New parents, need a night out? Try Hello Sitter

Currently available in Manhattan (from Battery Park to the Upper East Side and Upper West Side) as well as parts of Brooklyn, the app hopes to bring “flexibility and spontaneity back into the lives of busy NYC parents.” With features like last-minute bookings and guaranteed availability, your child will no longer be an excuse for your not making it to your own play date. The free iOS app lets users take care of everything from matching to scheduling to payment.

To get started, simply create a profile detailing your child’s age, allergies, food preferences, bed and bath routines, special needs, and interests. Then select the qualities in a caretaker that are important to you. Based on this information, Hello Sitter will match you with the ideal person. From there, you can choose the date and time in which a sitter’s services will be needed, whether it’s an hour or seven days from now. You’ll be matched with three available sitters, from which you can choose your favorite, and be confirmed within minutes. And as for payment, current rates run at $21 for one child, $23 for two, and $26 for three or four. Sadly, if your brood is comprised of five children or more, you can’t make use of Hello Sitter’s services at this time.

“Hello Sitter understands that each and every child is different, so finding a well-­suited sitter is key,” the company says. “The curated matching service takes into account each child’s interests and special requirements, plus the five personality traits most important to each parent. It’s not just about finding an available sitter, it’s about finding the right sitter.” So if you’re in New York and looking to take advantage of all the city has to offer, consider Hello Sitter for a slight break from your parenting duties.

Download for iOS