About Us

With over 35 years of childcare experience, we know babysitting!
Pinch Sitters has been dedicated to providing trustworthy and reliable temporary, occasional, and emergency childcare. We provide babysitting services in the home, hotels/AirBnb/VRBO, and other location/event settings.

Pinch Sitters knows what busy, hectic, and stressful lives families lead and understand that nothing is more important than the welfare of children. Our babysitters help parents working from home, wanting a date night, filling in after school/on the weekends, or with any last minute emergencies.

Pinch Sitters

Pinch Sitters started providing babysitting services over 35 years ago in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We then recognized the need for a service that could consistently deliver on-call, flexible, experienced, and loving sitters who could arrive on short notice and be trusted to care for children of all ages.

We have now grown to provide services in most of NYC – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of the Bronx.

Leadership

LISA MAGARO

I took over Pinch Sitters in 2000, blending my experience in Human Resources/Operations with being a single mom of two great kids. I know first hand that there is a real need in providing parents with a reliable choice for any childcare needs.

I understand the tremendous demand for emergency, occasional, and temporary childcare. With now over 20 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing parents with high quality childcare!

Testimonials

Check out our Reviews on Yelp!

Ahmed T.

Just wanted to thank you for your help last week. Krysta was really great with Jonah. Will definitely reach out for help again in the future!

Alex J.

Hi Lisa, just wanted to circle back with a note of thanks. Everything worked out great with Rosemary! Really appreciate your help on this! Many thanks and all the best –Alex

Alisa C.

I recently vacationed in NYC with my husband and 5 month old daughter. We didn’t want to be stuck in the hotel room every night after her bedtime, but I was hesitant to use a sitting service.
I eventually decided on pinch sitters, and was very pleased with our experience! Lisa personally answered my emails and was always quick to respond.
We were assigned Anastasia R. and Misha S. Both were wonderful – upbeat, friendly, and experienced. I felt comfortable leaving my baby with both women. They were also both very quick to respond to my texts checking in.
I would absolutely use this service again, as well as recommend it to my friends!

Amanda G.

Thank you so much, my daughter loved Claudine and had great time!

Anais T.

Finding a sitter, who is caring and trustworthy is a tough feat. I thought finding a sitter in NYC would be almost impossible since we’re not locals. I was recommended this agency by a friend. Lisa and her agency were really amazing! My children had never been with anyone but family but we were in town for a family trip and my husband and I had tickets to a Broadway show. I was nervous but since reaching out to Lisa, I felt like we were in good hands. We felt very comfortable after meeting our sitter and my kids loved her. It was an amazing experience and we now can’t wait until our next trip to the city to use this agency again!!

Andrea W.

Lisa, I just wanted to send an email and thank you so much for Krysta. She was awesome and the girls loved her. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I look forward to working with you in the future. Best, Andrea

Andrea W.

Lisa, I just wanted to say Kamo was amazing with the girls! They loved her. Best, Andrea

Aoife O.

Hi Lisa, Thanks for organizing last night, Trish was great! Best, Aoife O.

Bill W.

Thanks – Chelle was great! Bill

Carrie N.

Hi Lisa, I just want to let you know that everything with Ashley went great today! The baby felt comfortable with her right away and she took excellent care of him. We would absolutely work with her again. I’ll be in touch the next time we have childcare needs. Thanks so much for setting this up. Best, Carrie

Christie W.

Lisa, I just wanted you to know that my daughter had a great day with Keyleigh P. yesterday! She was just perfect and everything I could have asked for in a sitter for my daughter. Thank you for picking her for us! I got to say I was nervous going in with being from out of state and for needing to be gone 12 hours, but Keyleigh put all my nerves at ease. It was a wonderful experience! I also told some co-workers in NYC about your agency. Thank you again for providing such excellent service for someone so important to me and helping us to be able to take this trip together! Sincerely, Christie W.

Claire C.

Hi Lisa, I just wanted to say — Janai is amazing. Thank you so much, Claire

Daniel B.

Lisa, thank you so much for helping on very short notice today! We so appreciate it! Saved us today

Dee Dee C.

We were in the city to see a show and needed a sitter to take care of our 3 month old. A parenting facebook group suggested Pinch Sitters. Lisa, the owner, was very responsive and professional. I ended up emailing her a few times, changing the exact hours we wanted. She was great, responded very promptly each time! We were a little anxious with this being out first non-family/friend circle sitter. Madison arrived 15 minutes early and was great with our little one.
I would definitely use again, the next time we’re in NYC.

Eileen F.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say thank you for helping make the weekend easier for my daughters. I know the kids weren’t the easiest for Tatiana but she had a quiet, calm presence and it worked out. Kids loved their sitter, and it was so nice that both families had the same person for the whole weekend. Thank you again and if you ever need a reference or want me to post somewhere, I would be happy to. Eileen

Gianna G.

I have been working with pinch sitters from the time my daughter was 8 weeks old. As a work-at-home mom, I often need flexible, reliable childcare that can work around my ever-changing schedule.
Lisa’s roster of pinch sitters has been the perfect fit for daytime coverage and date night with my husband. All of her sitters are thoroughly vetted and I have never once felt uncomfortable leaving my daughter in their care.

Graham M.

Lisa, wonderful news! THANK YOU for 1) confirming the change to Friday vs. Saturday, 2) getting us the same sitter for both nights, and 3) matching us again with Marissa! We loved working with her last year, and while Josie may not remember her, we do and are excited to see her again!

Gregg S.

I called for a sitter five hours before an event as a family friend had to cancel babysitting my six year old twins. Lisa, the owner, responded to my voicemail promptly and said she would try to find a sitter. She did find one and the sitter, Haley, came to our hotel. Haley was on time and had a very pleasant demeanour. She put us at ease. My children liked her very much. I would definitely recommend this company.

Gretchen P.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say that Ajjy is lovely and was wonderful with Charlotte. I’m so glad I found Pinch Sitters – I’ll definitely be using you again. Thanks and Happy Spring! Gretchen

Hal D.

Hi Lisa, We are back in Ireland now. I just wished to thank you so much for the child-minding this summer. All sitters were great, Melissa was excellent. Thanks again for all the help, we really appreciated that. Cheers, Hal

Heather Q.

We had such a good experience with Sarah that I had to share. She was prompt and made me feel comfortable right away. Landry can be shy but she seemed to go right to Sarah and having the same sitter twice was so nice. It’s so hard to leave your children with someone you don’t know but Pinch Sitters made it easier. We will definitely be in touch for our next trip and will recommend your company to our friends as well. Thank you so much! Heather

Ilana L.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say a big thank you! We all loved Nico as a sitter!! We hope to see her again the next time we come to NYC. Thank you again for your wonderful service, Ilana

Jackie G.

Hooked it up in a pinch ;-). Was from out of town and had absolute confidence. If you want a mommy and daddy night in the city they are great!

James T.

I just wanted to say that Sarah Day was absolutely amazing! Our boys loved her and she was so accommodating. We will absolutely utilize again when we come back to town and will let our friends know as well. Regards, James

Jen L.

Hi Lisa, I just wanted to reach out and thank you so much! Because of you we were able to see the most amazing Jeff shows. There are so many things we can now do because of your service and are so excited to use you in the future. Hali was AWESOME and exceeded all expectations. Thanks again. Jen

Joe A.

Hi Lisa, I wanted to let you know that Phoenix and Keleigh did a great job last week. Both nanny’s spent far more time with my 1 year old daughter and she really took to them. My almost 3 year old son was with them a few hours also in the afternoon and after a brief adjustment really did well also. I will certainly be reaching out in the future if we need back up care. Thanks, Joe

Kaisa F.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say that Keleigh was just wonderful with our girls. We could tell as we were just a room apart for most of the time and for the time we were out, we felt very comfortable leaving our girls with her. She really engaged with them, playing and having fun conversations. We could hear them talking and laughing all the time. She also kept them on schedule and got everything done in time and helped them tidy up after each play. We’d definitely like to work with her again when the need arises. Our girls are already asking when they can play with Keleigh again…Thanks again, Kaisa

Kara R.

Hi Lisa, I hope you are well! I just wanted to thank you and Melissa for your excellent service. Melissa was professional, punctual and courteous. She went above and beyond the call of a sitter. My son loved her! The experience gave me such peace of mind to know my son was in excellent hands. The next time we’re in the city, we’ll definitely reach out again. Kara R

Kathleen B.

Hi Lisa! Thanks for your help previously with setting up Emma to take care of our little one. Everything went great and we are very appreciative. It was a stress free experience and I was not worried, even though it was our first time out leaving D. with a babysitter. Kathleen B.

Kathryn K.

Thank you for setting us up with Janelle today… she was really great and that she was very active and engaged with our daughter. Please pass along our thanks to her as well!

Kathryn Z.

Hi Lisa, I just wanted to say that the kids loved both babysitters especially Melissa, thank you so much! Warmest regards, Kathryn Z.

Katie H.

Hi Lisa, I wanted to reach out and let you know how happy we were with the ladies from Pinch Sitters. It can be stressful having new babysitters watching your children, especially in a different city. But you made the process so easy, and we are so grateful for that. Alessandra, Esther, and Nikki all arrived on time, and were so caring and compassionate to our children (even when my 9 mo old refused to go to sleep). We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you so much. And Happy Holidays to you and your team! Katie H.

Kim C.

Hi Lisa, Thank you for your help today. I am glad that I found your service. It was incredibly helpful today and I will reach out to you in the future when needed. Best, Kim

Kristin D.

I found Pinch Sitters while googling frantically “how do I get a reliable and kind babysitter in NYC while I have to work omg”. Lisa responded to my email almost immediately with a resource who could work both days I needed. The babysitter, Sarah was kind, fun, and immediately put my mind at ease. She was communicative throughout her time with my kids and took them to parks and on fun outings while I worked. Rates are reasonable for NYC. I wish this agency offered services in every city, they’re absolutely amazing. Thank you for existing Pinch Sitters! Kristin D.

Laura B.

Lisa and her crowd of baby angels are worth every penny. I’ve used Lisa’s service quite a few times in between nannies, and I have yet to have a less than wonderful experience. They’re always on time, totally open and welcome to your direction as the parent. Couldn’t speak highly enough! Special shouts to Ashley K, Abbey, and Renee!

Lauren G.

Claudine was wonderful and we are so grateful to have found you! Lauren

Lauren T.

We recently visited from out-of-town and needed a sitter for two separate nights while we went to dinner and a show. I was nervous to leave our daughter with someone we didn’t know in a totally new city, but Pinch Sitters was fantastic! Lisa answered emails promptly and followed up multiple times to confirm the details. Kamo babysat both nights and we LOVED her! She was fantastic with our daughter, and I wish we’d utilized Pinch Sitters even more during our trip. I’ll absolutely recommend them to any friends who visit NYC; we can’t wait to come back and use Pinch Sitters again! Lauren

Liam B.

Dear Lisa, Ashley is great!! Davey had a wonderful time with her. Thank you so much for your help – it was greatly appreciated. All my Best, and hope to talk again soon, Liam

Lorra J.

Hi Lisa, I wanted to thank you so much and Alexandra was great:.) She was a real life-saver and is very patient and kind. A really liked her. I’ll definitely recommend your service to other families. I’ll contact you again as soon as I have some confirmed dates for our next visit. Lorra J.

Mark F.

When we decided to plan our trip, we weren’t sure if we were going to bring the baby (11 mos old). When we knew we were, I asked our hotel (The London) in advance who they use as a service. I then looked at the site and reviews, and reached out to Lisa to set up 3 nights of babysitting.
The first and second night were with the same person (Janelle). She was GREAT! Super friendly, responsive and on time. We decided to add a 3rd night, and it was with Elizabeth.
Couldn’t have been happier – she was also GREAT!
They were both very responsive, updated us while we were out, and I would ABSOLUTELY use this service when traveling to NY in the future, and strongly recommend them to anyone needing a NY sitter.

Mary D.

Thank you! Ajjy is here and a complete gem. he is in good hands. Thank you again! I announced a recommendation on Bed Stuy parents Facebook page and all the friends I’ve been texting with all morning for sitter recs. Pinch Sitters for the win!!!

Melissa P.

Hi Lisa! Just wanted to say how we had a great experience with both Angelique and Janelle the past 2 days! Thank you so much, this has been a lifesaver. We will definitely be in touch again!!

Michael W.

I wanted to rave about Krysta. She was phenomenal with Lucas. So patient. So insightful. Understood the mind of a toddler. They got along sooo well!

Muriel F.

Hi Lisa, I just wanted to say thank you very much for arranging a sitter for us again. Janai was really great – our daughter was already asleep when we returned to our hotel, and that has never happened with a babysitter before! Kind regards, Muriel

Natasha S.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say Alexandra did a wonderful job and pass along my gratitude. She’s wonderful with kids, very professional and flexible, and M loved her! She was the best sitter we had by far. Thanks to you as well for the assistance on short notice. Natasha S.

Newyorkmom M.

Amaaaazing!!!! Lisa, the owner of Pinch sitters personally arranges your sitter and the sitter was absolutely wonderful. Thank you PINCH SITTERS because you truly helped me when I was in a “pinch.” I had a situation that seemed impossible and Lisa saved the day! WOW! You know when even the sitter is talking about what a gem of a person that Lisa is it’s the truth. I could rely that she had a vetted, reliable sitter and Gee was that and MORE! Highly Recommend! Professional, Prompt, Polished… Perfection!

Nichola W.

Amy is such a sweetheart and really amazing!

Nick F.

Thanks so much for last night, Lisa. Hali was great and we would certainly use her again. Thank you. Nick

Noorhee K.

Thanks, as always Lisa. Your sitters are so fantastic, I’m always so grateful! Noorhee

Ra K.

Hi Lisa, we were so thrilled with Ashley last week, she kept Kit occupied and was reliable and kind. Thanks,
Ra

Rachel Y.

Hi, just wanted to say that we loved Krysta! She is such an expert on babies and kids and was a genuine pleasure to be around. Thanks so much! Rachel Y.

Rebecca R.

Lisa, wanted to thank you so much for helping me this week. Maia was fabulous. Thanks again.

Rebecca S.

I have been using Pinch Sitters for about 8 years, and am constantly amazed at the way this agency finds great sitters. We have had sitters who are writers, actresses, playwrights, and many other amazing things – but all of them have been great. They are professional, warm, fun, pleasant, responsible. It is easy to make arrangements, and easy to work with Lisa. I definitely recommend Pinch Sitters; I count on them for both random events where I need a sitter, and for “bridging the gap” between nannies or during nanny vacations.

Rishi P.

Hi Lisa , Just a note to say thank you to yourself and Melissa. She turned up on time and was very friendly and professional. I have no hesitation in using your services again in the future. Rishi

Ronglai S.

Hi Lisa, Just wanted to say Mia was lovely! My son had a great time with her. Thank you. Ronglai

Samantha L.

Hi Lisa, I just wanted to let you know that my daughter LOVED Rosemary! She said Rosemary is her “favorite babysitter” 🙂 If at all possible, can we please try to place her as a priority babysitter for future? My daughter really liked her a lot. I hope you have a wonderful evening. Kind regards, Samantha

Sarah M.

Thanks so much Lisa. I don’t know what I’d do without you!

Sebastian H.

Dear Lisa, Thank you very much again — Keleigh was great, our daughter had a wonderful time with her. We really appreciated the help on such short notice.

Susan W.

OIivia was amazing with my kids! Thank you so much she was a perfect match. My kids invited her to Florida – they loved her! Next time we come to New York we will call you for her or who ever is available to meet our needs. Grateful for such an experience. Gratefully yours, Susan W. and Family

Suzanna F.

We had an excellent experience with this company. We stayed in New York City in a hotel in Manhattan and the agency was able to send over a very competent and professional sitter to watch our two children while my husband and I went out. I would highly recommend this company. Sitter was Sian.

Tarquin G.

Wonderful and timely service! I used this agency while traveling to NYC for a weekend. The sitter was kind and made me and my daughter feel comfortable right away. It worked out so well for my last minute work event.

Valentina S.

I sent a request via Yelp and within 4 hours Lisa provided a quote for a sitter the very next night. The sitter was pleasant and did as I asked, getting the children room service, watching a movie and reading to them before bed in our hotel room. Best last minute babysitter babysitting service I’ve found.

Vanessa L.

Just wanted to let you know that Ajjy was great! Our son is not a great napper yet, but she handled it like a pro! Look forward to meeting DaviAnna!

Willis T.

Hi Lisa – thank you for your help and for recommending Claudine! She was an absolute pleasure to work with. So thankful to know that we have a great agency to work with in the event of future babysitting needs in the city. Best regards, Willis

Zoe J.

Hi Lisa, Claudine was amazing!! Thank you so much for sending her to us. Thanks, Zoe

Trusted. Reliable. Experienced.

Babysitting Services For Kids Of All Ages.

Reauest a sitter