A babysitter can be an instrumental member of your childcare team. If you’re thinking of hiring one, here are questions to ask a babysitter
You may not need a full-time nanny or au pair, but you’ll probably need an option for childcare at some point. Whether it’s a work event, date night, or child-free wedding, nearly all parents have to call on babysitters for one-off occurrences.
If you don’t have a babysitter on speed dial just yet, that’s okay! Most towns on Long Island are filled with high school or college students, young professionals with side hustles, and even retired adults that love looking after children.
Asking your friends and family for recommendations is always a good strategy, but even if you get a personal recommendation, the thought of leaving your little one at home with a stranger can be nerve-wracking. Here are questions to ask a babysitter so you can get to know them and build trust.
Experience
You’ll want any potential babysitter to have some experience around kiddos, even if it’s just being around their own younger siblings!
- “How long have you been babysitting?”
- “What ages have you looked after?”
- “Do you have any experience with kids that are my children’s age?”
- “Why did you get into babysitting?”
- “What do you enjoy about babysitting?”
If your child has complex medical issues or severe allergies, you should ask any potential babysitter about similar experiences.
- “Do you have experience caring for a child with [your child’s condition]?”
- “Do you have experience caring for a child with [your child’s allergy]?”
Qualifications
You don’t need a PhD to be a good babysitter, but your babysitter will need to be qualified to watch after your children.
- “What’s the highest level of education you’ve completed?”
- “Are you certified in child and infant CPR?”
- “Are you certified in first aid?”
- “Do you have any other certifications related to childcare?”
Plans and protocol
Any good babysitter will engage and interact with your child, and find ways to comfort them when needed.
- “What activities do you do with kids?”
- “What are some of your favorite games to play with kids?”
- “Do you feel comfortable taking children to the playground or on walks?”
- “Do you feel comfortable taking children to play dates?”
- “What do you do when children are upset?”
- “How do you handle separation anxiety?”
- “How do you handle bad behavior?”
Rates and payment
Some babysitters charge hourly, and some offer flat rates.
- “What are your babysitting rates?”
- “Do you charge ‘overtime’ fees?”
- “Do you charge for travel?”
- “How do you prefer to be paid? (Cash, Zelle or Venmo, etc)?”
Scheduling
Most babysitters have other commitments (or other clients) that make up the majority of their calendar.
- “What is your current availability?”
- “Do you accept last-minute bookings?”
- “How soon in advance do I need to book you?”
- “What is your cancellation policy?”
- “Do you typically have more than one booking per day?”
These questions are a great place to start! You may have more questions that are more specific to your family and your children. Don’t be afraid to ask!