How to Babysit

If you’re looking to make some extra cash, babysitting might be the gig for you. It requires a lot of patience and maturity, but it can also be really fun! If you’re new to babysitting, you might be wondering how to find clients, what to charge, and how to be a good babysitter. Don’t worry—with a bit of preparation and dedication, babysitting can be an enjoyable, rewarding job that you can do on your own schedule.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]What are some tips for a first time babysitter?

  1. Learn the rules and the schedule for the child you’re watching. Take note of what and when they eat, which chores or homework they need to do, and what time they should go to bed. Try to stick to this schedule as much as possible to keep the kid you’re watching happy and healthy.[1]
    Babysit Step 1 Version 4.jpg
  2. Find out which activities are allowed and which aren’t. Each household you work in will be slightly different, and it is important to find out what activities are allowed in each. Ask about screen time, playing outside, and any areas of the house that might be off-limits. If you’re watching multiple kids, check in on the rules for each of them, since they might differ.[2]

[Edit]What are the main responsibilities of a babysitter?

  1. Keep the kids safe and comfortable when you watch them. The most important rule of babysitting is to watch the children and make sure they’re okay. Get them to eat their meals, do their homework, or clean up if they need to. After that, you can focus on having fun![3]
    Babysit Step 3 Version 4.jpg
  2. Entertain the kids and let them have fun. It doesn’t always have to be about the rules! Feel free to play games, watch a movie, or read with the children you’re watching. If they have a fun time with you, they’ll probably look forward to the next time you come over.[4]

[Edit]How do I keep the kids safe?

  1. Write down any emergency contact information. Start by getting the parent’s numbers, where they’ll be, and how to contact them in case of an emergency. Get a list of any medical information for the children you’re watching, including medication and what to give them in case they get sick or injured (like Tylenol or ibuprofen).[5]
    Babysit Step 5 Version 4.jpg
  2. Note any allergies that the kids have. If there are any foods or drinks that you shouldn’t give the children, write that down so you remember it. Never give the kids anything they aren’t allowed to have, even if it seems fine to you.[6]
  3. Take a babysitter safety course. It’s not required, but it can give you the skills you need in case there’s an emergency. Look for a class like this at your local community center to learn basic first aid and CPR.[7]

[Edit]How can I make babysitting more fun?

  1. Plan some activities or games to play. Puzzles, board games, and coloring books are all fun activities that toddlers and older kids might enjoy. Playing games with the kids you’re watching will make babysitting more fun for you (and for the kids, too).[8]
    Babysit Step 8 Version 4.jpg
  2. Take the kids to a park or a local library. Ask the parents for permission before you take the children out of the house. If it’s within walking distance, see if you can head to the park, the library, or a community center, as long as it’s during the day. Be sure to keep an eye on the kids the entire time, and never let them out of your sight.[9]
  3. Order a pizza. If the parents give you permission, see if you can order some fun takeout to give the kids a special treat. Or, if takeout isn’t an option, see if you can bake a frozen pizza for a fun meal to give the kids.[10]

[Edit]What should you not do while babysitting?

  1. Never leave the child alone. Children can get into dangerous situations fairly quickly. When you’re babysitting, keep the child within view at all times, especially if they’re eating or taking a bath. Feel free to use the restroom or pop into the kitchen to make dinner, but check back quickly to make sure everyone is okay.[11]
    Babysit Step 11 Version 4.jpg
  2. Don’t invite people over while you're babysitting. Unless the parents give you permission, inviting a friend over while you’re watching the kids isn’t okay. Some parents might let you have a friend over after the kids go to sleep, but not everyone’s okay with that.[12]
  3. Never answer the door unless you know who’s there. It’s probably a neighbor or a family friend, but you shouldn’t take the chance. Unless the parents have told you to expect someone, keep the door shut and locked the entire time you’re babysitting.[13]

[Edit]What should I bring when babysitting?

  1. Bring along a few fun activities for the kids. Most kids have plenty of toys to entertain themselves with, but it’s always fun to get something new. If you have a fun puzzle or a new coloring book, grab it and take it along! It will make you seem super cool in the eyes of the children, and they’ll probably like you even more.[14]
    Babysit Step 14 Version 4.jpg
  2. Take your cell phone in case of emergencies. If you have a cell phone, make sure it’s fully charged and that you have service in the house you’re babysitting at. If you don’t, check with the parents and make sure they have a landline in case you need to call anyone.[15]

[Edit]How do you babysit at night?

  1. Feed the children dinner. Ask the parents what you should make and what time the kids should eat. Usually, you can whip up something easy, like pasta or grilled cheese sandwiches.[16]
    Babysit Step 16 Version 3.jpg
  2. Bathe the kids and change them into pajamas. Check in with the parents to see if they want you to give the kids a bath (usually, you’ll do this for babies and toddlers). After that, you can help the kids change into pajamas and get them settled into bed. If they’re a little older, they might want you to read them a bedtime story until they fall asleep.[17]
  3. Stay awake until the parents come home. The kids might be asleep, but you need to stay awake! Kids sometimes wake up when they’re thirsty or have a nightmare. Feel free to read a book or watch TV, but listen closely in case the kids call out for you.[18]

[Edit]How can I find a family to babysit for?

  1. Check with your neighbors or parent’s friends. You might know a few families already with younger kids. Offer up your services and let them know when you’re available. People are more likely to hire you if they already know you, so this is a great way to start getting jobs.[19]
    Babysit Step 19 Version 3.jpg
    • Once you get more experience, you can sign up for a babysitting services website like Helpr or Sittercity to reach a wider audience.

[Edit]How much should I charge for babysitting?

  1. Babysitting rates usually range from $10 to $19 per hour. What you charge depends a lot on where you live (if you live in a bigger city, you can charge more), how much experience you have (if you’re an experienced babysitter, you can up your rates), and how many children you’re watching (most babysitters add $5 per hour for every child).[20]
    Babysit Step 20 Version 3.jpg
    • Try not to go much lower than $10 per hour, even when you’re first starting out. It’s a competitive rate that should get you jobs no matter where you are.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • If a child seems to be sick or in pain, stay in the room and call the parents if the symptoms continue.
  • If the child gets up, take them back to bed right away. You can usually tell if a kid is genuinely upset or just stalling.

[Edit]Warnings

  • If you're bathing a child, don't leave them alone for even a few seconds. Make sure that you have all the necessary bathing equipment in the bathroom before you put the child in the bathtub.
  • Remember to never accept jobs you don't feel comfortable doing, whether that's because of location, age, or the number of kids.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  4. ↑ https://www.kidzworld.com/article/23599-babysitting-basics/
  5. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/safety_tips_for_beginning_babysitters
  6. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/safety_tips_for_beginning_babysitters
  7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  9. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  10. ↑ https://www.kidzworld.com/article/23599-babysitting-basics/
  11. ↑ https://www.kidzworld.com/article/23599-babysitting-basics/
  12. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/safety_tips_for_beginning_babysitters
  13. ↑ https://www.kidzworld.com/article/23599-babysitting-basics/
  14. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  15. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/safety_tips_for_beginning_babysitters
  16. ↑ https://kidsit.com/babysitting-at-night
  17. ↑ https://kidsit.com/babysitting-at-night
  18. ↑ https://www.kidzworld.com/article/23599-babysitting-basics/
  19. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html
  20. ↑ https://kidsit.com/babysitting-rate-guide

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