When my sister came to visit London from Sydney with her two kids the first time around, she was thrilled, but overwhelmed. I remember her most pressing concern was figuring out babysitting options for her visit to London. “I just need a break to have dinner out with my husband… is that even possible with the kids here?” she asked, eyeing her Airbnb’s tiny kitchen.

It’s a common scenario. Whether you’re in London for a short holiday or staying for a couple of weeks, having reliable childcare can make your trip much smoother. So what options do families have when it comes to hiring a nanny or babysitter while staying in a hotel or holiday rental?

Hotel Babysitting: Trusted, On-Demand Care

Many hotels in London offer access to babysitting services, either in-house or via a trusted external provider. Reputable babysitters can come directly to your room, allowing you to enjoy a few hours out, whether it’s a quiet dinner or catching the Mousetrap.

The best hotel babysitting services vet their sitters thoroughly, often requiring DBS checks and childcare experience. Some even provide activity bags to keep little ones entertained. Ask the concierge at your hotel and they will arange it for you.

Recommended for: Families staying for a few days who need babysitters on an occasional, flexible basis. Perfect for evenings or short outings.

Childcare in Airbnbs: Flexibility at Your Doorstep

If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you can still hire a professional babysitter or even a nanny to come to your rental. London has agencies that specialise in sending sitters to private homes, hotels and apartments — offering everything from one-off babysitting to regular daytime help.

For longer stays (think 2–3 weeks), many families opt for a temporary nanny. These nannies can support you during the day, accompany your children on outings, or help with meals and nap routine, all from the comfort of your temporary London home. KidSitter can help here as we have hundreds of professional London-based nannies and babysitters available.

Recommended for: Families staying in Airbnb-style accommodation who want more personalised, consistent childcare, especially during the daytime.

Au Pairs and Childminders: Not Typically Suitable for Short Stays

While au pairs and child minders play a big role in longer-term UK childcare, they’re not usually a practical choice for short-term visitors. Au pairs are live-in arrangements typically for several months or more, and childminders care for children in their own homes — not ideal when you’re only in town for a short while.

If your visit extends to several months, you might explore these routes. Otherwise, a nanny or babysitter will give you the flexibility and convenience you need.

Booking Childcare in London: What to Know

• Look for DBS-checked carers: Always choose babysitters or nannies who have passed UK criminal background checks and have verifiable experience.
• Ask about hotel policies: Some hotels require advance notice or have preferred childcare providers.
• Book in advance during busy seasons: London gets especially busy during summer and school holidays, so secure your babysitter early if possible.

The Right Childcare for Your Stay

If you’re in London for just a few nights, a professional babysitter can give you a few precious hours of grown-up time. Staying for a couple of weeks? A temporary nanny can provide reliable support throughout your stay, making your trip more enjoyable for the whole family.

Travelling with kids doesn’t mean giving up on time to yourself. With the right childcare, your London visit can be both exciting and manageable. Just ask my sister, who has been back every year since, and gets in touch with the same nanny each time.

Tags: Babysitters, hotel sitters, hotels, nannies, travel nanny, visit london