What it is (and why we love it)

Trying to book a sitter and getting ghosted? Same, mama. Our Babysitting Co-Op is a member-led swap where families take turns watching each other’s kiddos. It was born in our regular moms’ chat after Shelby floated a “let’s keep it trust-based” idea and everyone said, “Yes, please.”

Who can join

Active NAFN members who participate in our regular moms’ chat. The vibe is community-first, accountability always.

Safety basics we agreed on
• Background checks for both partners before your first swap.
• Umbrella liability insurance required if you host care at your home.
• Scheduling stays private—you and the other parent agree on time/place; no central matching.
• No points—honor system. Keep things fair by giving as much as you get.
• Cancellation policy: 2 last-minute cancels (within 24 hours) are okay; the 3rd means removal from the co-op.
Raelle also pushed us to be clear about expectations (emergency contacts, routines, allergies)—great call. Share your basics just like you would with a paid sitter.

Getting started (easy peasy)
1. Join NAFN and attend at least NAFN Sponsored 5 in person events – impromptu play-dates, while fun, don’t count towards this goal.
2. Complete background checks for both adults in your household.
3. Post availability and swap! Tip: do a quick “meet-and-greet” at a NAFN Sponsored Event before your first swap.

Mom tip:
Keep a one-pager ready: contact info, routines, nap notes, snack do’s/don’ts. It saves your sitter (and your sanity).

Want in? Join NAFN, attend 5 meet ups, and we’ll walk you through the checks and best practices.