Reliable kidcare on demand

Otter matches parents who need care with trusted sitters in their community, on-demand.

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Kid playing with sitter
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Now in Beta

Introducing Playdates

Relax and leave the childcare to us. Schedule a playdate with a friend and up to three children at no extra cost.

A child handing a ball to a smiling caregiver
how it works

We help families find reliable, flexible kidcare

1

Get started

We like to keep it simple. Tell us your name, contact information, and a little bit about you and your kids. Just like that, you're all set.

2

Book a sitter

Let us know when you need care and we'll match you with a sitter based on your family's needs and their availability.

3

Get care and pay

We've got it from here. Your sitter will show up so you can head out. After your booking wraps up you'll receive a payment request through our app.

We’d love to have you join our Village

Get reliable on demand childcare from vetted sitters in your community.

Join Otter
testimonials

What our Village is saying

Otter sitters step in when things come up.

"I’m very happy with everything and will be booking again soon. My daughter adored her sitter from the first second! (And she was sound asleep when I got home.) It was perfect.”

Carmen E, Parent

"Otter has been a great way for me to make money on the side while still being incredibly manageable with my busy schedule."

Sarah O, Sitter

“It was great. Super smooth and easy. We will definitely use you all again!”

Mariana S, Parent

"Emily got on the floor with our twins as soon as she walked in. She was immediately their new best friend."

Casey G, Parent

“Otter makes babysitting easy, stress-free, and fun!”

Cassy R, Sitter

"Both Stephanie and Cassie have been amazing with the girls!! We're so happy with Otter, thank you for all of your great support. "

Shelley M, Parent

“As a solo parent with no family around, it's been a relief to know I can count on Otter for affordable and quality care in my community.”

Carmen E, Parent

"Having Cassy care for our kids is something that we look forward to every week. She is everything we could hope for and more in someone who can trust our children with."

Laura S, Parent

“All the families I've worked with so far have really appreciated Otter and the service we are providing.”

Becca D, Sitter

As featured in

why otter?

We pop in so you can pop out

Making the impossible things about childcare possible.

Looking Ahead

Look at you being so ahead of the game. We can book childcare up to a month out — we look forward to seeing you then.

Mom planning while holding a baby

A Night Out

Nothing should get in the way of the time you spend together, without your kids. Our sitters make date night easy to pull off.

Mom planning while holding a baby

In a Pinch

Emergency? Sick nanny? No problem, we can help! We can fill requests with as little as two hours' notice.

Common questions

View all FAQs

What is Otter?

Otter is the childcare solution we wished existed, so we created it! We match families who need care with trusted sitters in their community, on-demand. Ever thought about sending the "bat signal" when you're in a kidcare bind? We have too! That's why our care options are designed to cater to both future plans and unplanned schedule changes. Sitters benefit from the flexibility to earn money on their schedules while providing quality care.

What is Otter?
What is Otter?
What is Otter?

How is Otter different from other childcare options?

There are a few mainstays parents typically turn to when trying to grow their network of sitters; from asking friends who they use and recommend to turning to platforms where you have to do the legwork of searching, negotiating, and scheduling yourself.  All those options add to your mental load. Otter aims to reduce your load. From pre-vetting sitters, matching your availability, offering clear transparent pricing, and showing up when your plan A falls through, think of Otter as your easy button for childcare. Just tell us when you need care and we take care of the rest.

How is Otter different from other childcare options?
How is Otter different from other childcare options?
How is Otter different from other childcare options?

Does Otter offer last-minute backup care?

Sure do! We can often confirm sitters in as little as 2 hours notice. The sooner you let us know though, the better; 24-48 hours advance notice is ideal.

Does Otter offer last-minute backup care?
Does Otter offer last-minute backup care?
Does Otter offer last-minute backup care?

How are Otter's sitters vetted?

Our community is made up of highly vetted sitters who have been selected based on their ability to create a safe environment for your children. We can confidently say that we’d leave our own children with Otter sitters in a heartbeat – and we do! 

In order to be active on Otter, every sitter goes through a multi-point vetting process including a skills assessment, background-check, and reference check from previous families.  Otter also offers free CPR and First Aid training opportunities for sitters. 

How are Otter's sitters vetted?
How are Otter's sitters vetted?
How are Otter's sitters vetted?

Where is Otter available?

Otter is currently available in the South Bay, California area (Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and the surrounding areas) and Chicago, IL (city limits). We hope to expand to new cities soon. If we're not currently in one of our service areas, you can sign up for our waitlist to be notified when we launch in your city.

Where is Otter available?
Where is Otter available?
Where is Otter available?