10 Questions you should ask a potential babysitter

There seems to be a plethora of babysitters advertising their services on care.com, Facebook mom groups, or through babysitting agencies. However, you will still need to find the right fit for your family. A good way of finding out whether you want to hire someone as a babysitter is by inviting them to an interview. Here are 10 questions that will help you find a great babysitter for your kids: 

1. Why did you start babysitting? 

This question is a great conversation starter. Ideally, your babysitter will tell you that they love working with children. If this is the first time your babysitter is babysitting (everyone has to start somewhere, right?), ask them what made them want to become a babysitter. In my opinion, it is totally fine for a babysitter to mention that they want or need to make money at this point BUT make sure that they do mention why they chose this job to make money.

2. Tell me more about your experience with kids

You might already know a bit about your babysitter’s previous experience with children but this question gives them a chance to go into detail. You can ask them about the ages of the kids they have worked with and what their responsibilities were. This will give you a good idea of what your babysitter already knows (e.g. how to change diapers, what activities are appropriate and fun for a three-year-old etc.) and what you might still need to explain. 

3. What kind of activities do you like doing with the kids you babysit?

Depending on what you want in a babysitter, the answer to this question might indicate whether they are a good fit or not. If your kids like being active, a babysitter that likes playing sports or enjoys going to the park or playground will probably connect quickly with them. 

4. What do you study at college / do for work? 

Taking an interest in your babysitter's private life is important as well. After all, this is someone who you will be trusting with your kids. Moreover, knowing what they do may be a good indicator of their availability and other qualities they may have. 

5. Have you taken a first-aid course or would you be willing to take one? 

Accidents happen, no matter how closely a child is being watched. I personally try to take a first-aid course every couple of years so I know what to do in an emergency, and I know lots of other babysitters do the same thing but it is always good to ask. If your babysitter has never taken a first-aid course or needs a refresher, you should offer to pay for it. Your babysitter will appreciate it and you will have some peace of mind knowing that your child is with someone who knows first aid. 

6. What is your hourly rate? 

I’ve been working as a babysitter for more than 10 years and I still feel uncomfortable talking about money. However, it is important that you know how much your babysitter charges before you decide to hire them and that your babysitter knows how much they will be paid. Ask around or do some research online before you meet to get a rough idea of what you should pay your babysitter. You can also make a suggestion if your babysitter is unsure how much they should charge. 

7. Do you have any dietary requirements/food preferences? 

This is another question to show that you truly care about the person that watches your kids. Even if you don’t have to provide food for your babysitter, they will be very appreciative if you either give them access to your fridge or order food for them when they come over. If you want to make sure that they will never want to leave you, keep their favorite snacks in the house or make them coffee when they get to your house. 

8. What information do you need from us? 

Hiring a babysitter is exciting and you may forget some important information such as telling your babysitter where they can find band-aids or what stuffed animal your child absolutely cannot sleep without. Let your babysitter help you fill the gaps and offer to write down information that may be hard to memorize. 

9. What does your availability look like? 

Asking about your babysitter’s availability will give them a chance to inform you about any upcoming vacations or any additional availability that you may want to make use of in the future. Even if you are primarily looking for a date-night sitter, for example, it could be good to know that your babysitter is also free during the day sometimes. In my experience, once parents trust and love a babysitter, they will want to go out more than they originally thought. 

10. Do you have any references we could contact? 

I’ve had so many parents ask this question and then follow up with ‘it’s not that we don’t trust you, we just want to be careful when it comes to our kid’. Believe me, babysitters don’t get offended if you want references. If you currently have other babysitters or if you had babysitters in the past, you may want to offer the babysitter to talk to them too.