Interviewing Babysitters
How to find the best care for your family
In this article
- Questions to ask a potential sitter
- How to find one
- Questions to ask the sitter's references
While babysitters are often hired on a night-to-night basis, they still require a thorough interview process. It's important to cover all of the questions offered in Interviewing Care Providers 101, but before you hire a sitter you may also want to ask the following:
- Are you available on short notice?
- Have you worked as a mother's helper or cared for younger siblings?
- Have you completed a babysitting course?
- What experience do you have with this age group?
- Do you know child or infant CPR and first aid?
- What would you do if my child was choking?
- What is your comfort level with cooking and preparing meals for kids?
- Are you comfortable with bathing the children and bedtime routines? What experience do you have with this?
There are many ways to find a reliable babysitter -- through friends, family, and online communities like care.com. Still, it's always crucial to ask the potential sitter for the names of at least three references. It's best if these are previous employers or parents for whom the sitter has worked.
Even if the sitter is someone you already know, it's important to hear how she has handled specific child care situations. You should ask the reference the same questions you asked the sitter, so you can confirm the sitter's answers and see how they match up. Here are some additional questions to ask a reference:
- How long and in what context have you known the sitter?
- Is the sitter still working for you, and if not, why?
- What were the sitter's strengths and weaknesses?
- How did the sitter handle emergency and disciplinary situations?
- What activities did the sitter do with your children?
Being honest and open with your sitter, and having them do the same for you, is critical for developing a long-term relationship. From the beginning, let her know that she can always call you with questions. Leave a notebook for her to write down comments or concerns as they arise, and discuss how the day went with her when you return. If she is meeting your expectations, show her your appreciation -- even if it's just with a note of thanks. You'll be on your way to having a reliable sitter whose values you share and services you trust.
