What is A Babysitter, Responsibilities, and How to Start Babysitting

Date Published: July 1, 2024

Understanding the several types of childcare providers, from babysitters to nannies to daycares, is important for parents and potential babysitters. With numerous options available, it is essential to comprehend the role of a babysitter, which can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming. So, what exactly is a babysitter?

We explore the role of a babysitter, including the responsibilities, the difference between a nanny and a babysitter, and how to get started as a babysitter.

Description & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of babysitters vary depending on the age and maturity of the children in their care. Babysitting will include entertaining children with games and other activities regardless of a child's age.

• Communication: Communication is a two-way street and relies upon clear exchanging of information. Different forms of effective communication include deep dive conversations, text messages, emails, memos, parent letters, and mail.
  • Parents rely on babysitters to report household issues or concerns with the children. They may request updates on the children’s activities, eating habits, or homework progress.
  • Sitters also rely on strong communication, so it is important to check in with the parents on needed services for the week, schedule changes, or new foods that have been introduced to the children.
  • Other forms of communication include parent newsletters and marketing materials. Be aware these forms of communication are only given from one party. These are great ways to inform the parents or guardians of important info about your business or an event.
• Homework: Babysitters may supervise homework and ensure that children complete their assignments. They may also provide basic help with homework, such as solving challenging problems.
• Household: Babysitters serve as authority figures and may also handle essential household management. For example, babysitters often answer doors or phones, sign for packages, retrieve mail, and take messages. They may also clean, care for pets, or perform other household tasks as requested.
• Meals and Snacks: Babysitters may be required to prepare snacks, basic meals, or reheat leftovers.
• Playtime: Babysitters plan and oversee activities for children. They may also be required to play or engage.
• Transportation: In some cases, babysitters may be required to provide transportation for the children — whether to and from school, a doctor's appointment, or after-school activities.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Babysit?

The minimum age to babysit varies based on the state in which you live. Some states don’t require a minimum babysitting age if the babysitter has relevant experience and certifications.

The American Red Cross Training Services recommends babysitters be 11 years or older. The Red Cross has several training courses that address babysitting skills and responsibilities.

• Babysitting Basics (Online Course): Created for those ages 11 and older, this online babysitting training course teaches you how to provide care for infants and children, understand what to do in an emergency, choose age-appropriate activities, recognize, and handle a range of behaviors, start your own babysitting business, and more.
• Babysitter's Training (In-Person Course): Recommended for those ages 11 to 15, this course is designed to help participants develop leadership skills, build their business, keep themselves and others safe, help children learn how to behave, and understand primary childcare and basic first aid.

How Do I Start Babysitting?

Embarking on a babysitting career requires some essential certifications and key soft skills. These are not just additional qualifications, but they significantly enhance your credibility and increase your chances of getting hired. To become a babysitter, consider the following steps.

1. Meet minimum age requirements.

2. Obtain necessary certifications. As a babysitter, it's important to be prepared for any situation. This includes having essential certifications such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and training with an automated external defibrillator (AED). These certifications not only equip you with the necessary skills to care for injuries or ill children but also demonstrate your commitment to providing the best care possible.

Knowing basic first aid and CPR will boost your babysitter resume skills and might set you apart. Someone who has taken the time to learn CPR and first aid skills would be chosen over someone who has not.

• First aid teaches how to respond to various injuries and illnesses, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, injuries, heat, cold emergencies, and breathing and cardiac emergencies.
• CPR focuses solely on how to perform resuscitation techniques and chest compressions to revive a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.

3. Know what to charge. Babysitting is an essential job with responsibilities, so be sure you are earning a fair wage. Talk with family, friends, and experienced babysitters to determine your rate. With your parents’ permission, check online to get an idea of how much babysitters in your area are charging.

4. Get references. Ask people you trust to serve as a reference for you. Consider asking a neighbor, a supervisor, or an acquaintance from a volunteer group. If you build a relationship with the instructor, you can give an educational reference or letter as well.

Note: Ask your parents’ permission before reaching out for any references.

5. Create a Professional Babysitter Binder to show off your credentials, samples of artwork you have done with the kids, pictures (if parents permit you to share), letter of references, awards, and include volunteer work as well. This will create a lovely image of your personality and professionalism.

6. Create a resume. Add updated experience, safety certifications, skills, hobbies, and other pertinent information.

Difference between a Nanny vs. Babysitter

Very often, the terms babysitter and nanny are used interchangeably. This is a common misunderstanding, especially because the responsibilities of a babysitter and nanny overlap significantly. Here are several ways a nanny differs from a babysitter.

• A nanny is an experienced professional who provides ongoing childcare, while a babysitter usually provides short-term or casual care for children.
• Nannies are professional child caretakers with extensive experience in meeting the needs of children and families on a long-term or ongoing basis. Nannies can care for children for long hours or live -in with families for 24/7 days a week care.
• Babysitters can have long tenures with families like nannies, but babysitters typically do not live-in with families. Sitters are more so an external service with a person hired to come in the living space with shorter working hours.
• Also, Au Pairs are like nannies, providing childcare and light housework. They usually live with the family for a few months up to a year while nannies are usually with the same families for a longer term.

Read our previous article on How to Become a Nanny or Au Pair.

Is Babysitting a Good Job?

Babysitting as a job may be good if you enjoy working with children, caring for them, and playing creatively. Being a babysitter provides valuable experience for those seeking a career in professional childcare or education.

Babysitters are important in creating functionality to the family structure. Sitters are community leaders providing valuable services to community members. Moreover, you become your own boss and create financial freedom and entrepreneurial skill sets. These skills can be added to your resume building a healthy business profile making you more valuable. Babysitting is worthwhile and rewarding.