The complete guide to hiring a babysitter

Search: How to find the perfect babysitter

First, narrow down what you’re looking for by asking yourself: When do I need a sitter? What experience and/or training do I want them to have? What exactly do I need the babysitter to do? You’ll need this information to create a detailed job description.

What to look for in a babysitter: types, traits, and responsibilities

Before you search for a babysitter, familiarize yourself with the typical babysitting types, qualities, responsibilities, and duties.

How to write an effective babysitter job description to find the right sitter

Find the perfect child care provider for your family's needs with these tips for writing an effective babysitter job description.

Cost: How much you can expect to pay a babysitter

Check average rates in your area with our babysitting rates calculator. Then, consider the number of kids you have, the sitter’s experience, and the assigned duties.

How much does a babysitter cost?

You're in dire need of a night or weekend away, but how much is a babysitter going to cost? Here's...

Should you tip a babysitter?

Although tipping your sitter is not required, there are a few situations where adding something onto your fee could be...

Interview: What questions to ask to find the right sitter

Schedule a conversation with the potential babysitter. Focus on what you’re looking for and how their availability, skills, personality, and caregiving style align with the job.

Interviewing babysitters: The questions every parent needs to ask

Ask about a sitter’s skills and experience, but also ask questions that allow you to get a feel for their...

Nine things kids want in a babysitter

During a babysitter hiring process, both parents and sitters should think about what’s on the children’s wish list for a...

Safety: How to vet a new babysitter

Think you’ve found the one? Now it’s time to do your due diligence: Call the sitter’s references, set up a babysitter trial while you’re present to see how they interact with your kids, and run a background check, which can help divulge any criminal history.

How to check babysitter references like a pro

Hiring a babysitter? Discover the questions to ask babysitter references to choose a qualified caregiver with confidence.

The right way to test out a new babysitter

So you’ve found a sitter who looks great on paper and aced your interview questions. Now the big question: How...

Five steps to background check caregivers

One step in the hiring process should never be glossed over – background checks. We have put together 5 steps...

Checklist: What you need to handle as an employer

Just a few final steps — consider creating a contract to ensure expectations are aligned, familiarize yourself with tax obligations, and discuss safety. Now you can relax and let your sitter do what they do best: take care of your children.