Worry-Free Even at Night? 24-Hour Babysitter Services for Foreign Families Living in Japan

The following article is contributed by Celestsitter.

Parenting Challenges Don’t Just Happen During the Day

In Japan, more and more foreign families are raising small children today.

Many parents may be facing worries like: “My child suddenly developed a fever in the middle of the night. I can’t send them to daycare, but I also can’t take off work,” or  “There’s no one who can care for my child in my native language.”

This article introduces 24/7 multilingual babysitting services that help resolve those concerns. We’ll explore how babysitters can reduce the burden of parenting in Japan and support a more comfortable family life.

Common Situations for Using 24-Hour, Multilingual Babysitters

 These babysitters are available in situations including the following cases:

・Night shifts and irregular work schedules

・Emergency childcare when children are sick

・Hotel babysitting during travel or business trips

・The pursuit of comfort communicating in the native language

・Postpartum and newborn care

Let’s take a closer look at how these services are used in each situation.

Night shifts and irregular work schedules

These services are often used when parents are working for foreign companies and must attend meetings with overseas colleagues during late-night or early-morning hours in Japan. Babysitters are also helpful for those with night shifts, like healthcare professionals, engineers, and restaurant staff—situations where typical daycare services are not available.

Emergency childcare when children are sick

Children can fall ill regardless of a parent’s schedule. A sudden high fever in the middle of the night is quite common, but it is a big problem for parents who have to work. Even with a regular cold, many daycare centers require a child to be fever-free for 24 hours. With infectious illnesses, it can take up to 5 days before they’re allowed back. In these cases, having a babysitter watch over your child at home can be a huge relief.

Hotel babysitting during travel or business trips

Many tourists say, “Since I’m finally in Japan, I want to visit temples or restaurants I’ve always dreamed of.” However, the more prestigious the place, the more likely there are restrictions on bringing children. In these cases, you can arrange for a sitter to care for your child at the hotel for a few hours. For business travelers too, hotel-based childcare provides incredible convenience.

The pursuit of comfort communicating in the native language

Leaving your child in someone else’s care can be stressful, especially in a foreign country. If your Japanese is limited, it can be hard to even know who to ask for help. That’s why having a sitter who can speak your language—like English—provides invaluable peace of mind.

It is also reassuring to receive reports in your native language on how your child was spending his or her time while in the care of a babysitter, so that you know exactly what was going on.

Postpartum and newborn care

Babysitters can also be a great help right after childbirth. Many women often feel both physically and emotionally overwhelmed right after giving birth.
When your family is far away and unable to support you, the anxiety can be even greater. In such times, having a babysitter who speaks your native language can make a huge difference.

Simply being able to "entrust your child to someone for a few hours to get some sleep" or "consult with someone experienced in childcare in your native language" can greatly contribute to restoring your mental and physical well-being.

Key Features of the Service

Babysitters play an essential role in many situations.

Celestsitter, a provider of babysitting and housekeeping services in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area, offers 24/7 support. It has many sitters who speak languages like English and Spanish.

In addition to home care, they can provide childcare at hotels or other indoor spaces. It strives to accommodate even last-minute requests during business hours. Beyond one-time use, you can also arrange regular services on specified days and times, making this an excellent resource when you're in need.