A better way to find your next babysitter in NYC

Join Forwhen to be connected with trusted sitters across Manhattan & Brooklyn. For when you need to do, well, anything else.

We’re here for whenever you need us

Date nights

Go to that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try—the one with no room for strollers.

Out of towners

Just in NYC for a bit? We’ll have a local sitter show them around and make you feel at home.

Last-minute emergencies

Your primary caregiver is sick. Daycare is closed for a mystery holiday. You, however, still have a big meeting today.

Summer schedules

School might be out, but your kids have camps, outdoor classrooms, and playdates to get to—all before 5pm on a weekday.

How it works

1. Tell us about your family

Share your family’s needs and anything specific you’re looking for in your sitter

2. Text to book

Message when you need care, and we’ll select sitters that are available when you need them.

3. Enjoy peace of mind

After confirming with your sitter, you’re all set. We send reminders and resources so you can focus on the rest of your life.

What families are saying

I don’t know what I’d do without Forwhen! My kids aren’t comfortable with just anyone, but we’ve been matched with experienced and fun sitters who they truly look forward to seeing. Plus, knowing they’re in good hands makes a night away that much easier.

Heather, mom of 2, Park Slope

As a mother of a 2 and 3-year-old, I was eager to start getting out again but struggled to find a trustworthy sitter. Discovering Forwhen has been an absolute godsend. Every sitter they've sent has been fantastic, and their communication is top-notch. I can't recommend them highly enough!

Christine, mom of 2, Brooklyn Heights

What makes us different

Built for NYC parents and sitters by a NYC mom and sitter

  • Expertly vetted care: We do the heavy lifting with interviews, background checks, and reference checks.

  • Play with purpose: Our sitters prioritize play and limited screen time. They engage with your kids, not a phone.

  • Easy as texting: We manage booking and matching all through SMS.

About our sitters

Video interviewed

Background checked

No cut of hourly pay

Reference checked

Our sitters are thoroughly vetted and range from full-time childcare professionals to students to working 9-5ers, all with years of experience working with kids. We prioritize ensuring sitters are paid fair wages and don’t take any fees out of their pay. Here are a few of our caring and talented sitters.

  • Sarah L.

    Park Slope, Brooklyn

    Sarah has worked as a babysitter and tutor and has a degree in education. She’s taught in NYC and Taiwan and once coached a middle school lacrosse team in Harlem.

  • Eliza B.

    Park Slope, Brooklyn

    Eliza is a pediatric occupational therapist and has worked as a camp counselor and nanny. You can find her during basketball season cheering on the New York Liberty.

  • Paula A.

    Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

    Paula is a painting student, speaks fluent Spanish, and has been babysitting for seven years. Favorite hobby? Playing guitar.

  • Anna C.

    Fort Greene, Brooklyn

    Anna is in graduate school studying social work and loves working with kids. Her ideal weekend involves going to the farmers market and walking through Fort Greene Park with her dog, Joni. Fun fact: she’s a twin!

Meet the founder

👋 Hi, I’m Ellie. I’m a new mom to a baby girl and I started Forwhen after my own experience as a NYC babysitter and a start-up veteran. I knew there had to be a better way to find work as a sitter and to for parents to get a few hours to themselves.

I’m passionate about making connections between your family and the sitters on our platform who love nothing more than caring for your little ones and giving you the break you deserve.

Sign up to find a sitter today

Matching your family with amazing sitters so you can do literally anything else—because parenting is a full-time job and everyone needs a little break.