Childminders and Nannies
Childminder
Do you prefer the individual care of a childminder? Then the places to look are the care4kids, babysitting24 or Lilliput agencies.
Another option is to spread the word where you live. Many teenagers and young adults, from the age of around 13, will do child-minding and especially babysitting. They will also have done a first-aid course at school. Local community and parent associations, communal administrations and the cantonal sections of the Red Cross will carry lists of young babysitters.
What rates are adequate?
There are no binding rules for babysitter pay. It will depend on the person’s age and education, and on the number of children to look after.
For babysitters under 16, an hourly rate of CHF 7 to 12 is appropriate, or an evening lump sum of at least CHF 30.
From 16 years of age, the minimum rate per hour is CHF 10 to 15 or at least CHF 50 per evening.
Professional babysitters, who will also assume additional tasks, usually charge around CHF 30 per hour.
Important: Babysitters above the age of 17 who work for you on a regular basis must be registered with the OASI compensation fund (AHV-Ausgleichskasse). Also enquire whether your babysitter has a third-party liability insurance!
Nanny
Families with a double income will want to rely on the help of a nanny to organise their childcare. However, especially young single-child families often hesitate to give their child into the hands of a stranger. It will always take a while to build trust with a new nanny.
Tips for the right type of childcarer
A trained childminder or playgroup leader will raise the children during the parents’ absence and mostly also take care of the housework.
Compensation: For a full-time position, a gross salary of CHF 4,200 – CHF 4,500 should be paid.
Advantages: Professional, individual care and high flexibility
Disadvantages: Relatively expensive, dependence on a single carer.
Look here for German-speaking Switzerland: