First babysitter

Donkey Hodie is babysitting the baby yodel bird while his mama is away.

See all First babysitter shows for 2-year-olds

For 3-year-olds

Three year olds are starting to name what they feel, and missing someone is often the first big one. They can hold on to a promise now, especially when it comes with a clear marker like after dinner or when you wake up. Stories that show a goodbye ritual, a wave at the window or one last hug, give your child something to repeat at home. Watch for a sitter who takes the sadness seriously instead of distracting it away.

S01 E05

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Daniel's Babysitter

Prince Tuesday cares for Daniel while Mom and Dad go out dancing.

S01 E05

Esme & Roy

Noisy Naptime

Esme and Roy work as monstersitters, looking after a small monster while caring for it.

S01 E08

Jessica's Big Little World

Spike the Hedgehog

Jessica takes on a sitting responsibility, caring for Stanley's pet while he is away.

S01 E02

Esme & Roy

Lunch Crunch

Esme and Roy act as monster sitters watching Simon for the afternoon.

S02 E04

Curious George

Cat Mother

George is asked to watch Professor Wiseman's kitten who is too young to care for himself.

S02 E01

Ada Twist Scientist

The Curious Case of Lil' Liz

Stimulating

Ada is left in charge of Lil' Liz: 'Ada, can you watch Lil' Liz until I get back?'

S01 E05

Sago Mini Friends

Home with Herb

Alan asks 'would you watch Herb for me?' and Harvey looks after the plant all day.

S11 E02

Curious George

Curious George, Cat Sitter

George acts as a sitter, here looking after three cats during the pasta party.

See all First babysitter shows for 3-year-olds

For 4-year-olds

By four, a child can miss you and have fun at the same time, though that mix can feel confusing. This is also the age of quietly testing what the rules are when a different adult is in charge. Helpful stories show the sitter as a real person with their own way of doing things, and show the child finding out that different is not the same as unsafe. A small moment of friction that gets sorted out matters more here than a perfectly smooth evening.

S02 E07

Puffin Rock

Babasitting

recommended age co-watching from 4

May looks after Baba for the day while Una explores

S01 E12

The Berenstain Bears

A Week at Grandma's

recommended age co-watching from 4

Gran and Gramps look after the cubs for the full week.

S01 E07

T.O.T.S

Nursery Schooling

Stimulating

Pip and Freddy are left in charge of all the babies for the day.

S01 E02

Mira, Royal Detective

The Case of the Missing Bicycle