Otter • The Bright Side of Kidcare

how it works

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.

Book a sitter

Tell us when you need care and we’ll connect you with a sitter. You’ll be matched in minutes for requests less than 24 hours out.

Head out

We've got it from here. Your caregiver will show up so you can head out.

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 connect you with a sitter. You’ll be matched in minutes for requests less than 24 hours out.

We've got it from here. Your caregiver will show up so you can head out.

testimonials

What our Village is saying

We 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 nannying 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 kidcare 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 FAQs

I need care today. Does Otter offer last-minute care?

Otter can absolutely help with last-minute care! We can confirm sitters in as little as 2 hours.

When are sitters available and how long can I book care for?

Our sitters are typically able to take care requests between 7AM - 11PM, but please let us know if you need care outside those times! Book as much time as you need. Our minimum booking time is 2 hours.

Who are your babysitters?

Otter sitters have relevant childcare experience, are interested in building community, and want to be able to work around their schedules. We vet, background check, and interview every sitter so we can learn more about them and their experience with children. Otter also offers free CPR and First Aid training opportunities for sitters.

Where is Otter available?

Otter currently serves families in the South Bay, California area (Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and the surrounding areas) and Chicago Lincoln Park area.