Buzz
Babysitting requires patience and maturity, but it can also be a lot of fun! If you’ve never babysat before, you might be wondering how to find clients, how to charge, and how to become a good babysitter. Don’t worry – with a little dedication and preparation, babysitting can be an enjoyable and rewarding job (and you might even make some extra cash!).
Steps
Become a Babysitter
Take on Babysitting Assistant Roles. Babysitting as an assistant when the child’s parents are at home is a great way to build your childcare skills and gain valuable experience, boosting your chances of getting a babysitting job. Helping parents care for their children at home is also a fantastic way to practice. If you don’t have younger siblings, you can try assisting with a cousin or a close friend’s child.
- Pay close attention to the parents when they perform tasks you’ve never done before or might be awkward with. Ask them to teach you any skills you find challenging, such as bathing a baby. Additionally, take note of your strengths, like helping kids with homework. You can include these strengths in your job application, where you can elaborate on them in more detail.
Attend a Babysitting or Childcare Class. In some areas, you must have a license or certification before you can start babysitting. Regardless, learning the basics of childcare and understanding your responsibilities can be incredibly helpful. Look for childcare courses, CPR, and first aid classes to be well-prepared and qualified for your first job. These classes are often offered by the Red Cross and community centers.
- Read childcare guides. These materials can answer many common questions about caring for infants and young children in everyday situations and emergency cases.
Create a Schedule. Typically, babysitting will be a freelance job unless you run a daycare or work as a nanny. If you’re babysitting multiple children, a schedule is essential. This method may seem outdated, but filling in your calendar with all your available days and times is really helpful, so when a parent calls to schedule, you’ll know exactly when you’re free.
- You can color-code your busy days on your calendar for easy reference.
- Continuously update your schedule to avoid double bookings.
- It’s also useful for parents if you create a general schedule for other activities, like sports, etc.
Set Your Rates. Some parents already have a set rate for babysitting, while others will pay on an hourly basis according to the sitter's suggested fee. There are two common ways to calculate the fee: by hour or by child. The hourly method works better with families that have fewer children, while the per-child method is ideal for multiple kids. You can also charge extra for weekend work or babysitting past midnight.
- In the U.S., hourly rates typically range from $9 to $15, but this varies greatly depending on location and the family.
- Per-child rates typically range from $7 to $10 per child per hour. To better understand local rates, it’s helpful to look into what others charge for similar situations.
Prepare a Health and Safety Information List. You’ll need to know specific details about each child (such as allergies), but it's also crucial to have a general list of emergency contact numbers for worst-case scenarios. Keep this information in a notebook, a note-taking app, or a folder that’s easily accessible. The information to record includes:
- Poison control center
- Police department
- Fire department
- Emergency medical hotline
- A trusted parent or guardian (like an aunt, uncle, or grandparent) to contact for minor issues
- Any other relevant phone numbers
- Forms for parents to fill out
Market Yourself. If you haven’t babysat before, you’ll need to let people know you’re available. Word of mouth is the easiest way to find work. Talk to neighbors or parents at your school. Ask your babysitting friends if they know anyone looking for help. If older siblings are leaving their babysitting job, reach out to their parents.
- It’s best to start by babysitting for people you know or those who come highly recommended. If you’ve never babysat, it’s advisable to limit your clients to those you’re familiar with.
- If word of mouth doesn’t work, consider advertising in your neighborhood. You can hand out flyers door-to-door or email residents if your neighborhood provides a contact list. If you plan to advertise more widely, check with parents before posting personal information. You may also want to post a flyer on the community bulletin board.
- Write a resume outlining your skills, experience, and any courses you’ve completed.
- If you're old enough, you can register on babysitting websites. Keep in mind that some sites have age restrictions.
Preparing to answer parents' questions. Finding parents who need a babysitter is already a challenge, but the next step is even harder: showing them that you're trustworthy. Schedule an interview to get acquainted with both the parents and their children.
- Just as you want to find a good job, parents will want to learn as much as possible about you. Share details about yourself, your family, your school, and explain why you want to work in childcare.
- Prepare a list of questions to help you understand what you're getting into. Write them down so you don't forget. The answers you get will help you decide whether this is the right job for you.
- If you've been interviewed and met the children but still want more time, ask for another meeting to spend more time getting to know them. Most parents will appreciate seeing your dedication to the job.
Identify your comfort zone and boundaries. Before you accept a job, know what you're comfortable with and what you're not. Confidence is key. If you feel uneasy, it's best to wait for another opportunity. Your safety is just as important as the safety of the children you're looking after. If this is your first babysitting job, ensure that you feel comfortable with the family you're working for. Trust your instincts and don't feel pressured to accept the job immediately.
- Tell them you need to ask your parents for approval before committing. Understanding what you're signing up for will make the babysitting experience better for both you and the children.
- If you don't feel skilled enough to care for an infant, don't take the job.
- If you're allergic to pets, decline the job if the family has them.
- Get to know the children first to see if you're ready to care for them. This will also help you gain their trust, making it less likely for them to cry when their parents leave the house.
Ask yourself these questions before deciding to accept the job:
- Do you enjoy spending time with children?
- Are you willing to care for children?
- Do you have knowledge of young children's needs?
- Have you attended any babysitting courses?
- Do you have experience caring for younger siblings or cousins?
- What can you offer to the children and the family?
- Are you looking for occasional babysitting or a more stable job?
- If you're concerned about income, will the hours and pay meet your needs?
- How many children will you be taking care of?
- How old are the children? Different ages require different levels of care.
- Do the children have any special needs or dietary restrictions?
- Do the parents have pets? Is there a swimming pool?
- How many hours do you plan to work?
- What responsibilities do you have in the household (e.g., using their computer, eating their food, or bringing your own food)?
- If you have a driver's license, will you be responsible for transporting the children?
Julie Wright, MFT
Childcare Specialist
Childcare Specialist
Experts agree: The essential qualities for a babysitter are a genuine love for children and experience working with young ones, as well as honesty and a strong sense of responsibility. However, each parent may have their own specific requirements, such as the sitter needing to drive, speak a second language, or have flexible hours.
Preparing for the Job
Gather information about the parents and the child you're caring for. Upon arriving at the childcare location, begin by recording all the details regarding the parents' whereabouts before they leave. Note their full names, phone numbers, the places they plan to go, expected return times, and emergency contact information. You should also collect information about the child, including any allergies or other health-related details. This list will need to be more comprehensive and detailed if the caregiving duration is longer.
- Ask the parents where the first-aid kit and medication are stored.
- Keep a list of any medications the child may need to take or be given in the event of injury or illness (e.g., Tylenol for pain or headaches).
- Record the child's daily schedule. Most families have a general routine (sometimes more detailed) for the child’s day, including meals, chores/homework, and nap times. With this schedule in hand, you’ll avoid being outsmarted by older children when their parents aren’t around.
Learn about the activities the child is allowed to do. Every family will have slightly different rules, and it's important to know what each child is permitted to do. Ask about screen time (TV, gaming, computer), when and where the child can play outside, whether friends are allowed over, and if there are any areas of the house the child is not allowed to enter. These rules may differ depending on the child’s age, so make sure to note them.
- Assume you’re not allowed to take pictures or videos of the children. If you want to take or post pictures/videos of them for any valid reason, always ask the parents first.
- Find out what you're allowed to do while the child is sleeping, if applicable. For example, you can ask if it's okay to use social media, watch TV, or invite friends over (in rare cases).
Create a menu for the caregiving period. It’s always better to plan ahead. Depending on how long you'll be caring for the child, you might need to prepare one or two meals. Ask the parents about their preferred food for the child and what snacks they would like to provide.
- Ask about foods the child should not have; these are typically sweets or candies that children may request when their parents aren’t supervising.
- Children, especially toddlers, may refuse to play the games you’ve planned. Be prepared with backup activities and don’t stress about sticking strictly to the plan, as long as the child isn't overusing electronics.
Ask about the discipline methods for misbehaving children. It’s likely that the child you're watching may act out. Rather than guessing what punishments are too harsh or too lenient, ask the parents what they typically do when the child misbehaves. Common punishments include taking away privileges or having the child stand in the corner.
- The parents might also instruct you not to discipline the child but to report the behavior to them instead.
Childcare
Spend time getting to know the children. Babysitting is not only about watching over the children but also an opportunity to bond and have fun with them. Kids are more likely to accept both you and your rules if they like you, and they will soon become fond of you if you make an effort to connect. Engage in conversation, ask questions, and play with the kids to develop a strong relationship. Younger children may not be interested in long discussions, so it's important to take advantage of playtime or other activities for short chats.
Join the kids during playtime. While your main job is to care for the children, it's important to interact with them as much as possible by playing together. The games will vary depending on their age. With babies, for example, you might only be able to make funny faces or shake toys. Be creative with games that capture their interest and prevent them from getting into trouble. Pretend play is especially fun. Even a simple hand-clapping game will do.
- Be lively and energetic. Parents appreciate caregivers who can help their children have fun while learning and still maintain rules and discipline. Ask the kids to show you their favorite toys. Learn about games suitable for different age groups from the children's parents and other caregivers. If possible, take the kids outdoors.
- Board games, card games, and physical activities are great choices for older children. Ask what the kids enjoy doing. You can bring some games and toys you loved at their age, like checkers, Monopoly, or other board games.
- Avoid letting the children sit in front of screens for too long. The parents hired you to care for their kids, not to let them watch TV all day.
Tell stories. Kids love listening to stories, and even the least skilled storyteller can captivate them. Gather some lesser-known fairy tales that the children may not have heard before, such as "The Cobbler and the Elves" or "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." You can even use stories as rewards for good behavior.
Come up with exciting projects. If you're babysitting long-term, you can do fun projects with the kids that everyone will enjoy. Consider crafting or cooking a new recipe (or a familiar favorite) together. Pre-packaged dough for cookies, cakes, or muffins is a tasty option.
- Making something together is a productive way to pass the time, and the children will have something to be proud of when it's done.
Take the children outside to play if permitted by the parents. Simple games like hide-and-seek or tag are great ways for children to stay active and healthy. Dancing with them is also a fantastic form of exercise!
- If you're not allowed to leave the house, you can still let the children play in the yard.
Check on the children's needs regularly. Kids aren't as aware of time as adults, and they often forget their basic needs. You should check every hour to see if they need to use the restroom, if they're thirsty, tired, or hungry. Usually, they won't tell you about these needs, so make sure to ask them.
Stick to the schedule. If the parents provide you with a daily schedule for the children's activities, you must follow it. Make sure the children eat on time, have their nap, do their homework, and so on, as per the timetable.
Watch a movie with the children if allowed. If the children are permitted to watch a movie, you can turn it on at the end of the day to keep them calm before their parents arrive. If you're babysitting for less than three hours, though, this might not be a good idea, as the parents may be upset to see you letting the children sit in front of the TV for half the time. You could choose movies like:
- The Jungle Book
- Finding Nemo
- Tangled
- Wreck-It Ralph
Avoid making mistakes
Never leave children alone. No matter the situation, your responsibility is to supervise the children, and you must not leave them unattended. Remember, you should never leave children alone in the house. It's fine to be in another room unless you're caring for an infant, but going out to the store or taking a walk without bringing the children along is absolutely not allowed.
- This rule also applies to older children unless the parents specifically state that the child can stay home alone for a short period of time.
Don't let anyone visit while you're babysitting. Unless the children are having a prearranged visit with a friend, you shouldn't allow anyone into the house while you're there. You also shouldn't invite friends or family over while you're working, unless the parents have given prior approval.
- It might be tempting to invite a friend over late at night after the kids are asleep, but this is also not allowed unless the parents approve it.
Don't overuse electronic devices. With mobile phones, tablets, and laptops being more common than ever, it's easy to get caught up in texting friends or browsing Facebook. However, just like with other tasks, you need to turn off your devices or only use them in emergencies. You're paid to watch the children, not to chat with friends.
Don't put the TV or movies on repeat mode. Children often want to watch movies or TV, and while it's okay to let them watch for a short time, if they keep watching for hours, they'll become passive. If the children's parents haven't set a usage time for electronic devices, you should limit screen time to a maximum of two hours. Children will enjoy having someone to play with, and their parents will appreciate that you’re engaged in the work rather than being lazy or neglectful.
Don't open the door when someone knocks unless you're expecting a visitor. If you're waiting for someone, only open the door when you're sure the person at the door is who you’re expecting. Check through the peephole or window, and (do not open the door) before answering. The person outside could be a stranger. Before the parents leave, you should ask if they are expecting anyone to visit the house.
Clean up before the parents come home. Sometimes it’s easy to forget, but an important part of babysitting is cleaning up after the kids. There may not be much to tidy up, but if you’ve cooked or done crafts, make sure everything is put back in its place. The parents will appreciate a clean home and will remember you if they need a sitter again.
- Always clean up after any activity. If you and the children have made a mess while playing, make sure to tidy up before the parents return.
- Make cleaning up fun by playing a game with the kids. You can say the person who cleans the most wins, or invent a fun game that involves tidying up.
- If you arrive to babysit and see any mess, feel free to tidy up. Everyone loves coming home to a cleaner house than when they left.
Don't let the kids run wild. You might want to be the 'cool' babysitter by ignoring the kids when they do things their parents would never allow. But remember, these aren't your children, and you don’t have the authority to break the household rules. You won’t always be their friend.
- Know when to firmly say no and when it’s okay to be flexible with small things, like occasionally letting the kids stay up 5 minutes past bedtime.
- Kids will test your limits. They (even toddlers) often push boundaries to see where they stand. Always ask the parents about the household rules and follow them, even if you don’t agree!
- The best sitters always put responsibility first, followed by fun or earning money. The trust and affection a child gives you is a reward like no other.
- Don’t hesitate to call the parents if needed. It’s always better to be cautious, and most parents will appreciate your concern.
Make sure you know what to do in an emergency. Before the parents leave, ask what to do, who to call, and where to go in case of an emergency. The safety of the children must always come first.
- Write down important information before the parents or guardians leave, such as emergency contact numbers, where the landline phone is, where spare keys are kept, etc. Try not to come off as too curious so the adults know you’re just trying to help. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do in an emergency and how to get the children to safety.
- If a serious emergency like a fire occurs, leave everything and take the children out of the house. Do not go back inside, never leave the children alone, and call the fire department as soon as possible.
Understand the basic duties of a babysitter
Learn how to change diapers. Children under 3 may still wear diapers. If you’ve never changed a diaper before, ask the parents to show you how to do it for the child.
Knowing How to Feed Children. It’s essential to understand how to bottle-feed babies, feed them solid foods, and ensure their safety in the kitchen.
- Provide healthy food options for the child. Avoid allowing them to snack at will. Before giving the child a cookie, encourage them to eat a piece of fruit, such as an apple, carrot, grapes, or an orange.
- Ensure that the child cannot access items they shouldn’t eat frequently, such as cookies or ice cream.
Knowing the Child’s Bedtime Routine. Inform the child before you put them to bed. Occasionally, you can let them stay up for 10-15 minutes past their usual bedtime—but let them know it’s a special exception. Besides these occasions, be firm about bedtime. Be prepared to handle any whining. For older children, distinguish when they have a legitimate reason and when they’re simply stalling. For babies, create a safe sleeping environment.
- The nightly routine helps children relax and signals their bodies that it’s time to sleep. Ask the parents about their child’s usual pre-sleep activities. For example, the household rule might be no TV or screen time an hour before bed. If the child usually reads a book, talks softly, or listens to music, allow them to follow that routine.
- Assist with basic tasks. Help the child use the bathroom (or change their diaper at night). Help them brush their teeth. Check with the parents if there’s anything else to do before the child gets into bed.
- Always place the baby (and younger children) in their designated sleeping space (crib, bed, bassinet, etc.). This is particularly important for newborns as they can be injured if they sleep in an inappropriate spot. Remove pillows, stuffed animals, and other objects from the crib if present. Always lay babies on their backs to reduce the risk of suffocation during sleep.
- Offer comfort items that help soothe the child, such as a pacifier, stuffed animal, or blanket they usually sleep with. Avoid placing stuffed animals or similar items in a newborn’s crib.
- If the child wakes up or calls for you, wait a moment before going in. The child might settle back to sleep on their own. If not, gently pat their arm or belly to comfort them. Giving the baby a pacifier may help if it's something they’re familiar with. Find out how the parents usually settle their baby to sleep.
Advice
- If the family you're babysitting for has pets, ask whether you're expected to care for them as part of the job; if this wasn’t discussed and you don’t provide this service, you may face consequences.
- Before placing a baby on the changing table, make sure all necessary items (wipes, diapers, powder, etc.) are within reach so you won’t have to leave the baby unattended. Never leave the baby alone, even for a second, as they could roll off the table in an instant.
- When setting up a game or activity, ensure the child is excited to participate. If they don't enjoy one game, quickly move on to another. Your goal should be for the child to tell their parents they had a great time.
- If the child seems ill or in pain, stay in the room with them and contact the parents if the symptoms don’t improve.
- If you're a young caregiver (usually between 13-15 years old) and are not familiar with caring for children who still need diapers, or if you only want to babysit older children (3+ years), clearly state your preferences when advertising your services (for example, only babysitting children aged 3-8).
- If you’re bathing a baby, never leave them alone, even for a moment. Make sure everything you need is ready before placing the baby in the bath.
- If you're looking after more than four children, seek additional help. Ask a friend or another caregiver to assist you.
- Never let children leave the house alone.
- If a child is choking, give them a strong back pat. If the object doesn’t come out, use your two fingers to try to remove it from their mouth.
- Initially, consider babysitting smaller groups for shorter periods, with children you feel most comfortable caring for.
- If a child acts aggressively toward you, call the parents. If the child continues to misbehave, call them again and insist they come home immediately. Afterward, avoid babysitting for that family again.
- Always be gentle with children. Who will children like and listen to more? Someone who sits on the couch scrolling through Facebook, or someone with a gentle attitude who engages in play with them?
Warnings
- Be mindful of your words and actions. Children are quick to imitate and may tell their parents that it was you who taught them to behave in such a way.
- If you're caring for an infant, ensure that you feed them only an amount of food roughly the size of their fist or even less.
- Ensure the safety of the areas where children play. Cover all electrical outlets and clear away any sharp objects. Keep cleaning products out of their reach, and store all medications away as children may mistake them for candy. Close all windows. If you're looking after toddlers, make sure to lock any doors leading to basements or bathrooms.
- Never leave a child alone with a stranger, even if the child seems familiar with them.
- Children can sometimes be difficult, so maintaining patience is essential.
- Never resort to corporal punishment. Before the parents leave, ask if there are any disciplinary measures they prefer if the child misbehaves, and respect their wishes.
- Never agree to a task you're uncomfortable with, whether due to the location, the child's age, or the number of children involved.
- Try not to fall asleep while caring for children, unless you're watching over them overnight (or if the parents will be home very late and have given permission for you to rest). Sleeping on the job is highly discouraged, especially since children may cause mischief and trouble when left unsupervised.
