"Recommendations from friends are a must when it comes to a sitter for my kids. UrbanSitter has expanded our network of babysitters, and it has given us peace of mind."
Matt K., dad of two
Find a babysitter in River Forest, IL
Browse background checked babysitters near you in River Forest. Compare local reviews, rates, and experience to find the right fit.
Looking for jobs? Apply here.
208 available babysitters in River Forest, IL
Families in River Forest use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.
134 available tonight | Avg hourly rate: $22.58/hr
All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.
Rachael
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 37 repeat families
70 reviews$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 97 families in River Forest, IL
Hello! I'm Rachael :) I'm a teacher so I'm available evenings/days off school! Also looking for a summer 2026 nanny job! About my childcare background: I have a degree in education and I currently work in a school reading and math intervention. I've previously worked as a nanny for several years and I have lots of experience with childcare. About me: In addition to my teaching job, I also work as a tour guide. When I'm not working, I have several hobbies such as classical music (I'm a violinist), sewing, and cooking. I love animals too! Please let me know if there is any illness in the home before I arrive. I work several jobs and even a slight illness can significantly affect my ability to make a living. An illness isn't an automatic "no" but I need to be able to assess the situation before I am exposed. Of course, I will extend the same courtesy to you and your family and will always be up front about any symptoms I may be experiencing as well. The safety of your children/family/pets is a top priority for me. Got my latest covid/flu shots September 2025! Tdap vaccine January 2025 No allergies
Watch Video
Daira
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 5 repeat families
11 reviews$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 19 families in River Forest, IL
I’m a theater artist with a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University. Now a teaching artist with Mudlark Theater and Chicago Children’s Theater, I’ve finished training to work with kids on the autism spectrum and other disabilities. I aim to make every child I work with confident in social, emotional, and leadership skills. I am happy to run errands and do light housework in addition to watching your little one. I can also incorporate my Spanish skills as much as possible — or my French (intermediate) and ASL (beginner) skills. I’ve worked with kids K-12 from camps to classes to babysitting my own young family members. In my spare time I love to walk my dog and spend time with my adorable nephews and niece!
Watch Video
Lisa
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 48 repeat families
62 reviews$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 87 families in River Forest, IL
I am a first grade teacher who has been teaching for 14 years. I live in Bridgeport but I babysit all over the city. I have a car so I can provide my own transportation. Families of the children that I babysit for have praised me for being fun, firm, and fair. I truly love kids and can’t wait to meet your family!
“We used Lisa for the first time and she easily connected with our kids and had no issues. Our daughter was asking where Lisa was the next morning and said she had a great time with her!”
Jennifer
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 17 repeat families
22 reviews$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 34 families in River Forest, IL
Hi everyone! I’m Jenny! I’m a Chicago-based professional who genuinely loves spending time with kids and creating a fun, safe, and caring environment for them. My love for childcare started when I was 15, when I began volunteering at a local daycare. Since then, I’ve continued to babysit occasionally for families in my community, and I especially love coming up with fun activities like arts and crafts, trips to the park, reading, and creative play. I’m also a very proud aunt to my niece and nephews, who have given me plenty of experience keeping up with little ones! I’m bilingual in English and Spanish and have a deep appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds. I recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and now work professionally in the legal field, so I’m responsible, organized, and dependable. I’m available on weekends and most weekday evenings after 6:00 PM. I’d love to connect with families in the area and learn more about how I can help! I’m also happy to provide references upon request.
“Excellent sitter! Thoughtful, patient and very good with our 4 year old. We’ve hired her multiple times now ”
Emily
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 22 repeat families
30 reviews$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 40 families in River Forest, IL
Hi there! My name is Emily and I am currently a student at Northeastern Illinois University! I am an undergrad student specializing in social work while working as a part-time sitter/house manager. I love children and have always found my way into many children’s hearts. I have previous baby sitting experience as well as years experience working with the Chicago Park District as recreational leader for their play camp program that gave me the opportunity to work alongside 20 amazing children from the ages of 4-5 in the community. Being a camper myself when I was younger I learned the importance of having the people around children teaching them values and Influencing them in the right ways. I am a very creative person in my free time and always like to have a good time! Arts and crafts are a speciality of mine! Plus knowing about the latest toys for the kiddos!
Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college
How much does a babysitter cost in River Forest, IL?
- Average hourly rate for 1 child: $22.58
- Average hourly rate for 2 children: $26.33
- Typical job length: 5.2 hours
- Most requested times: Morning
As of October 2026
Recent babysitter activity in River Forest, IL
Trust and safety come first
Every babysitter's profile is individually reviewed by UrbanSitter's Trust & Safety team after clearing an annual background check. Rely on reviews from local families to help you find your best fit.
885 sitters background checked in River Forest, IL
4.9 average star rating from total of 5,034 reviews in River Forest, IL
"UrbanSitter has supported my needs for reliable and joyful sitters. Whether it be for work, recreation or last-minute emergencies, we've made wonderful relationships with local sitters who have become a part of our family!"
Natalie O., mom of five
"UrbanSitter is my go-to for quality sitters! I can book weeks ahead of time or easily find a same-day sitter when in a bind. I even hired a part-time nanny during a daycare transition. Customer service is helpful and babysitters respond in a timely manner."
Laura F., mom of two
Sign up to find a babysitter in River Forest
Create a free account to view full profiles and more.
We use email to send essential communication regarding your account.
To sign up with Facebook, we need permission to use your email address.
Sharing your friends list is optional, and allows us to connect you with sitters they book and recommend. Nothing will be shared or posted.
Sign up to find a babysitter in River Forest
Create a free account to view full profiles and more.
We use email to send essential communication regarding your account.
To sign up with Facebook, we need permission to use your email address.
Sharing your friends list is optional, and allows us to connect you with sitters they book and recommend. Nothing will be shared or posted.
How we're different
Trust and safety standards that go further
In addition to background checks, sitters are evaluated by real people to meet our gold standard for Trust & Safety.
Help when you need it, even last minute babysitters
Need a sitter today? Last-minute babysitter requests receive a response in under two minutes in most cities.
Top picks from parents in your community
See babysitters recommended by local families, including parents in your school, neighborhood, and parent groups.
Profiles that tell the full story
Compare reviews, response times, repeat families, and profile details so you can hire with confidence.
Frequently asked questions about River Forest babysitters
How much do babysitters cost in River Forest, IL?
As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in River Forest, IL is $22.58 per hour for 1 child, and $26.33 per hour for two children. Costs may vary depending on job responsibilities, children's ages, and the babysitter's experience. Try using a babysitting rates calculator as a helpful tool.
How do I find a babysitter near me?
Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, post a job with your dates and needs, and review babysitter profiles, including distance, before choosing the right fit. Learn more about how UrbanSitter works.
Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?
Yes. Every River Forest babysitter on UrbanSitter is background checked annually, and each profile is individually reviewed by a trained specialist on our Trust & Safety team. Learn more about what's included in a background check.
What's the best way to find a last-minute babysitter in River Forest?
Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, then request a babysitter by posting a job with your needs. In most cities, sitters will reply within minutes, so you can review choices quickly, then book them immediately.
Can I find babysitters for after school care in River Forest?
Yes. Families often use UrbanSitter for after school care, including pickup, homework help, tutoring, and early evening coverage. You can filter for babysitters who are willing to drive or have their own car.
Can I find babysitters for evenings, weekends, or extended hours in River Forest?
Yes. Families in River Forest use UrbanSitter for date nights, weekend plans, extended hours, and other scheduling needs. You can review each sitter's availability and experience to find someone who fits your hours.
