The complete guide to Hiring a Babysitter

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

Check average rates in your area with our babysitting rates calculator. Then, consider the number of kids you have, the babysitter’s experience and the work you’d like them to do.

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.

Think you’ve found the one? Now it’s time to do your due diligence: contact the babysitter’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.

Just a few final steps—consider creating a contract to make sure expectations are aligned, familiarise yourself with any tax-related or official requirements and discuss safety. Now you can relax and let your babysitter do what they do best: take care of your children.