Using a qualitative approach, this paper focuses on the childcare experiences of mothers working as market vendors in high density urban areas in Tanzania. Twelve mothers with children aged between zero and four years, and six caregivers were recruited to participate in the study. The study found that, while some mothers take their children with them to the marketplace, others leave their children at home with family members or neighbours for up to 12 h per day. The study also found that those who can afford it send their children to childcare centres. The centres and workplaces, however, were of low quality, insecure and stressful early childhood care environment. In such a situation, children are unlikely to meet their expected developmental milestones. This paper recommends for community-based initiatives designed to improve the quality of the childcare experiences of the children of mothers working in informal sector in high density areas.