As well as other prices, babysitter rates are rising dramatically (Picture: Donna Slater/Own)
Ah, babysitters – the ever-reliable caretakers of children and sanity-savers for parents. But with the cost of living crisis, what was once a standard night off has now become a luxury that is becoming too costly.
UK childcare costs are already among the most expensive in the world. Surveys published by the campaign groups Pregnant Then Screwed and Mumsnet said parents were paying as much, or more, for their childcare, than they spent on rent or mortgage.
So, when parents need extra childcare in the form of a babysitter, to take a break or spend some quality time together, the additional costs can be eyewatering.
Recent findings indicate that babysitter rates have skyrocketed over the past year, with some charging as much as £25 per hour in central London. This amount is nearly double the current hourly rate of a junior doctor, which is £14.09. Outside of London, the cost can still be significant, reaching up to £15 per hour.
Mum and consumer specialist, Maddie Alexander-Grout from Southampton, says she’s seen babysitter prices almost double in her area in the last few months.
‘Recently we were not able to get our regular babysitter who charges £9 an hour, so we had to find a last-minute replacement at £15. We were out for six hours, and it cost £90 – which was more than the night out,’ she says.
Maddy says that babysitter prices in her area are nearly double now. (Picture: Donna Slater)
‘I really can’t warrant paying that much. I wouldn’t even spend that for dinner and drinks. It just seems really extravagant.
‘Gone are the days you can get a 14-year-old to watch your kids, it’s just not worth the risk. Babysitters can charge so much, because they know it is the only other option.’
Maddy has also had some bad experiences with babysitters recently, despite the steep fee.
‘I recently had a babysitter that simply didn’t show up,’ she says. You would think if you were paying someone £90 they would arrive. Yet, there was no communication, which left us really disappointed.’
Maddy swaps sitting with friends occasionally, but that’s not always an option, especially if the whole point of getting a babysitter, is to spend time with those friends.
‘If I want to go out I would always exhaust all friends and family options before paying for a babysitter,’ she says.
‘Occasionally we ask my mum to babysit, but she has a busy life. We don’t have any other family members who can help out. And usually, the friends who would offer are the people we would be going out with. I just don’t go out much anymore.’
While some can rely on grandparents or extended families, for mum Natalie Brown, an author from Hove, that’s not an option.
She doesn’t have any immediate family close to her, which means her only option is to shell out for expensive sitters.
‘As a mum of four children between the ages of three to 11, booking a babysitter is a luxury owing to the cost, especially if you pay per child.
Natalie paid £74 for an afternoon for her last sitter (Picture: Natalie Brown)
‘The last time we used a babysitter was for a Sunday afternoon Oktoberfest event, and at £74 for the babysitting, it cost more than we spent there.
‘On the rare occasions we do use a babysitter, it’s through word of mouth from friends, and we have even doubled up in the past, using one babysitter between friends to help spread the cost.’
But Natalie believes that you’re paying or peace of mind.
‘The reality is that if you’re trusting a stranger with your child or children, there’s a cost associated with that.
‘Yes, the London rates are eye-watering, but the same can be said for most services in London.
‘Babysitting rates are certainly restrictive and mean many families like us can’t afford to use babysitters as much as we might like. It’s a luxury instead of a regular event.’
Leah Borromeo believes all services should be paid appropriately (Picture: Leah Borromo)
Leah Borromo, a documentary filmmaker, also believes that you get what you pay for. She doesn’t see the high prices as a negative.
‘Childcare rates need to rise with the cost of living,’ she says. ‘I think workers should be paid fairly – everyone from cleaners to childminders to medics to restaurant staff and binmen.
‘They are all crucial and important parts of civil society. They add nothing but value to our communities.’
‘Of course, doctors should also be paid more for their services and the people responsible for sinking our economy should have all privileges revoked. We should also be taxing the highest earners more.’
‘If our economy was in a healthier position, then food and utilities would cost less, interest rates and rent wouldn’t rise as much, so childcare costs could be lower.’
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What was once used for a standard night out is now an unaffordable luxury.