The professional guide for babysitters

Preparation: How to become a babysitter

To get a job as a babysitter, you should have some basic childcare and safety training—and some practice! Start by babysitting for families you know to get experience. Then, get your CV together and get the word out about your availability to families in your area.
The best babysitting courses, classes and certifications for getting work

When you complete babysitting training, safety classes or an online babysitting course, you’ll stand out to parents and can even...
11 things every first-time babysitter needs to know

Make sure you’ve learned these important babysitter basics before your first solo gig.
How to become a babysitter and land your first job

Like with any job, it can be intimidating to get started with little or no experience, but everyone has to...
How to write a babysitting CV that will get you the job [with CV template]

Here’s what to include, what to leave out, and how to format it, along with a list of common CV...

Pay: How much to charge for babysitting

Before interviewing for a job, research what babysitters in your area and with similar experience are charging families. Check average rates in your area with our babysitting rates calculator.
What’s the going rate for babysitting?

Here’s what you need to know to determine a babysitting rate per hour that works for you and the family.

Interview: How to prepare and land the job

You got an interview. Now what? Even if you already know your employer, meet ahead of time to see if the job’s a good fit. Be ready to answer questions and share why you’re an excellent babysitter—ask your own questions as well, to find out exactly what parents expect from you.
19 babysitting interview questions and answers to help you land the job

Here are the most common babysitting job interview questions and some expert tips for answering them.
Here’s when babysitters need to get a contract and what to include

If you sit for a family on a regular basis, drafting a contract can help you and your employer.

Day 1: Set yourself up for success

Before you begin babysitting, familiarise yourself with the house rules, the kids’ favourite activities and how the parents prefer you get in touch with them should an issue arise.
12 babysitting kit essentials to pack for every gig

The key to assembling a great babysitting kit is having items that will help you safely care for the children,...
Babysitting tips: How to start conversations with kids

Sometimes it’s hard to talk to kids! But there are some tricks to getting a conversation going with them. Here...
This is what makes a good babysitter, according to kids

We interviewed 20 kids of all ages for the inside scoop on what it takes to be a super-cool sitter,...

On the job: Be the best babysitter you can be

As you dive into work, it’s time to shine. Be prepared to offer the kids you look after a wide variety of educational and engaging activities. Emphasise fun while prioritising safety and good behaviour.
25 fun babysitting games to play on the job

Looking for new things to do while babysitting? Come prepared to play these fun, age-appropriate games and activities with kids.
12 things you should never do while babysitting

To make sure you get hired—and keep getting work—here are 12 things you should never, ever do while babysitting.
8 babysitting activities so fun the kids won’t miss their parents

Whether you’re an old hand at looking after children, or just starting out in the enjoyable, rewarding world of childcare...
8 babysitting tips I learned the hard way (so you don’t have to)

Sometimes situations come up that you never would think to prepare for. Here are some babysitting tips.

The professional guide for Babysitters