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Make Life Easier with the Best Babysitting Services in Portland

  • Trust and Reliability: We looked for services with glowing reviews and strong track records because when it comes to your kids, trust is non-negotiable. Background checks? A must.
  • Experience and Training: We prioritized sitters and services with the skills and experience to handle whatever your little ones throw their way (sometimes literally).
  • Flexibility and Availability: We picked services that offer flexible scheduling—whether you need last-minute help or consistent care.
  • Parent Recommendations: We leaned heavily on local recommendations to find services Portland families actually love.

It’s 6:00 PM, and you’re staring at your phone calendar. You’re wondering how you’re supposed to be at a work dinner, your kid’s karate class, and still somehow squeeze in five minutes to breathe. 

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Finding a reliable babysitter can feel like a full-time job in itself, especially when you just want someone who’s trustworthy, great with kids, and maybe even knows how to keep the LEGO pieces from taking over your living room.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re juggling a packed schedule or just need a break (because let’s be real, parenting is no joke), we’ve rounded up the best babysitting services in Portland to make your life a whole lot easier. 

1. Jovie nannies + sitters

jovie-nannies-sitters-logo

Services: Business & event childcare, special needs childcare and more
Address: 3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, serving Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego
Phone: (503) 985-9414
Business hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Website

Google score reviews4.9/5
Total reviews4.8/5
Score Consistency4.8/5
Trust and Reliability4.9/5
Experience and Training4.8/5
Flexibility and Availability4.6/5
Parent Recommendations4.8/5

If you’re hunting for a babysitting service in Portland that truly “gets it,” Jovie Nannies + Sitters is worth considering—especially if you have unique childcare needs. 

Their caregivers go through rigorous training to handle all kinds of situations, and the comprehensive background checks offer a solid layer of trust. Parents often mention how reassuring it is to work with someone knowledgeable in caring for kids with special needs.

Many families highlight how well Jovie matches sitters with specific needs, often expressing gratitude for finding caregivers who provide the extra attention their children require.

One standout feature? Jovie’s flexibility. They’re pros at providing childcare for events, business functions, and the everyday chaos of parenting. 

That said, some parents wish for more customizable options outside of event-specific care.

While their ability to accommodate busy schedules is a huge plus, it’s worth noting that peak times like weekday work hours can make availability a bit tricky.

Pros

  • Special needs childcare
  • Business and events childcare
  • Trained sitters and nannies
  • Background checks

Cons

  • Potential scheduling issues
  • Lacks outside event-specific childcare options

Brittany even taught me some sign language to do with her.

“Brittany S. was amazing! My daughter who is six months old loved her. She played with her, sang songs, danced,, did peekaboo, etc. Brittany even taught me some sign language to do with her.”

Tracy Sherman, Google Reviews

Took wonderful care of both my baby and my toddler

“I was nervous leaving my 6 week old with a sitter for the first time but Cristal Godoy was amazing and took wonderful care of both my baby and my toddler. Thank you so much for your care, would definitely like to use her again!”

Brittany Knope, Google Reviews

2. Portland Nanny

portland-nanny-logo

Services: Permanent and part-time placements
Address: Laurelhurst, Portland
Phone: (503) 586-4775
Business hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Website

Google score reviews4.5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency4.3/5
Trust and Reliability4.8/5
Experience and Training4.9/5
Flexibility and Availability4.5/5
Parent Recommendations4.7/5

Portland Nanny has carved out a unique space in childcare by specializing in corporate care solutions. 

They’re known for their professionalism in creating secure environments for little ones, which reassures both businesses and parents. That said, a few parents have mentioned that communication could use a little polish during particularly hectic events.

The nannies and sitters themselves are highly trained and well-equipped to handle the demands of corporate childcare, making it easier for employees to stay present at work gatherings. 

However, some parents have noted that the training might not always cover a wide range of age-specific needs. This can leave a bit of a gap depending on the kids they’re caring for.

When it comes to flexibility, Portland Nanny is a pro at adapting to corporate schedules and tailoring care to work events. But if you’re hoping for spontaneous, last-minute care or evening babysitting outside of those corporate setups, you might hit a roadblock.

Pros

  • Highly trained nannies and sitters
  • Corporate childcare focus
  • Professional vetting
  • Long-term care options
  • Highly recommended
  • Adaptable schedules

Cons

  • Not available for last-minute care
  • Potential mismatch of childcare needs
  • Potential communication concern

They always send someone who is professional and great with our daughter

“Portland Nanny has been fantastic. We’ve used them a lot over the last two or so years, and we love the nannies they provide! Almost every single one has been stellar. We have our favorites and can put in special requests for them, but even if our favorites are not available, they always send someone who is professional and great with our daughter (and now our new soon too). Highly recommend Portland Nanny!!!”

Krystal Salmon, Google Reviews

She sent me pictures every half hour and made us feel so comfortable.

“I visited Portland for a wedding and had so much anxiety about leaving my 5 month old son, but Kaytlyn was so wonderful. She sent me pictures every half hour and made us feel so comfortable. She even watched him at the hotel and took notes about his bedtime routine. I was so happy to have her. She knew of all of my anxiety about being in a new city and having someone other than family watch him. It was great having her and I will recommend them to any mom! They were all so helpful!!! When in doubt, use them!!!”

Mariah Sklyr, Google Reviews

3. A Brilliant Nanny

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Services: Long-term & short-term nanny and temporary sitters
Address: 4410 SE Hawthorne Blvd #157
Phone: (971) 361-8194
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Website

Google score reviews4.3/5
Total reviews4/5
Score Consistency4/5
Trust and Reliability4.7/5
Experience and Training4.4/5
Flexibility and Availability4.9/5
Parent Recommendations4.8/5

A Brilliant Nanny has definitely earned a solid reputation in Portland for its on-call babysitting services. Parents love the convenience of being able to book childcare last minute, especially when plans unexpectedly change. 

The sitters are generally great at handling all sorts of situations, from tantrums to bedtime routines. We think this is a big part of why so many families rely on them.

That said, there’s been the occasional hiccup with communication. Some parents have mentioned delays when trying to reach someone during peak hours. 

Scheduling babysitters during weekends and holidays can also get a bit tricky, as demand tends to spike.

Still, many parents swear by them for those times when plans change last minute. The ability to secure a reliable sitter on short notice is a game-changer.

Pros

  • Time convenience
  • Amiable and highly trained sitters
  • Last-minute requests
  • Intensive vetting process
  • Range of care options
  • Personalized care matching

Cons

  • Potential request issues during weekends and holidays
  • Lack of real-time communication

Safe and great for my kiddos

“A Brilliant Nanny has been such a lifesaver for our family. We work from home and only need a nanny part time. We have been using their services for several months now and I can relax that every single nanny that comes to my home is safe and great for my kiddos. They are always so kind, caring, and even educational with them and the communication is fantastic. Thank you for providing your wonderful service! Seriously don’t know what we would do without this fabulous agency.”

Kyle & Christina Campbell, Google Reviews

Experienced, on time, creative, and playful with my son

“A Brilliant Nanny is simply Brilliant! I use Danielle’s on call service all the time. When I need a sitter I simply call or text and she fills the job. It’s like magic. I no longer have to deal with the hassle of calling several sitters and waiting for a response. The sitters that Danielle has sent me over the past 3 years have been experienced, on time, creative, and playful with my son. I highly recommend A Brilliant Nanny!”

Casey Savage, Google Reviews

4. Portland Sitters

portland-sitters-logo

Services: Babysitting and nannying
Address: Serves Portland
Phone: (503) 380-6811
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Website

Google score reviews4.4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score Consistency4.2/5
Trust and Reliability4.8/5
Experience and Training4.7/5
Flexibility and Availability4.9/5
Parent Recommendations4.7/5

If you’re ever in a bind and need a babysitter fast, Portland Sitters might just be your new best friend. 

Known for their In-a-Pinch service, they’ve earned a reputation for being reliable and quick when last-minute childcare needs arise. They’re also known for their quality of care. 

Many parents appreciate their community-driven approach. They loved the focus on making childcare accessible to families from all walks of life, including low-income households.

Portland Sitters also offers more than just emergency help. From after-school care to babysitting for special events and personalized solutions, they’re all about flexibility. 

Parents often share how the In-a-Pinch service has come to the rescue, helping them stay on top of their hectic schedules. 

However, parents have occasionally expressed concerns about fluctuating service prices and the need for clearer pricing structures.

Pros

  • Time convenience
  • Low-income childcare
  • After-school care
  • Quality childcare
  • Affordable low-income care
  • Flexibility in scheduling

Cons

  • Potential higher pricing

We’ve been really happy to have such reliable and awesome staff taking care of them.

“We have scheduled various babysitters with Portland Sitters and had great experiences. We are very particular about who we trust with our kiddos and we’ve been really happy to have such reliable and awesome staff taking care of them. We find communication, their COVID safety practices, and payment logistics very easy and reassuring. The kids are happy to spend time with their babysitters every time. Highly recommend!”

Moss Roberts, Google Reviews

Reliable and high quality

“We have used Portland Sitters for nearly a year now very regularly and have been so happy with them. It’s taken us years to find care this reliable and high quality in Portland for our two young kids. The sitters themselves are so impressive, and the owner is professional and goes above and beyond to help meet our needs and is an excellent and timely communicator. I can’t recommend PDX Sitters highly enough!”

Leslie McCollom Fontaine, Google Reviews

5. Sitter Setter

sitter-setter-logo

Services: Event child care and babysitting
Address: 5200 Meadows Rd Suite 200, Lake Oswego, serving Portland
Phone: (503) 380-6811
Business hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Total reviews4/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Trust and Reliability4.8/5
Experience and Training4.4/5
Flexibility and Availability4.4/5
Parent Recommendations4.7/5

Sitter Setter is a solid option for parents looking for reliable babysitting services. Many parents appreciate the thorough vetting process, which includes background checks and requiring prior childcare experience from all sitters. 

Their services also offer a range of options, including regular babysitting for flexible schedules, overnight services, and even pet sitting. 

The sitters are praised for their genuine enjoyment of working with children, which adds an extra layer of comfort for parents. 

However, there are a few things to note. Some parents mentioned that the booking process can be slow, which can be a bit frustrating when you’re trying to secure a sitter. 

Additionally, some parents we talked to felt there could be more options for handling specific challenges, especially for kids with unique needs. 

Pros

  • Quality childcare
  • Range of options
  • Reliable service
  • Thorough vetting process
  • Experienced sitters

Cons

  • Potential booking issues
  • Lacks special needs childcare resources

We felt almost immediately at ease leaving our kiddos with the sitters

“We’ve used Sitter Setter for both babysitting and house/pet sitting, and have been super pleased them. I would definitely recommend this company! We had the same sitter both times for house sitting, and she took such great care of our pets. Each time we used them for babysitting we felt almost immediately at ease leaving our kiddos with the sitters. They were so kind and gentle, and our children said they had a great time and liked their sitter, they even asked when their “friend” would come back to play again!”

Rachel Manns, Google Reviews

I love that they do the background checks and vetting for us.

“We love Sitter Setter! We’ve been using this service for over a year for the occasional date night, concert, etc. We’ve always had great sitters! Good communication and I love that they do the background checks and vetting for us. Everything is done on an app or website, both we’ve found very easy to use. Highly recommend.”

Tessa Stephenson, Google Reviews

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