Babysitter or nanny in Sofia: how to choose and what to ask
Most people looking for a babysitter in Sofia are working parents whose kindergarten or school day ends before their own working day does. Others need someone for an evening out, a sick day or the days the kindergarten is closed. Work out which of these you need first. It changes who you are looking for.
By the hour or regular
By the hour covers a dinner out, a doctor's appointment, an urgent meeting. Reliability matters most here. Your child should also have met the sitter at least once before. Do not leave them with a complete stranger.
Regular means something like every weekday from 4 to 7 pm. Then the nanny becomes part of your child's week. Look for someone who can stay for at least a year, and agree a clear schedule.
A regular nanny often collects the child from kindergarten or school. Give the exact pickup time, and ask the kindergarten whether she needs to be added to the list of people allowed to collect your child.
Neighbourhood and commute
Sofia is a big city, and the commute matters. A nanny from the other side of town may spend over an hour travelling at rush hour, and will be late more often.
- Give your neighbourhood and the nearest metro station.
- If you live in Lozenets, Iztok or Mladost, look for someone nearby or on the same metro line.
- Ask how she would get to you in snow or when public transport is disrupted.
Language
Many international families live in Sofia. If you speak English at home, decide what matters more: a nanny who speaks your language, or one who talks to your child in Bulgarian. Some parents choose Bulgarian on purpose, so the child settles into a local kindergarten faster.
The first meeting
Meet at home with your child there. Watch how she is with your child, not just what she says. Ask:
- What ages she has looked after, and for how long.
- Whether she knows first aid, and what she would do about a fever or a fall.
- What she does when a child refuses to eat or sleep.
- Her view on phones and TV.
- Whether you can speak to a family she worked for before.
Then share your own rules: food, allergies, naps, walks, who may come into the home.
A trial day
Agree one paid trial day while you are at home. You see how she copes, and your child gets used to her with you nearby. Afterwards, talk openly about what went well and what did not.
If you are looking in Sofia, you can post a request on the babysitter in Sofia page. Other services in the city are on the Sofia page.
Common questions
When should I start looking for a nanny? At least two or three weeks before you need someone regularly. That leaves time for a meeting and a trial day.
Does the nanny need to speak my child's language? It depends on your goal. If your child is just starting a Bulgarian kindergarten, a Bulgarian-speaking nanny can help them settle in faster.
How do I check a nanny? Meet in person, ask to speak to a previous family and do a trial day while you are at home.
Can the nanny collect my child from kindergarten? Yes, but ask the kindergarten what it needs. Often you have to add her to the list of people allowed to collect your child.