We help families find reliable, flexible kidcare
We'll match you with sitters based on your family's needs and their availability.
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.
Let us know when you need care and we'll match you with a sitter based on your family's needs and their availability.
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 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.
Let us know when you need care and we'll match you with a sitter based on your family's needs and their availability.
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.
What our Village is saying
Otter sitters step in when things come up.
As featured in
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.
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.
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 FAQsWhat 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. If you've ever thought about sending the "bat signal" when you're in a kidcare bind, us 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Northside neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Lakeview and the surrounding areas). 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.