1 or 2 strike policy. Kids are individuals, and what may piss one kid off may not piss another kid off. Is the baby sitter a strict disciplinarian? What if the parents don't want their kids disciplined? What if some parents want their kids to sit in front of the TV, while others would be outraged at the thought? The 'On demand' aspect of this might be a little too difficult, but I could see a huge market even if your app helped schedule future sittings between '3 or 4 favorited sitters' that a particular family met through your service. Good luck!

joezydeco 13y ago

You also have to look at the problem from the kids' POV. Remember, they are humans too. They (indirectly) have a say in this. You could drop a 100.01% trusted and vetted teenager on my doorstep but if the kids don't click with the babysitter (or worse) then it's a traumatic experience for them and, subsequently, for us when we return. That's not worth the convenience.

codegeek 13y ago
agreed. But again, this depends on how old the kid is. For my 3 week old, it probably does not matter that much as long as she is fed on time along with diaper change etc. For older kids however, it totally matters that they like the babysitter

callmeed 13y ago

Thanks for the thorough reply. We hadn't thought about newborns so maybe it would be best to start with a lower age limit. We were just chatting about the trust factor, which is clearly the biggest issue. Here's a couple additional things we came up with (I also added these to the OP): - Strict review process. Similar to Uber, maybe a 1 or 2 strike policy and a sitter is fired - Video profile that is texted to you when confirming - Similar to AirBnB, perhaps use Facebook to show that you have a X-degree of separation to the sitter Let me know what you think.

codegeek 13y ago
Video profile is a good idea. As a parent, I might be a little more inclined to pay attention to someone who has a video profile. Check Facebook. I cannot believe I am saying this but..Check. This is one use case where a facebook profile is actually useful. The more personalized, the better. However, the privacy police might give some troubles on this one. - I kept the review process for last because this is very subjective. What will be in the review ? Firing someone because they were not a good fit for that family is one thing vs firing someone who violently shook the baby while no one was watching. So this one needs more brainstorming. - I think the setting up of webcam with secure link is a great plus as well. But how will this be done ?
- callmeed 13y ago
  Still thinking through the review process. I guess it's tough because, unlike Uber, you're not around. Thinking of my own experience (my non-adult kids are 5, 7, and 9). At that age, you can get some feedback from the kids after. Also, my wife cares about whether or not our sitter cleans up after dinner, etc. As for the webcam, we ordered a dropcam and I'll figure out a way to iframe a feed video feed or something along those lines. I figure the sitter would bring the camera, connect to your wifi and we'd text you the link. Also, DropCam offers recording as a monthly service. So, it might be possible to keep the recordings for parents to review.
runT1ME 13y ago
amazing idea but I see a flaw in the 1 or 2 strike policy. Kids are individuals, and what may piss one kid off may not piss another kid off. Is the baby sitter a strict disciplinarian? What if the parents don't want their kids disciplined? What if some parents want their kids to sit in front of the TV, while others would be outraged at the thought? The 'On demand' aspect of this might be a little too difficult, but I could see a huge market even if your app helped schedule future sittings between '3 or 4 favorited sitters' that a particular family met through your service. Good luck!