What this covers
A babysitter looks after children in the family's home while the parents are away. The work covers supervision, meals, washing and bedtime, playing, and in many arrangements the school run. It can be occasional evening cover or a regular weekly arrangement, depending on what the family and the sitter agree.
What people ask for most
- Evening cover while parents are out
- School drop-off and pick-up
- Daytime care for babies
- Cover during school holidays
- Help with homework
- Late afternoon care at home
- Babysitting in a holiday rental
- Weekend care for children
Timing and emergencies
When you need someone for tonight, the temptation is to skip the checks, and that is exactly where things go wrong. Even in a hurry, ask for identification, phone one previous family, and let the sitter meet your children before you leave. If there is no time for any of that, it is better to postpone the evening.
How to choose well
- Ask for references from other families and actually call them to speak
- Ask to see ID and a criminal record certificate, and check the details match
- Ask about first aid training and what they would do in an emergency
- Agree the hours, the hourly rate, meals and the rules about screens beforehand
How it works on HomeFix
- Post your taskDescribe what you need, where and when. Takes under a minute.
- Receive offersProfessionals in your area reply with price and availability.
- Choose your professionalCompare profiles, reviews, work photos and ratings.
- Agree directlyTalk in chat or by phone and settle the details between you.
- Job donePay the professional directly and leave your review.
This service across the island
Pick a municipality to see what is most in demand there.
FunchalCâmara de LobosMachicoSanta CruzCaniçoSantanaRibeira BravaPonta do SolCalhetaSão VicentePorto Moniz
Frequently asked questions
Does HomeFix check or vet babysitters?
No. HomeFix is an app where you find people and talk to them directly: it does not employ, assess, license or supervise anyone, and it does not collect certificates on your behalf. Profiles, ratings and reviews help you decide, but the checking is yours to do. Always ask for identification, a criminal record certificate and references, and verify them before you hire.
How much do babysitters charge in Madeira?
The rate is agreed directly between you and the sitter, almost always by the hour. It depends on the number of children, their ages, the time of day and any extra tasks such as the school run or cooking dinner. Settle up front how hours after midnight are counted and who pays for the trip home.
How do I find an English-speaking babysitter in Funchal?
Say which language you need in the job description, along with the parish, the days and the ages of your children. Around Funchal and Santa Cruz many sitters already work with international residents and visiting families, so it is worth being specific. Then have a video or phone call before booking the first day.
What should I leave ready before going out?
Leave your contact numbers in writing, plus a second adult who can be reached, along with allergies, medication and the bedtime routine. Show where the first aid kit, the keys and the fuse box are. Agree how often you want an update, and remember that 112 is the emergency number in Portugal.