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Special Needs Babysitters Christchurch, Canterbury (Contact for Free)

Find the right babysitter who has experience with the special needs of your child. We have members who specialize in autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, food allergies, diabetes, asthma, and much more. See our Pay Rates.

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Jade Mcsweeney
Kaiapoi, Canterbury

Activity summary

Member since: Sep 2025

Friendly and reliable babysitter, and pet helper in kaiapoi..

Hi! My name is Jade, I’m 14 years old from Kaiapoi. I really enjoy spending time with children and pets, and I’m responsible, friendly, and reliable. I can help with babysitting, dog walking, pet care, and simple household tasks. I always make sure kids are safe and entertained, and pets are happy and cared for. I’m available after school, on weekends and school/public holidays. I’m happy to discuss what works best for your family.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $20/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Up to 3 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Bottle feeding
  • Toilet training
  • Changing nappies
  • Bathing kids
  • Supervising swimming / water play
  • Preparing kids for bed / sleep routines
  • Preparing school lunches
  • After school care
  • Help with homework
  • Administering medications
  • Care for twins/multiples

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Corporate functions babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

I can provide home daycare (at my place)

  • Home daycare
    • Part-time daycare
    • Drop-in / occasional daycare
    • School holiday daycare
    • Meals provided

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids
    • Food allergies
    • Diabetes
    • Asthma
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) / Conduct Disorder (CD)
    • Anxiety disorder
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Down syndrome
    • Intellectual disabilities
    • Dyslexia
    • Epilepsy / tics
    • Physical disabilities
    • Deaf / hard of hearing
    • Visual impairments
    • Sleep disorders

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

Pet sitting $20 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Small animals (rabbits, ferrets, etc.)

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Administering medications
  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Daily exercise for your pet
  • 24/7 supervision
  • Cleaning litter boxes
  • Cleaning cages / bedding
  • Transporting pets
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $12 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)
  • Large dogs (44—88lbs / 20—40kg)
  • Giant dogs (+88lbs / +40kg)

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on pets)
  • Pet daycare (at my place during the day)
  • Pet boarding (at my place overnight)
  • Pet training
  • Pet grooming

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting
    • Collecting mail / packages
    • Watering plants
    • Taking trash bins in / out
    • Rotating lights / blinds (for a 'lived-in' look)
    • Basic house security checks

Other services I can provide

  • Yard work
  • Cleaning
  • Car washing / cleaning

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel to surrounding suburbs/towns of Kaiapoi for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - - - -

Day

- - - - -

Arvo

- - - - -

Eve.

- - - - -

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • Valentine's Day
  • Full weekends

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 2 years experience working with children
    • CPR training
    • Water safety training
  • 2 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 16 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English

Hi! I am Jade, I am a 14 year old at Rangiora High School as a year 10. I have 2 younger siblings that are twins, both with autism and i have been a paid carer for them through manawanui. I provided meals including food safety and correct storing for food, and night and day work. I have 3 cats that i adore and have also looked after them while my parents have been away. I provided meals, cleaning their litter box and making sure they are cared for and well.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Comedy
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Games
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Nature
  • Animals
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing
  • Foreign languages

Contact Jade For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Poppy Francis

Poppy Francis
Rangiora, Canterbury

Activity summary

Member since: Aug 2025

Hey there! I'm Poppy and I love Cats! Let me know if you ever need my services!

Hi there! I’m Poppy, a caring, reliable, and energetic sitter with a genuine love for both children and animals. With several years of experience as both a babysitter and pet sitter, I understand the importance of creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment—whether I’m looking after your little ones or your furry family members.

From crafting and story time to dog walks and cuddle sessions, I bring patience, responsibility, and a positive attitude to every home I visit. I’m here to give you peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones—two-legged or four—are in kind, capable hands. Your family’s happiness and well-being are always my top priorities!

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $17/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Up to 2 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Laundry / washing

Pet sitting $18 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats

Dog walking $20 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)
  • Large dogs (44—88lbs / 20—40kg)

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet daycare (at my place during the day)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Rangiora for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - - - -

Day

- - - - -

Arvo

- - - - -

Eve.

Nite

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • Valentine's Day

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 3 years experience working with children
    • First aid training
  • 9 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
    • Have a pet carrier
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 16 years old
    • Emergency car access
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

I am currently studying towards NCEA Level 1 and have successfully completed all my co-requisite requirements. I am a motivated and responsible individual with a willingness to learn and grow. I also care for two cats, demonstrating responsibility and routine. References are available upon request.

My skills and interests:

  • Reading / storytelling
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Nature
  • Computers

Contact Poppy For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Milvia Joseph
Christchurch, Canterbury

Activity summary

Member since: Nov 2025

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $25/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 4 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Bottle feeding
  • Preparing kids for bed / sleep routines
  • Before school care
  • Preparing school lunches
  • After school care
  • Help with homework
  • Care for sick children
  • Administering medications
  • Care for twins/multiples

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Corporate functions babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids
    • Food allergies

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring
    • Primary school tutoring

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Christchurch for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- -

Day

- -

Arvo

- -

Eve.

Nite

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day
  • Overnight jobs
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family
  • Live-in with the family

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • Police check
    • Driver's license
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

My skills and interests:

  • Reading / storytelling
  • Arts / crafts
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Writing

Contact Milvia For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Róisín Lanigan
Christchurch, Canterbury

Activity summary

Member since: Jan 2025

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny, Au pair

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Toilet training
  • Changing nappies
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

Dog sitting

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on dogs)

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Christchurch for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

Day

Arvo

Eve.

Nite

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • Languages I can speak: English

Contact Róisín For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Select the Services You Need

Do you need childcare services?

How many kids need care?

Do you need pet sitting services?

Other pet services you need:

Do you need dog walking services?

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Babysitting Pay Rates Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (Updated 21 Dec 2025)

Christchurch babysitters are paid an average of $23.49 per hour as of January 2026, which is 4.5% lower than the New Zealand average of $24.59. A fair pay rate depends on babysitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for babysitting services in Christchurch.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
Christchurch:
$21.35 $23.49 $25.62
New Zealand:
$22.35 $24.59 $26.82

Rates are calculated weekly from our live member data. Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars (NZD). If you republish our rates please credit kidsit.com 😊

Don't know how much to pay? See our parents' guide to babysitting pay rates



Special Needs Care Our Babysitters Can Offer

Find a babysitter who has the right skills that match the special needs of your child. Our babysitters can offer care for the following conditions:

  • Food allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) / Conduct Disorder (CD)
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Down syndrome
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Deaf / hard of hearing
  • Visual impairments
  • Sleep disorders

Top 10 Tips For Hiring A Special Needs Babysitter

Follow these handy tips for hiring a special needs babysitter so you can feel confident your child will be safe, supported, and happy.

1. Look for relevant experience

Choose babysitters who have worked with children with similar diagnoses, behaviors, or medical needs.

2. Check training and certifications

Ask about CPR, first aid, and any specialized training (e.g., administering medication, ABA therapy, seizure response).

3. Ask detailed questions

Discuss how they would handle meltdowns, medical emergencies, or communication challenges.

4. Request references

Speak to families of children with special needs they’ve cared for before.

5. Arrange a meet-and-greet

Observe how they interact with your child and whether they connect in a patient, caring way.

6. Be clear about routines

Provide written instructions for meals, bedtime, medications, and calming strategies.

7. Communicate about triggers and supports

Share sensory sensitivities, behavioral strategies, and comfort items.

8. Confirm reliability

Ensure they can commit to consistent care and handle unexpected situations calmly.

9. Start with short sessions

Begin with trial sittings so your child and babysitter can build trust gradually.

10. Trust your instincts

Choose someone who shows genuine empathy, patience, and respect for your child’s individuality.


Special Needs Babysitter Interview Questions

Ask the following questions when interviewing special needs babysitter candidates to help you find someone who’s skilled, patient, and the right fit for your child.

Experience & Background

  • What experience do you have caring for children with special needs?
  • Have you worked with children who have [your child’s specific condition, e.g., autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, epilepsy]?
  • How do you adapt your caregiving style to different needs and abilities?
  • Can you share an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it?

Skills & Training

  • Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
  • Have you had training in behavior management, sensory support, or therapies (ABA, speech, occupational)?
  • Are you comfortable assisting with mobility equipment, feeding tubes, or other medical supports?
  • Are you willing to learn specific care techniques unique to my child?

Communication

  • How do you communicate with children who use alternative methods (signs, devices, gestures)?
  • How do you handle situations where a child has difficulty expressing their needs or emotions?
  • How do you communicate updates and concerns with parents?

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

  • How would you handle a medical emergency, seizure, or allergic reaction?
  • Are you comfortable administering medication, if needed?
  • How do you ensure safety during outings, play, or transitions?

Routines & Behavior

  • How do you approach meltdowns, overstimulation, or behavioral challenges?
  • Are you comfortable following strict routines, or do you prefer flexibility?
  • How do you encourage independence while keeping the child safe?

Personality & Fit

  • What do you enjoy most about working with children with special needs?
  • What qualities make you a good fit for our family and our child?
  • How do you stay patient and positive in stressful situations?