How much should I pay a babysitter in London in 2026?

Most experienced babysitters in London charge between £13 and £20 per hour in 2026. Glassdoor puts the London average at around £13 per hour based on 105 salary submissions as of June 2026, while sitters on vetted platforms like Bubble tend to charge closer to £15-£18. You should always pay at least the National Living Wage (£12.71/hour as of April 2026), and most experienced sitters in London charge considerably above this.

Why are babysitting prices in London higher than the rest of the UK?

London has a higher cost of living than most UK cities, which means sitters need to charge more to make their time worthwhile - particularly when you factor in travel costs across the capital. Demand is stronger too, with a high concentration of working parents competing for experienced carers. Inner areas like Kensington and Chelsea tend to attract the highest rates.

Do babysitters with a DBS check charge more?

Some sitters with an Enhanced DBS certificate do charge a small premium, but it is not universal. A DBS check is one indicator that a sitter takes their role seriously, and many London families consider it - especially for regular bookings or younger children. On Bubble, DBS status is clearly shown on each sitter's profile.

Is it normal to pay extra for multiple children?

Yes - most babysitters in London add £2-£4 per hour when caring for more than one child. The exact amount varies and is worth agreeing upfront.

What is the minimum I should pay a London babysitter?

You should never pay a babysitter below the National Living Wage, which rose to £12.71 per hour in April 2026 for workers aged 21 and over. In practice, most experienced London sitters charge well above this.