West Philly Babysitting Co-op

This co-op has existed in some form for about 70 years. Designed to help families maintain sanity by relying on babysitting exchanges rather than additional costs for a paid sitter.

Membership is restricted to parents. Any parent in the coop may sit. The group is limited to 40 families, within the geographical boundaries of 38th to 52nd Street, Chestnut to Kingsessing. (Exceptions may be made to the geographical boundaries, if approved by a majority of the existing members. Exception is thought for including blocks north of Market around 40th and 44th, closer to Powelton area).

New members will only be considered on the recommendation of a present member and unanimous approval by the current member families. The nominating member is encouraged to review the rules of the coop to the applicant family to ensure that they are interested in being considered for admission. Two members will meet with the applicant family at their home to review the rules and obligations of the co-op. After a period of no more than a week, the moderator will inform the applicant of their admittance. If the members have hesitations regarding the family, they may make a recommendation of non-acceptance. The new member may start sitting and receiving sits as soon as they are accepted.