Finding the right babysitter for your family is a big decision, and knowing the right questions to ask a babysitter helps you understand who they are, how they work with kids, and if they’re the right fit for your family. Here are some important questions to ask a babysitter as you get started.
1. What age children do you have experience caring for?
Why this matters: Every age comes with unique needs and quirks. When thinking about questions to ask a babysitter, listen for experience with children who match your child(ren)’s age. This will give you a sense of how well suited they are for your child’s specific needs and energy levels.
2. What types of activities you enjoy doing when babysitting?
Why this matters: Among the top questions to ask a babysitter is how they like to engage with kids. No one wants a babysitting who is on their phone or who turns on the TV as soon as you leave. Whether they enjoy imaginative play, outdoor activities, or arts and crafts, their answer will reveal their style and if their approach fits your family’s vibe.
3. Do you have paid babysitting experience, or is most of your experience with family?
Why this matters: Family experience is valuable, but professional, paid babysitting jobs often require a different level of professionalism. If a babysitter has mostly cared for family members, ask about the responsibilities they handled and how they’ve prepared themselves for non-family roles. Look for confidence in their answer to gauge their readiness for a professional setting. With SitterTree, you can also view the specific babysitting experience listed in their profile.
4. Do you have other child care experience beyond babysitting?
Why this matters: A babysitter’s background can bring valuable skills into your home. Among the questions to ask a babysitter, it’s helpful to explore their experience in related roles, like daycare, camp counseling, or tutoring, as these may bring extra qualities to your child care experience.
5. How do you place an infant or young child to sleep?
Why this matters: Safe sleep is crucial for infants and young children. Ask them about their understanding of safe sleep guidelines, like placing babies on their backs, using a firm sleep surface, and keeping the crib free of blankets and toys. Knowledgeable, confident answers will show their commitment to following safety protocols.
6. Tell me about your experience with meals?
Why this matters: Young children have specific food safety needs. Ask how they handle food preparation, avoid choking hazards, and check bottle temperature before feeding. Their response should give you confidence that they know how to keep meals safe and prevent accidents.
7. How comfortable are you with car seat installation and safety?
Why this matters: Transportation is not common for babysitters, but if you do ask your babysitter to transport your child, car seat safety is essential. Ask for them to demonstrate their ability to properly install a car seat and ensure it’s secure. Their confidence when discussing car seat safety reflects their readiness to prioritize your child’s safety.
8. How do you handle diaper changes and potty training?
Why this matters: Proper diapering and hygiene are crucial for young children. Ask how they manage diaper changes and if they have experience with potty training if relevant for your child. Confident answers in this area show they’re prepared to keep your child clean and comfortable.
9. Are you CPR-certified or trained in first aid?
Why this matters: Safety is a top priority. When considering questions to ask a babysitter, find out if they have any formal safety training, such as CPR or first aid. While not every babysitter has formal training, knowing their level of emergency preparedness can bring peace of mind.
10. Tell me more about your child care experience...
Why this matters: This is one of the most important questions to ask a babysitter because it opens up a conversation about their experience and allows space for your babysitter to demonstrate their knowledge without your help. Pay attention to how they respond—do they seem confident and comfortable? Their answer can give you insight into how well-prepared they are for the role.
11. What do you enjoy most about babysitting?
Why this matters: A genuine passion for working with kids is essential. When reviewing questions to ask a babysitter, this one can help you gauge whether their motivation is rooted in a real interest in child care, which can make all the difference for your family.
12. How would you respond in an emergency situation?
Why this matters: While it’s not always easy to predict how someone will act under pressure, this is still one of the key questions to ask a babysitter. Their answer should show a calm, clear approach to handling the unexpected, even if it’s a basic response.
13. Are you comfortable with [specific needs your child has]?
Why this matters: If your child has specific needs—like allergies, dietary restrictions, or any developmental considerations—ask about these upfront. It’s essential to find someone who feels prepared and comfortable handling your child’s unique needs.
14. What’s the longest time you’ve worked for the same family?
Why this matters: Reliability and commitment are often high priorities for families. When choosing questions to ask a babysitter, this one can help you understand their level of responsibility and whether they might be a good long-term fit for your family.
15. Do you have any questions for us?
Why this matters: This is a great opportunity to see how prepared and interested they are in working with your family. Among the questions to ask a babysitter, this one lets them show their curiosity and commitment, which can be reassuring.
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, choosing the right babysitter comes down to trusting your instincts. A warm smile, good energy, and genuine answers are all positive signs. If it doesn’t feel like a good match, keep looking until you find someone who’s just right for you and your family.
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