New Providence parents are bartering services as part of a new co-op babysitting community.

Parents involved in the 10-family co-op are able to drop off their children with other families absolutely free. The babysitters are simply owed that time back at a later date.

The parents say not only do they get free sitters, but it helps build communities and helps children make friends.

"My husband and I came from New York City, we had two babies and we knew nobody," says Evelyn Minolfo, a participating mom. "It's not about money, it's about giving yourself the flexibility to do the things you want to do."

For families interested in starting similar programs, the co-op recommends starting small with a group of five families or so and then network. They also advise having backup plans and standby babysitters in the occasion none of the families are available to help out.