JUST A CLICK AWAY SITTERS ON DEMAND

How it works: A site with a nationwide network of sitters; all have been employed as professional childcarers. Cost: Quarterly membership £14.95 fee and £4-£6 booking fee for service use. You pay cash to the sitter, according to local rates.

Bubble

How it works: An app that uses social media to connect parents with babysitters their friends know. All sitters have online ID and background checks. Cost: No joining or subscription fee. Bubble take a £3.50 booking fee each time you use the service. Sitters set their own rates and payment is made via the app.

Kowalah

How it works: An app that connects you with nearby babysitters or “Kowalahs” – all of whom have been reference checked and interviewed. Cost: Kowalahs are paid a fixed rate of £9 per hour, Kowalah takes £1 per hour of this as a service charge.