How much does a mother's helper cost?
A mother's helper works alongside you rather than instead of you: they're there while a parent is at home, helping with the children, the tidying and the general chaos. Because they aren't in sole charge, the hourly rate is lower than a nanny's.
Rates last refreshed 10 August 2026
London vs UK rates
| Type | London | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Mother's helper | £7 to £11/hr | N/A |
| Babysitter | £14.49/hr | £12.85/hr |
| Au pair | £90 to £180/wk | £85 to £150/wk |
Hourly rates
Mother's helpers are paid hourly and sit below nanny rates because a parent is present and holds responsibility. Rates rise with experience and where the role edges towards short spells of sole charge. Across London that works out at about £7 to £11/hr.
What the role usually covers
Playing with and supervising the children, the school run, tidying up after them, laundry, batch cooking and the general run-around, particularly useful in the newborn months, with several young children, or after a caesarean.
Mother's helper vs nanny
The dividing line is sole charge. The moment you leave the house and hand over responsibility, you're employing someone in a nanny capacity and should be paying a nanny rate for those hours.
How families usually book it
Most families book a few fixed sessions a week, often the after-school stretch or a morning block, rather than full days. Some helpers also babysit for the same family in the evenings, usually at a slightly higher evening rate. Across London that works out at about £14.49/hr.
Common questions
What is a mother's helper?
Someone who helps with children and household tasks while a parent is at home, rather than taking sole charge. It's an extra pair of hands, not a substitute for a nanny.
How much does a mother's helper cost per hour in London?
Hourly rates sit below live-out nanny rates because the role isn't sole charge, and above them only where the responsibilities creep towards full nanny duties.
Is a mother's helper the same as an au pair?
No. An au pair lives in and receives pocket money plus board; a mother's helper lives out and is paid an hourly wage for set sessions.
Can a mother's helper look after my children on their own?
Short spells are common by agreement, but regular sole charge is a nanny role and should be paid at nanny rates.
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Mother's helper costs by London borough
Sources & methodology
Figures are midpoints of current advertised rates for each type of childcare, compiled from published UK childcare rate surveys and advertised London rates, then grouped by borough, zone or London-wide depending on how granular the underlying data is. Each figure is labelled with the level it comes from, so nothing here implies more precision than the data supports. Rates exclude any agency fees, KidSitter charges no booking fee or commission. Last refreshed 10 August 2026.