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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.

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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.

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Natalya
Booked by 11 repeat families
19 reviews
$22 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 25 families in River Forest, IL

Hi! My name is Natalya and I am a Research assistant and student at UIC. I work as a Nursing tech at Northwestern twice a week. I am primarily available for occasional babysitting on weekend days and week nights! I’ve worked with high school students previously for two years in Chicago and for a year in Madrid, Spain. I am the second oldest of five girls so I have been taking care of younger siblings my whole life. I began babysitting about 12 years ago. I also worked as a nanny for one family for four years in college. I am hoping to eventually become a pediatrician! In my free time I love to read, run, and drink good coffee or tea.

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Agatha
Booked by 51 repeat families
57 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 77 families in River Forest, IL

Available for Last-Minute & Backup Care Hi Parents, Thank you for taking a moment to learn about me! I'm Agatha, and I bring 11 years of childcare experience with children ranging from newborns to teens. I specialize in providing reliable, last-minute, and occasional care for date nights, backup coverage, and one-off sits. Skills & Certifications • CPR and First Aid certified • Early Childhood Development training • Montessori Method approach • Strong swimmer and licensed driver • Comfortable caring for sick children • Flexible, punctual, and trustworthy Experience • 11 years in professional childcare, including daycare, preschool, and live-in nanny roles • Tutoring/homeschooling support for pre-K and 1st-grade students • Extensive experience adapting quickly to new families and routines - ideal for occasional or short-notice care Why Families Choose Me I know that inviting someone new into your home for even one evening takes trust. I focus on making that transition smooth - for both your children and you. I arrive prepared, follow your routines closely, and keep you updated so you can enjoy your night knowing your kids are in caring, capable hands. Need a sitter tonight or want a trusted backup on standby? I specialize in one-time bookings  (date nights, emergency coverage, and occasional care) and can adapt quickly to your household's routine with little notice. Looking forward to hearing from you, Agatha Higgins

“Agatha did a great job with our 2 month old. She asked great questions about his routine and care, and executed it perfectly. Our son took an instant liking to her and we are looking forward to having Agatha babysit him again soon.”

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Olyvia
Booked by 93 repeat families
138 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 209 families in River Forest, IL

Hello! I’m an outgoing childcare expert who taught global policy to middle school and high school students for six years. In this role, I received ongoing training in childhood education and development. Currently I am working on writing and publishing a memoir. I’m a graduate of Northwestern University, where I majored in Economics and Political Science, and last year I completed my masters in Political Sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science. I come from a large family, and I enjoy working with children. My childcare experience includes infants through high school age. I have also tutored extensively on many levels, including grade school math, high school English, and college economics. For fun I like to cook and play Ultimate Frisbee. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to meet some of you soon. :)

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Jennifer
Booked by 73 repeat families
98 reviews
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 138 families in River Forest, IL

Hi! My name is Jennifer. I’m 35 years old and have been a trusted nanny and sitter for nearly 20 years. Caring for children has always been something I truly enjoy, and I feel very grateful that I’ve been able to work with so many wonderful families over the years. I have worked long-term with three families in Chicago up until the end of last year, each with two boys ranging from infancy to 13 years old. During that time, I supported daily routines including morning and evening care, meal preparation, and school drop-offs. I’ve guided children through developmental milestones, fostered independence, and helped manage sibling dynamics with patience and consistency. These experiences have given me the versatility and skill to adapt to the unique needs of each child and family. I recently transitioned out of working FT in Chicago and am now spending more time in central Illinois to be closer to family. While I’m here, I’m also beginning a transition into learning sales and business. My approach to childcare is rooted in patience, respect, and open communication. I believe children thrive in environments where their emotions are acknowledged, their independence is encouraged, and they feel safe expressing themselves. I tend to align with Montessori-inspired ideas and believe discipline should always be thoughtful, respectful, and focused on helping children understand their feelings and actions. Outside of childcare, I love reading, studying health and wellness, spending time outdoors, and enjoying nature whenever I can. I’m also currently learning to play the piano, which has been a fun new challenge. I’m a big animal lover as well and have a tortoiseshell cat of my own, so pets are always a bonus in the home. There is no greater compliment to me than being someone a parent feels they can truly trust with their children. I care deeply about creating a calm, supportive environment where kids feel safe, respected, and cared for.

“Jennifer was EXCELLENT. She took care of my two kids in a hotel room while we were visiting Chicago. We came home from dinner and they were very happy. You could tell she really likes kids and was super engaging.I would highly recommend her and I hope to use her again! ”

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Ellie
Booked by 29 repeat families
46 reviews
$24 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 60 families in River Forest, IL

Im a nanny of 4, for over 10 years, with extensive experience taking care of twins. I am looking for part time and occasional jobs. I am also a mom of 4. I love kids and I especially miss taking care of babies.I have a degree in English and am passionate about language development. I love music, art, baseball, and my two little doggies who fill my days with love. I have been babysitting part time for the same families for over 7 years, and have over 10 years of babysitting experience.

“very caring and engaging. our daughter really loved her!”

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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

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"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

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"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

photo of quoted parent Laura

"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

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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.

Resources

The Ultimate Babysitter Guide for Parents

A step-by-step guide to hiring the right babysitter.

Tips for Finding Last-Minute Child Care

How to find a babysitter fast when plans change.

Top 20 Questions to Ask a Babysitter in an Interview

Essential questions to help you find a great fit.

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