Are you looking for private childcare options before your child starts Kita, for after Kita or the weekend? We have some ideas for you:
Babysitter / Nanny
Consider hiring a babysitter or nanny (not sure what the difference is? You're not alone and you can find out in this article!).
Rates in German cities go from about €15 to €35 an hour depending on the sitter’s level of experience, their tax setup, the number of kids they will watch, etc.
There are usually some local Facebook groups or nanny agencies that can help you find one. Or you can sift through the profiles at one of the bigger platforms such as betreut.de
Au Pair
If you have the space to accommodate an au pair, this could also be a great option to get in-home help. From what we understand, working with an agency is recommended.
If you want to need to get some work done while your child is being cared for, here are some additional ideas.
Co-Working with Childcare
Some cities have co-working spaces that also offer childcare. These co-working spaces offer a designated area for childcare, equipped with toys, cots, and caretakers to look after your little ones.
Your workspace is in a separate section nearby, allowing you to stay close if you're needed or if you want to feed your child, and so on.
Private Co-Working
You may also want to team up with another parent or two to do private "co-working" sessions. I did this for a couple of months with a mom whose daughter was about the same age as mine. It definitely wasn't as productive as hiring a caretaker but can be a good option if you don't have money to spend on the above options.
I found my co-working partner on a local Facebook group for working moms.
With all of the above options, be specific about your needs and preferences, such as how many hours and what days do you need care, where you live (most likely you should look for someone that lives nearby), languages, and any other preferences such as the amount of experience, character traits, etc.
If you live in Berlin, we have some more recommendations for you.
Did You Know?
If you are being invoiced for the childcare services, you can claim 2/3 of the costs in your annual tax return (up to the amount of €4000 per child, per year).
