Moving to Denmark often comes with a long list of practical adjustments — finding housing, understanding the healthcare system, and navigating the workplace. For many foreigners with children, one of the most important considerations is finding reliable childcare, especially baby sitting in Denmark. Whether you’re working full-time, studying, or simply looking for a trusted person to watch your children for an evening out, knowing how babysitting works in Denmark can save you time, stress, and misunderstandings.
The good news is that Denmark offers a variety of babysitting options, ranging from occasional help for a few hours to more regular arrangements with a live-in nanny or au pair. The challenge for newcomers is understanding how the system works, what’s considered “normal” in Danish culture, and how to find someone who meets your family’s needs — especially if you prefer a babysitter who speaks your language.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between babysitting and nanny services, the types of arrangements available, typical costs, and the legal and cultural considerations to keep in mind. For specific recommendations, you can also check out our dedicated pages on the Best babysitting in Denmark for foreigners and Best nanny services in Denmark for foreigners.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Differences Between Babysitting and Nanny Services in Denmark: Babysitting generally refers to short-term, occasional childcare, while nanny services involve more regular, often full-time care, sometimes with live-in arrangements, catering to different family needs.
- Varieties of Babysitting Arrangements in Denmark: Choices range from occasional evening babysitting, regular part-time help, to live-in nannies or au pairs, each suited to specific schedules, budgets, and childcare preferences.
- Costs and Payment Methods for Babysitting and Nanny Services: Hourly rates in Denmark typically range from 100-150 DKK for babysitters and around 92 DKK for nannies, with payments made via MobilePay, bank transfer, or cash, and potential employer registration for tax compliance.
- Cultural Expectations Surrounding Babysitting in Denmark: Punctuality, reliability, active engagement, encouragement of independence, and open communication are highly valued qualities in babysitters within Danish culture.
- Legal and Practical Considerations for Hiring Babysitters in Denmark: Foreigners can hire babysitters freely using platforms like Babysits; formal qualifications are not mandatory, but regular employment may require registration with SKAT for tax purposes.
Baby Sitting in Denmark vs. Nanny Services – What You Should Know
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are clear differences between babysitting and nanny services in Denmark.
Babysitting generally refers to short-term or occasional childcare, often for just a few hours at a time. Babysitters might be teenagers, students, or adults who offer flexible help, usually outside of standard daycare hours — for example, in the evenings, on weekends, or during special events.
Nanny services, on the other hand, usually involve a more regular arrangement. A nanny may work part-time or full-time, sometimes living with the family. This option is ideal for parents with irregular working hours, young children not yet in daycare, or those who prefer more personalised care than a larger childcare facility can offer.
Understanding the distinction helps you decide whether you need occasional help or a longer-term childcare partner.
Types of Babysitting Arrangements in Denmark
Babysitting in Denmark can take many forms, depending on your needs and budget. The most common options include:
| Type of Babysitting | Typical Schedule | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional babysitting | Evenings, weekends, or as needed | Flexible, affordable, great for one-off events | May not offer consistency, limited availability |
| Regular part-time babysitting | Same days/times each week | Predictable schedule, builds relationship with child | Less flexible for last-minute needs |
| Live-in nanny/au pair | Full-time, lives with family | Consistent care, often includes help with household chores | Requires providing accommodation, legal paperwork involved |
| Emergency/last-minute babysitting | On-demand | Useful for unexpected situations | Higher hourly rates, limited pool of candidates |
| Shared babysitting | Two families share one babysitter | Cost-sharing, social interaction for children | Scheduling complexity, may not suit every child |
Choosing the right arrangement depends on your work hours, budget, and whether you value flexibility over consistency.
Typical Costs and Payment Methods for Baby Sitting in Denmark
The cost of babysitting in Denmark can vary based on experience, location, and time of day. In larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, rates tend to be higher than in smaller towns.
For occasional babysitting, the average hourly rate is typically between 100–150 DKK per hour for one child. More experienced babysitters, or those caring for multiple children, may charge up to 200 DKK per hour. Evening and weekend work often falls toward the higher end of the scale.
Nanny services or regular part-time arrangements usually come with a set monthly or weekly rate, which can range from 8,000–15,000 DKK per month for full-time care, depending on hours and responsibilities. Live-in arrangements may involve a combination of a stipend plus accommodation and meals.
In Denmark, babysitting payments are most often made via MobilePay, bank transfer, or cash. For professional nanny agencies, payment is usually arranged through the company, which may also handle contracts and taxes. If you hire someone regularly, be aware that you might need to register as an employer with SKAT (the Danish tax authority) and contribute to social security.
Cultural Expectations Around Babysitting in Denmark
Baby sitting in Denmark is not just about watching children — it often reflects the country’s broader cultural values. Danes place a strong emphasis on trust, reliability, and punctuality, so showing up on time and keeping commitments is essential.
It’s also common for babysitters to actively engage with children rather than simply supervise. Activities like reading, crafts, outdoor play, and even small cooking projects are encouraged. Parents often expect babysitters to follow a child’s usual routine closely, especially regarding meal times and bedtimes.
Another important point is the Danish approach to independence. Even young children are often encouraged to do small tasks on their own, and babysitters are expected to support this in a safe and positive way.
Finally, Danish parents tend to value open communication. If there’s a problem — whether it’s about schedules, payment, or a child’s behaviour — addressing it directly and politely is considered the norm.
What the Numbers Say About Baby Sitting in Denmark
According to Babysits, the average rate babysitters ask for in Denmark is approximately DKK 132.67/hour, while nannies average DKK 141.81/hour, and childminders around DKK 137.77/hour. Families typically offer about DKK 148.03/hour on the platform.
In Copenhagen, Expatistan reports an average hourly babysitting rate of DKK 151.
On Babysits, Copenhagen hosts around 366 active babysitters with an average age of 25 years and about 3.8 years of childcare experience.
The average hourly wage for nannies in Denmark is around DKK 92/hour, with the minimum reported at DKK 45/hour.
FAQ About Baby Sitting in Denmark as a Foreigner
Can foreigners hire babysitters in Denmark?
Yes. Foreigners—whether they are expats, international students, or recent arrivals—can freely hire babysitters in Denmark. The process is straightforward, and many platforms such as Babysits, Care.com, and Facebook groups have English-speaking profiles.
Do babysitters in Denmark need formal qualifications?
Not necessarily. While some babysitters have completed childcare courses or hold First Aid certification, many rely on prior experience. For newborns or children with special needs, parents often prefer candidates with specific training.
How much should I expect to pay a babysitter?
According to Babysits, the average rate in Denmark is around DKK 132–148 per hour. In Copenhagen, it can go up to DKK 150–180 per hour depending on experience, location, and the number of children.
Is it common to find English-speaking babysitters in Denmark?
Yes. In larger cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense, it’s quite common to find English-speaking babysitters, including international students and expats.
Can I hire a nanny instead of a babysitter?
Absolutely. Nannies often provide longer-term, more regular childcare and may be paid at a slightly lower hourly rate than babysitters, but they usually work more hours per week.
How are payments typically handled?
Payments are often made in cash or via MobilePay. Some families also choose to register the babysitter for tax purposes through the Danish Tax Agency’s online platform.
Do I need to register my babysitter for tax purposes?
If you hire someone regularly, Danish law requires you to declare the employment and withhold taxes. For occasional, ad-hoc babysitting, many families pay directly without formal registration, but it’s best to check the SKAT guidelines.
Are babysitting services available at short notice?
Yes, especially in larger cities. Many babysitters offer last-minute availability, although rates may be slightly higher for urgent bookings.
What is the difference between a babysitter and a barnepige?
They’re essentially the same—barnepige is the Danish word for babysitter. However, in Danish usage, barnepige can also refer to someone who provides more regular childcare, closer to a nanny.
