Include enough information for a useful reply
Mention the proposed date or schedule, the general age group, your general area, and the main duty. Say which part of the sitter’s profile prompted the message.
Do not begin with an exact address, school name, access information, financial details, or sensitive information about a child. Those details can be shared later when they are necessary.
- Date, time, or recurring schedule
- General child age group
- General area
- Main responsibilities
- Relevant experience from the sitter’s profile
- One or two questions for the next reply
Use a message that is easy to answer
Keep the first message focused on availability and basic relevance. A long interview sent without context can make it harder for the sitter to identify what needs an answer.
Hi, I saw that you have experience with school-age children and Saturday availability. We are looking for occasional care for two children in the North York area, usually from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would that schedule interest you, and are you comfortable with a dog in the home?
Ask follow-up questions in stages
After availability is confirmed, ask about similar responsibilities, transportation, rate expectations, references, and any requirements specific to your family. Answer the sitter’s questions with the same level of detail you expect from them.
Move to a phone, video, or in-person conversation when it becomes easier than a long message thread. Keep a written record of the final schedule, duties, pay, and cancellation terms.
Recognize messages that require a pause
Stop and reassess if someone pressures you to pay immediately, requests sensitive documents without a reason, gives information that conflicts with the profile, or insists on moving communication elsewhere before answering basic questions.
Babisy includes reporting and blocking controls for unwanted or concerning contact. For immediate danger or suspected crime, contact emergency services or the appropriate authority instead of relying on an in-app report.
Close the conversation directly
If you want to continue, propose the next step and a timeframe. If the arrangement is not a match, send a short response rather than leaving the person waiting.
Remove saved profiles and private notes when you no longer need them. Do not reuse personal information from one conversation for another purpose.
Babisy Editorial Team prepared this guide as general information. It is not legal, medical, or professional safety advice. Use steps appropriate to your family and location.