18 Pro Tips for Being a Great Babysitter

There’s a reason why getting first aid and CPR training is the number one tip for babysitters. While you typically don’t need any certifications to become a babysitter, basic safety training is easy and quick to get, and it’ll make a massive difference to your babysitting career.

it’s advisable to obtain at least a pediatric CPR or first aid certification. Undergoing safety training gives parents peace of mind, and they may be willing to offer you higher rates.

Before doing any babysitting job, you should discuss the terms of the arrangement with the family to make sure you’re on the same page. This includes agreeing on an hourly rate (and specifying any services that cost extra) so there are no surprises down the road. Research the standard day and overnight babysitting rates in your area to negotiate fair compensation.

Most babysitting apps and sites let caregivers mention their expectations in their public profile. For example, you can list basic information like your rates, services provided, and availability when you create an account and apply for jobs on Care.com.

Babysitting apps and sites can be a blessing for new sitters, but they can also be a curse—and not just for you. These online and mobile platforms have advantages and disadvantages for sitters and parents alike, and understanding what they have to offer can help you operate a more successful and rewarding babysitting side hustle.

On the plus side, babysitting apps generally offer secure and convenient payment systems, allowing you to skip the awkwardness of asking for cash at the end of each gig. They’re also great for expanding your network, and they give parents peace of mind from being able to read reviews from other parents and often get confirmation that you’ve passed a background check.

But there are also big drawbacks. The most obvious one is that all apps cost money. Even if it’s free for you, the app is probably charging extra fees to the family you’re sitting for. This can make it tougher to raise your rates, and it may cause dissatisfaction for your clients.

Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to start babysitting at 13 years old, your options will be limited since most platforms require you to be at least 18 years old, even if there is technically no minimum age to babysit otherwise. But considering the advantages, it’s worth taking a look at our reviews of the leading babysitting platforms to see how their features compare and decide if they’ll benefit your babysitting business.

Babysitting App Comparison Chart

Consider packing a babysitting bag with age-appropriate games, puzzles, books, or crafts to entertain the children you’re looking after. A good babysitter plays an active role in the children’s activities rather than just letting them watch TV or use electronics the whole time.

If you’re watching multiple children of different ages or one of the children has a disability, think of activities that are inclusive and fun for everyone.

You can also ask the parents if the child can play in the yard or a nearby park. If you take them outside, it’s important to be extra attentive to their safety. Stay off your phone unless you’re communicating with the parents, and always keep an eye on the children.

All experienced babysitters know that emergencies can happen at any time. While you can’t always prevent them from happening, being adequately prepared can allow you to minimize the damage.

First off, you should always be aware of any medical conditions a child has (e.g., allergies or asthma). Learn how to identify the symptoms of a flare up and the best way to treat it. If their condition requires medicine, set alarms to ensure the child always gets their medication on time.

You should have the parents’ phone number and any relevant contact information on hand. Additionally, make sure you bring a first aid kit or know where first aid supplies are located in the house.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you encounter a situation that makes you feel uneasy or you’re not sure what to do, contact the parents. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Being punctual is a must. It shows your clients you’re a responsible babysitter. For your first babysitting gig with a new family, consider arranging to meet a little early so you can ask any questions you have and establish clear expectations.

During this time, make sure you get the family’s emergency contact information, the locations of essential items (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.), and a rundown of the house rules.

Taking care of a child, let alone multiple children, can be physically demanding work. For your physical well-being and the safety of the children under your care, it’s crucial that you don’t make the mistake of arriving tired.

Falling asleep on the job (except in the case of overnight sitting) is considered negligence, and it’s a definite sign of a bad babysitter. Your best way to avoid this outcome is to make sure you get plenty of rest the day before you plan to babysit and avoid booking back-to-back gigs, especially if they last for long periods of time.

Just as you need to get comfortable and familiar with the parents, it’s incredibly important to get on good terms with each child and establish a relationship built on trust, comfort, and security. While this is ultimately something that comes with time, the best babysitters understand that each child has unique needs, and they know how to foster great relationships across the board.

Do your best to create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings, and be responsive to their needs. Making children feel seen and heard goes a long way in building a positive relationship with them.

Some kids can be hard to warm up to when you first start babysitting. If they’re shy, don’t force conversation, but instead wait for them to talk to you. Try initiating an ice-breaking activity or joining in on an activity they’re doing to build a connection with them.

That said, it’s important to respect boundaries. If the child prefers to play alone, you should keep your distance unless they change their mind. At the end of the day, your job is to ensure the child is safe and happy, whether that’s achieved by doing things on their own or with you.

More often than not, you’ll be active around the house when you babysit. For this reason, it’s important to wear practical attire that allows movement and can be washed easily. You don’t want to waste time scrubbing food stains off your favorite shirt when you get home.

You want to make a good impression with the parents, but babysitting is the type of gig where you can usually dress casually. However, if you’re babysitting younger children, avoid wearing jewelry or other accessories that may pose a choking hazard.

To establish order and limit chaos, create a schedule tailored to each child’s routine. Go over the schedule with the child so they know what to expect. This is an important communication step that helps establish familiarity and trust.

It’s generally fine to have some wiggle room (e.g., giving them an extra cookie or 10 minutes of screen time), as long as you’ve gotten approval from the parents, but avoid doing this too often. You still need to establish your authority.

If the parents have specific, strict rules they deem important, you should follow them consistently. If you find the rules questionable, discuss them with the parents beforehand to reach an understanding. Breaking the rules behind the parents’ backs is never a good idea, and it can cost you valuable business.

As important as it is to have a clear schedule, you must have the flexibility to accommodate unexpected events. For instance, if you had planned to take a child to the park but weather isn’t permitting, just pivot and suggest an indoor activity they can enjoy.

This is especially important when you’re babysitting younger children, whose interest in an activity can be fleeting or mood-dependent. Unless it’s an important task (e.g., having dinner, doing homework, or going to bed), it’s a good idea to go with the flow and alter plans according to the circumstances.

You should also extend this flexibility to parents, such as when they ask you to arrive early or stay late. If your personal schedule permits and you accept such requests, remember to keep track of your additional working hours to ensure you receive proper compensation.

Instead of issuing orders, give a child limited options to choose from. This makes them feel more in control and can also make them more likely to respond cooperatively.

For instance, instead of telling them they aren’t allowed to watch TV, offer several appropriate activities for them to choose from. You could ask them if they want to paint, play a board game, or have you read them a story. When executed correctly, this pro babysitting strategy keeps both the children and parents happy.

Patience and problem-solving skills are essential babysitting skills and traits. You need to be able to efficiently resolve problems and deal with stressful situations in order to be a good babysitter.

If the child is having a tantrum, it’s crucial that you remain calm and de-escalate the situation. If discipline is necessary, it’s best to wait until after they’ve settled down. In situations where the child is hurt or distressed, utilize strategies for distracting the child, such as asking questions or playing a game.

Understandably, parents can feel nervous about leaving their child with a stranger. To put the parents at ease, send them regular updates on how their child is doing and if there were any notable events or issues.

When you give these brief reports, start with the positive news first. If there were any problems, tell the parents how you resolved it. This will demonstrate your babysitting skills and show that you’re a reliable babysitter.

A key point in building mutual trust with the parents is communicating honestly with them. If you’re dealing with an issue that may cause valid concern, don’t hide it from the parents. They need to know that they can count on you not only to solve problems but also keep them informed.

Good babysitters always leave the house in the same condition as when they first arrived (or even cleaner). That doesn’t mean you need to perform housekeeping services—although that is something you can negotiate as an extra service.

The main thing is making sure you don’t leave behind any messes that the parents will have to clean up when they get home. For messes made by you and the child during a home activity, you could use the opportunity to teach the child how to clean or even make a game out of the clean-up process.

Keeping the house neat and tidy will leave a good impression on parents and will increase your chances of getting a tip or getting hired again for more babysitting visits later down the line.

The core duty of a babysitter is really just to look after children and make sure they’re safe. You don’t technically need to do anything more than that. However, one way to become a truly exceptional babysitter is to find productive uses of your babysitting time that promote the child’s development.

Some examples of this include helping a child with homework, organizing activities centered around the child’s personal interests, or encouraging creativity. These are higher-level babysitting services that are great for the children, valued among parents, and worthy of higher babysitting rates.

Babysitters represent maturity and are figures of authority in a child’s life. The best babysitters are also great role models.

While you don’t need to stress over every little thing you do, try to see yourself from the child’s perspective. Children are incredibly observant, and your actions may reflect in their behavior and views of the world.

Being a good role model is as simple as practicing what you preach. Exemplify good behaviors like cleaning up after yourself, maintaining good hygiene, and practicing strong communication.

Lastly, ask for constructive feedback from parents and use their input to improve your babysitting skills. Being open to criticism and willing to learn new things will help you stay at the top of your game.

Once you’ve put all these babysitting tips into practice, don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. When you’ve built a good relationship with a family, ask them for a reference letter. A solid referral is the golden ticket for babysitters, providing conclusive evidence to all future families you apply to work for that you’re an excellent babysitter.