Babysitting services
Without family nearby, finding someone you trust to watch your kids for an evening or a few hours can feel like one of the harder parts of settling in. The good news is that Belgium has several reliable ways to find a babysitter, even if you don't yet have a local network.
This page covers where to look, what to expect, and how payment usually works.
Overview
Most families in West Flanders find babysitters through online platforms, local youth services, or personal networks. Which option works best usually depends on how often you need care and whether you're looking for a one-off evening or a more regular arrangement.
Finding a babysitter
- Babysits is a widely used Belgian and Dutch platform where you can browse profiles, reviews, and availability of local babysitters, and message them directly.
- Gezinsbond's babysitting service (Kinderoppasdienst) is the classic Belgian option: screened sitters, fixed rates, insurance included, and it issues tax certificates for the cost of care.
- Your municipality's youth service (jeugddienst) often keeps a list of trained babysitters, especially students who've completed a recognised babysitting course.
- Local Facebook groups for internationals or parents in your city are a common way to find recommendations, especially for English-speaking sitters.
- Some babysitters are certified through a Red Cross babysitting course, which covers basic first aid and childcare - worth asking about if it matters to you.
Occasional childminders
Looking for regular daytime care instead of an occasional evening or weekend sitter? See our Childcare page - registered childminders and daycare centres are a different option, built for regular, ongoing care rather than one-off bookings.
Cost and payment
Babysitting rates in Belgium are agreed directly between you and the sitter - there's no fixed national rate, but local averages are usually visible on platforms like Babysits. Payment is typically made in cash or by bank transfer after each booking.
Babysitting isn't usually covered by the service voucher (dienstencheques) system, which applies to household help rather than childcare - so don't expect a tax reduction for these costs.
It's worth checking insurance before you book: Gezinsbond sitters are insured as part of the service, while with a private or independently-found sitter, you're relying on your own or the sitter's family liability insurance (familiale verzekering).
Good to know: if you're booking a babysitter for the first time, arrange a short introductory meeting before your first evening out. It gives your child a chance to get comfortable, and gives you peace of mind.
Sources
- Babysits - find a babysitter in Belgium
- Huis van het Kind - Vlaanderen
- gezinsbond.be
