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1. DaycareBear.ca
Search anywhere in Canada by postal code. You can filter by available daycare spots, generating a map of openings right now, or in the month you need. (In Quebec, the site is magarderie.com.)
2. WeeWatch.com
This Ontario-only organization hooks you up with pre-vetted home daycares that are members of the Wee Watch network. The matchmaking is mostly conducted over the phone, and Wee Watch processes all fees and deposits.
3. NanniesOnCall.com
Pay-as-you-go, pre-screened nannies available 24/7; you can also buy larger “batches” of multiple babysitting dates at a time. Available in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.
4. Date Night
This app is Ottawa- and Toronto-only for now. It allows you to build relationships with favourite sitters and sends a notification if one of your go-to caregivers happens to be available, prompting a last-minute date night. Free, itunes.ca
5. CubbySpot
A new app founded by two Canadian parents lets you search 11,000 home- and centre-based daycares across the country, from Victoria to Halifax. You can set up a profile for your kid and star your “favourite” daycares; some of the providers allow you to join the waiting list or register applications from within CubbySpot. Free, itunes.ca
6. InaPinch.ca
Pre-screened backup child care and babysitting (Toronto only) from $18 per hour with a four-hour minimum. It’s affiliated with Wee Care Placement Agency, a nanny placement service.
7. BookJane
This app is GTA-only for now. Parents can book qualified, fully vetted “Janes” on-demand using filters such as years of experience, credentials, reviews or language. The built-in chat feature also allows users to chat with potential caregivers and the location tracker lets you keep an eye on your caregiver while they’re on the job. Free, itunes.ca
A version of this article appeared in our Summer 2016 issue with the headline, “Sites and apps,” p. 68
Read more:
15 must-have apps for new moms
Babysitting 101: Finding and keeping a super-sitter
5 daycare problems solved