Babysitters

FAQs for finding a babysitter

What is the going rate for babysitters on Care.com?

The average rate for babysitters on Care.com as of June, 2021 is $14.25 per hour. This rate will fluctuate depending on your location, the babysitter's level of experience, and the number of children to be watched. Other factors that may also influence the rate include the need for additional babysitting duties, specialized care, and overnight care.

How do I find a babysitter for my kids?

Looking for a babysitter can feel like a daunting task. To make the process easier, you can start by outlining what you'd like from a candidate before starting your babysitter search. Think about the level of experience you wish them to have, if you want them to have any first-aid certifications, if you need them to handle additional duties such as driving kids around or helping with homework assignments, and how much you are willing to pay.

To start your search process on Care.com, start by creating an account and answering a few questions to find babysitters that match your needs. You will then have the option to either post a job that can be seen by our extensive pool of caregivers or search babysitters from the platform based on years of experience, hourly rate, availability, distance from your area, etc. After you have selected your candidates, you can schedule interviews, check references, request additional background checks, and hire the sitter who best meets the needs of your family.

Are babysitters background checked?

Yes, babysitters on Care.com are asked to complete an annual background check called a CareCheck. Babysitters who complete this background check will have a badge on their profile displaying the date it was run. While CareCheck is a good start, we strongly recommend that you follow some additional steps for hiring a babysitter safely, which include interviewing candidates, checking references, and running your own background check. Visit our Safety Center to learn more.

What should I ask a babysitter during an interview?

In order to get to know if the candidate is a good fit, focus your interview questions around their previous experience, their babysitting style and personality, their previous training and skills, as well as any specific requirements to be performed on the job. It is very common to schedule a paid trial where you can be present while they care for your children. This is a great way to find out if the babysitter is a good match for your family and if your kids feel comfortable too.