Canada’s real-time babysitting platform
A calmer way to book childcare
See vetted local sitters available when you need care. Book directly.
Halton · Mississauga · Hamilton
tend is now live across Halton Region, Mississauga, and Hamilton
Families can browse local sitters, see who’s available in real time, and book care directly.
All sitters are carefully vetted, including identity verification, Vulnerable Sector Police Checks, First Aid and CPR certification, and references. You can read more about our vetting on the Safety and Trust page.
Since launching in April 2026
9 in 10
reviews are five stars
over 50%
of families come back to book again
1000 +
hours of childcare delivered
Not in Halton Region, Mississauga, or Hamilton? Join the waitlist to be notified when tend opens in your area.
Booking childcare, two ways
The usual way
With tend
Who tend is for
For parents
Childcare that works with real life
Vetted sitters, real-time availability, booked directly.
Short-notice and same-day care when plans change, from sitters who are vetted, reviewed, and genuinely available.
There is no posting, no messaging back and forth, and no waiting for replies. Everything is in view before you confirm.
How tend works for parents
For sitters
A more considered way to work
Your availability, your rates, your schedule.
Set your availability and take on bookings that fit your schedule. Families only see you when you are available for their time and location.
Screening, payments, and reviews are handled by tend, so expectations stay clear on both sides.
How tend works for sittersWhy parents choose tend
Built for same-day care
tend is designed around real-time availability. Sitters set their schedules in advance, so there is no posting, no waiting, and no uncertainty about whether someone will respond.
Carefully vetted sitters
Every sitter is over 18 and completes identity verification, a Vulnerable Sector Police Check, First Aid and CPR certification, and reference checks. Every application is individually reviewed and approved by tend before a profile goes live. We accept a small number of sitters, intentionally. The goal is trust, not scale.
Transparent reviews
After each booking, parents and sitters review each other. Over time, this creates a clear picture of reliability and experience. It feels like receiving a thoughtful recommendation.
Clear pricing
No subscriptions and no markups on care. You pay the sitter's hourly rate plus a flat $2.50 transaction fee, with any same-day premium shown clearly before you book.
Thoughtful rewards
Every completed booking earns points toward future care. It is a simple way to recognize families who build ongoing relationships with trusted sitters.
Built locally
tend is launching in the GTA and expanding with intention. We are building a reliable community first, and expanding only once there are enough vetted sitters to support families.
Vetted and reviewed
Meet some of the sitters on tend
Amanda
Registered Earl y Childhood Educator · Teacher Candidate
Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga
Amanda is an RECE and teacher candidate with more than three years of professional childcare experience with children ages 10 months to 12 years. Her experience includes before- and after-school care, and she brings a child-led, play-based approach centred on creativity, exploration, and building trusting relationships.
Carolyn
Earl y Childhood Educator · 15+ years experience
Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga & Milton
Carolyn is an RECE and mom of four with over 15 years of experience caring for children from infancy through school age. She brings a warm, nurturing approach and enjoys reading, creative play, outdoor time, and calm routines.
Alex
Piano teacher
Oakville, Burlington & Hamilton
Alex has four years of childcare experience with children from infancy through the teenage years, along with six years of experience teaching piano and tutoring one-on-one. She brings a calm, adaptable approach and has experience supporting children with ADHD and disabilities.
Praise
Registered nurse · Infant and toddler experience
Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville & Mississauga
Praise is a Registered Nurse with four years of childcare experience caring for infants, toddlers, and young children. She is comfortable with feeding, diaper changes, naps, early routines, and age-appropriate play, bringing a warm and attentive approach with a strong focus on safety.
Dominika
Educational Assistant · Halton District School Board
Milton, Halton Hills, Oakville, Mississauga
Six years of experience across EarlyON, nanny roles, and childcare centres. Dominika is trained in supporting children with diverse learning needs, including ASL and Deaf and Hard of Hearing support.
Nileshka
Registered Nurse · NICU
Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke
Nileshka is a Registered Nurse working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with experience supporting infants and young children. She is confident with newborn routines, feeding support, safe sleep practices, and brings calm, attentive, safety-focused care.
Victoria
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke
Victoria has over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-aged children. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Studies and has experience supporting children with ASD, speech delays, and Montessori-inspired learning.
How tend works
1
Tell us what you need
Enter the date, time, and location of care, along with the number and ages of your children and any practical details.
Only relevant sitters are shown.
2
Choose from real availability
You will see sitters who have already marked themselves available for your requested time and location.
If a sitter appears in your results, they are prepared to take the booking.
3
Book directly
You book through the platform and your booking is confirmed instantly. There is no posting, no negotiation, and no waiting for an agency or sitter to respond.
Payment is handled automatically using the sitter’s listed rate.
A note from a tend parent
“This was my first time using tend, and it was a great experience.
Thank you for creating tend. It is a service parents definitely need, especially those who don’t have family nearby to help.”
Ready when you are
See who is available for your time and location, and book directly.
Find careInterested in sitting with tend? A more considered way to work
Oakville · Burlington · Milton · Mississauga · Halton Hills
Somewhere else? Join the waitlist to be notified when tend opens near you.
