Options for Babysitters in Leuven
Cokido: Neighborhood Childcare
Cokido is a cooperative childcare system where parents (or grandparents) take turns watching a group of neighborhood kids. For example, you might cover one evening, while other families handle the rest of the week. It’s especially useful during busy or stressful times.
Read more about Cokido and how it works here.
Nora
Nora connects vetted students with families for babysitting. Because students often have flexible schedules, they can help during the gap between school pick-up and the end of your workday. Services can include homework help, meal prep, and transport to hobbies. Nora is currently in their Beta testing phase. You can join their waitlist to be updated on when sitters are added to the platform.
Learn more about how Nora works here.
Sitly
Sitly is a platform where parents and babysitters create profiles to match based on their needs. At the moment, more than 380 babysitters are active in Leuven.
Find more information about the organization here.
Babysits
Similar to Sitly, Babysits allows you to browse babysitter profiles. Over 200 sitters are currently active in Leuven.
Discover more information on the platform here.
Bsit
Bsit lets you book babysitters for one-off evenings, recurring needs, or even multi-day holiday coverage. You can post requests publicly or privately to find the right match.
Learn more about Bsit here.
Ring Twice
Ring Twice offers babysitters as well as helpers for tasks like gardening or handyman work. There are currently more than 600 babysitters listed in Leuven.
Discover more information here.
Gezinsbond
Recommended by Huis van het Kind, Gezinsbond provides insured babysitting: both sitters and children are covered for accidents, property damage, and liability. You’ll need to register to use the service.
Find more information about Gezinsbond here.
Hoplr
While this is not a platform specifically used to find babysitters, some people in our international community have found sitters through Hoplr. This is an app that helps you stay connected to people in your neighborhood. One of our community members found a sitter on Hoplr by connecting with their neighbor's daughter!
Check out Hoplr here.
How to choose
- 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.
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