Starting a chat

Before your first message

To start a conversation, everyone needs:

• an account, which you create with Apple, Google or your email address;
• the ID check, which is free, done once and needed only to send messages;
• a published profile in the right role: a family profile to write to a sitter, or a sitter profile to write to a family.

Messaging is free for families and sitters. You don't need a plan.

If something is still missing when you tap Message on a profile, the app asks for it, for example with Verify to send a message for the ID check. Afterwards you're back in the same chat, so you don't have to look for the profile again.

If someone writes to you before your ID check, you can read the message. To reply, tap Verify to reply first.

Start a chat

1. Open the profile and tap Message.
2. Write your first message. Suggested openers can help. Tapping one only fills in the text, it never sends anything.
3. Tap Send.

If you already have a conversation with this person, the button says Continue chat.

React to a message

Press and hold a message, then tap one of the six emojis above the menu. Each person can leave one reaction per message: tap another emoji to change it, or the same one again to remove it. The other person gets a notification with your name and the emoji, never the message. Reacting needs the same as sending, so the ID check too.

Messages from Carbetic

Carbetic can write to you, for example to answer a question or to tell you about T1D Babysitting. These messages appear in the Messages tab as a chat named Carbetic, only once we have written to you. You can reply there, also without the ID check. Our team reads and answers it; other members never see it. It is text only and not for emergencies. To report someone, use Report on their profile or in your chat with them.

Phone numbers stay out of the chat

Phone numbers, email addresses and messenger links can't be sent in the chat. All chat stays in Carbetic, where reporting and blocking protect you. Swap numbers in person when you meet. Why can't I send my phone number?

Limits on new chats

To prevent spam, you can start up to 40 new conversations a day. Conversations you already have don't count towards it.

Before you meet

The first time each of you opens a new chat, a short safety notice appears above the message field. Carbetic checks identity only and is not part of any agreement between you. Please read the Safety Center before you meet.