Babysitting Options in Leuven
Cokido: Neighborhood Childcare
Cokido is a neighborhood childcare cooperative where parents (and sometimes grandparents) take turns caring for each other's children. Instead of paying a babysitter each time, families contribute by helping other members of the group.
This option can be particularly attractive for families looking to build a local support network while reducing childcare costs.
Best for:
- Families wanting to connect with neighbors
- Regular childcare needs
- Parents willing to participate actively in the childcare exchange
Read more about Cokido and how it works here.
Nora
Nora connects families with vetted student babysitters. Students often have flexible schedules, making them a good option for after-school care, school pick-ups, homework support, meal preparation, or accompanying children to extracurricular activities.
For many international families without nearby relatives, having access to a flexible student babysitter can be especially valuable.
Learn more about how Nora works here.
Sitly
Sitly is one of Belgium's largest babysitter matching platforms. Families create a profile describing their childcare needs, while babysitters create profiles highlighting their experience and availability.
The platform currently lists hundreds of babysitters in Leuven, giving parents a large pool of candidates to consider.
Best for:
- Families who want to review multiple profiles
- Long-term babysitter searches
- Parents who prefer direct contact with sitters
Find more information about the organization here.
Babysits
Babysits works similarly to Sitly and allows parents to browse babysitter profiles and contact candidates directly.
The platform offers another large pool of local babysitters and can be particularly useful when comparing several candidates before making a decision.
Discover more information on the platform here.
Bsit
Bsit offers a flexible booking system for one-time babysitting, recurring childcare arrangements, and even holiday coverage.
Parents can post requests publicly or invite selected babysitters to respond.
Best for:
- Occasional evening babysitting
- Recurring childcare needs
- Holiday childcare arrangements
Learn more about Bsit here.
Ring Twice
Ring Twice is a marketplace for a variety of household services, including babysitting. The platform has a large number of babysitters available in Leuven.
Because it includes many types of service providers, it can also be useful for families looking for additional household support.
Discover more information here.
Gezinsbond
Gezinsbond's babysitting service is one of the most established childcare options in Flanders. It is also recommended by Huis van het Kind.
A key advantage is insurance coverage. Both the babysitter and the children are insured for accidents, liability, and property damage while the babysitting service is being used.
Best for:
- Families prioritizing safety and insurance coverage
- Parents seeking a well-established service
Find more information about Gezinsbond here.
Hoplr
Hoplr is not a childcare platform, but rather a neighborhood networking app. However, many Leuven residents use it to ask for recommendations and connect with local families.
Several international parents have successfully found babysitters through neighbors and community connections on Hoplr.
Best for:
- Building local connections
- Finding personal recommendations
- Families new to Leuven
Check out Hoplr here.
How to Choose a Babysitter
Identify your needs – early drop-off, random evenings, holiday gaps, or all of the above.
Check licensing & insurance – platforms such as Ring Twice and Maurice & Nora include liability cover; informal swaps (Cokido) rely on household insurance.
Budget wisely – income-linked day‑care prices cap costs, while private babysitters vary from €10   – €20/h.
Book early & stay flexible – Leuven’s supply is tight; keeping a backup (e.g. app + co‑op) avoids last‑minute stress.
Comparison of Babysitting Options in Leuven
| Type | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Cokido | Parent cooperative | Community-based childcare, regular support |
| Nora | Student babysitter platform | After-school care, homework help, flexible schedules |
| Sitly | Babysitter marketplace | Comparing many babysitters |
| Babysits | Babysitter marketplace | Direct contact with babysitters |
| Bsit | Booking platform | Evening babysitting, recurring care, holidays |
| Ring Twice | Service marketplace | Childcare and household support |
| Gezinsbond | Organized babysitting service | Families wanting insured childcare |
| Hoplr | Neighborhood network | Personal recommendations and community connections |
Connect with Other International Parents
Leuven has a lively international parent community. The [Expat and International Parent Facebook group] is a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and make connections. Join the Facebook group here.
Helpful Dutch vocabulary
Flexibele opvang – flexible childcare
Oppas / babysit – babysitter
Noodopvang / dringende opvang – emergency care
Onthaalouder – host parent
Uurrooster – schedule