Hiring a Ottawa Nanny or Babysitter

Networking in Ottawa with friends, neighbors, teachers, or using a professional registered sitter agency is a good way to start. It is important to find someone that you like to watch your child. This should be a responsible, competent, trustworthy individual who actually likes being with children. Ensure that they are age-appropriate since some nannies and sitters are not comfortable with babies or very young children. Do a background check, ask for references and be sure to check them out. It would also be helpful if they had some first aid training. Remember your child’s safety is your first priority.

Ottawa Nanny Salary

The going rate in your Ottawa neighborhood can vary depending on the sitter’s qualifications, experience, education, and the number of children to be cared for. Salaries for live-in nannies currently range from $11 to $17 an hour or $400 to $600 per week. Be fair – for sitters, pay a decent rate with a minimum number of hours arranged beforehand. (The current minimum wage in Ontario is $9.50 per hour.)

Ottawa Nanny & Babysitter Agencies

There are some well-established registered babysitter and nanny agencies in Ottawa that are members of the Better Business Bureau of Canada, and they will provide references on request. Always ask what an agency charges, what they provide, and how long they have been in business. Preferred Personnel of Canada Inc. (647-722-4644 or toll-free 1-800-899-8841) can even provide a nanny or sitter with a nursing background in case your child is ill or has special needs. Elite Care of Canada (416-590-7429 or toll-free 1-877-242-7706) was voted the best nanny agency in the 2008 annual Today’s Parent Readers’ Choice Awards as well as being a member of the standard-setting International Au Pair Association. Diamond Personnel (1-888-886-8209) provides friendly personal service and professionally screened candidates. QC Personnel Ottawa (613-596-1222) has been providing quality care for more than 25 years. As a valuable adjunct for the sitter or nanny, there is Precious Travellers (613-825-9462), a company that provides rental equipment for babies and children like cribs, strollers and car seats to help you when you’re away from home.

Be sure to leave a contact number where you can be reached, as well as your child’s medical information. If you are going to be unavailable, perhaps a grandparent or good neighbor in Ottawa can be notified. Be clear to the babysitter about your expectations. This should be a good experience for your child, something and someone they can look forward to coming again.

Ottawa Kids Activities & Things To Do with Kids

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, full of culture and history. There is lots to see and do, like visiting Parliament Hill where you can tour the House of Commons, The National Gallery of Canada which houses the best collection of art in the country as well as having activities for children of all ages, The Canadian Science and Technology Museum where you can take a virtual tour through space, the Canadian Museum of Civilization where you can explore 1000 years of Canadian history along with the world’s largest collection of totem poles, with the Canadian Children’s Museum located inside where children can enjoy the world of hands-on discovery. In addition, you can check out the always interesting ByWard Market and buy a “beaver tail” to snack on, and then go exploring in Gatineau Park located just a short distance away. Remember to have both the sitter and the kids wear comfy shoes when out and about in Ottawa.